How do you import a car from Japan to DR Congo, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
The DR Congo charges a 20% customs duty, a 2% OCC levy, a 0.58% OGEFREM levy, an engine-banded consumption/excise duty (0% up to 1500cc, 5% to 2500cc, 10% above, on the duty-inclusive value) and 16% VAT — about 42% of CIF for a small car rising to ~53% for a large engine. Imports clear via the high-cost port of Matadi.
Car import duty calculator for DR Congo
DR Congo is one of the largest markets in sub-Saharan Africa for imported used vehicles, and Japanese cars are in strong demand thanks to their durability on the country's often-difficult roads. Pre-shipment inspection is handled through BIVAC (Bureau Veritas), and vehicles enter the country through the Port of Matadi on the Atlantic coast. On costs, the headline taxes are customs duty at 20% of CIF plus 16% VAT, with additional parafiscal levies — OCC at roughly 2% and OGEFREM at about 0.58% — bringing the total tax burden to approximately 40–50% of the CIF value.
Can you import a used car from Japan to DR Congo?
- Steering
- Right- and left-hand drive
- Age limit
- ~15-year age limit (2026 decree).
- Inspection
- BIVAC/Bureau Veritas
- Special rules
- Matadi is a high-cost port; clearing fees are significant.
- Entry ports
- Port of Matadi
How do you import a car from Japan to DR Congo, step by step?
Check the import rules
~15-year age limit (2026 decree). DR Congo accepts both left- and right-hand-drive vehicles, subject to its registration checks.
Buy the car and obtain the export certificate
After purchase in Japan the car's registration is cancelled and an export certificate is issued. An English translation of it is needed for customs and registration in DR Congo.
Complete the required inspection
Required for DR Congo: BIVAC/Bureau Veritas.
Ship to Port of Matadi
Cars from Japan arrive at Port of Matadi and Matadi / Boma. Sea transit is about 38–60 days. The shipping line issues the bill of lading, which customs needs for the entry.
Lodge the customs entry and pay the taxes
A licensed clearing agent lodges the import declaration with the invoice, bill of lading and export certificate. Customs assesses Customs Duty, OCC levy, OGEFREM levy, Consumption/excise duty and VAT / TVA; the rates are in the duty table on this page.
Register the car
After customs release and payment of port charges, the car is registered and plated by DR Congo's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does DR Congo charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Customs Duty (droit d'entree) | 20% | CIF value |
| OCC levy | 2% | CIF value |
| OGEFREM levy | 0.58% | CIF value |
| Consumption/excise duty (droit d'accises, by engine cc) | 0%–10% by engine size | CIF + import duty |
| VAT / TVA | 16% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
Customs Duty (droit d'entree)
Rate: 20%. Charged on: CIF value.
OCC levy
Rate: 2%. Charged on: CIF value.
OGEFREM levy
Rate: 0.58%. Charged on: CIF value.
Consumption/excise duty (droit d'accises, by engine cc)
Rate: 0% up to 1,500 cc; 5% up to 2,500 cc; 10% above 2,500 cc. Charged on: CIF + import duty.
VAT / TVA
Rate: 16%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
DR Congo levies customs duty at 20% on the CIF value of the vehicle, plus 16% VAT on the landed cost, plus parafiscal levies — OCC (Office Congolais de Contrôle) at approximately 2% and OGEFREM at approximately 0.58%, along with a BIVAC inspection fee. Together these bring the total tax and levy burden to roughly 40–50% of the CIF value.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to DR Congo?
Worked examples are not shown for this market. Use the calculator below with your own car.
How long does shipping take, and which ports?
| Port | Method | Transit (days) | Freight from (sedan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port of Matadi | RoRo or container | 38–55 | US$2,200 |
| Matadi / Boma | RoRo or container | 40–60 | US$2,650 |
Which Japanese cars are popular in DR Congo?
- Models and prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
A practical, frugal family sedan with a proven track record in Central African conditions — parts availability is excellent and resale value is strong throughout DRC.
- Models and prices
Toyota Probox
The go-to fleet and business vehicle: tough construction, simple mechanicals and a flat load floor make it ideal for traders and companies operating on rough roads inland.
- Models and prices
Honda Fit
A versatile hatchback available in petrol and hybrid variants, with a clever fold-flat cabin that suits both city and upcountry use, and low running costs.
- Models and prices
Mazda Demio
Punches above its price with a well-finished cabin and a small, economical engine — a popular upgrade for buyers moving away from older, high-mileage vehicles.
- Models and prices
Suzuki Swift
Lightweight, low-maintenance and easy to sell on — a sensible first import for buyers wanting the lowest possible running cost in a passenger hatchback.
How much is inland delivery to cities in DR Congo?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinshasa | Port of Matadi | US$230 | US$290 | 2 |
| Lubumbashi | Port of Matadi | US$980 | US$1,220 | 7 |
| Matadi | Port of Matadi | US$100 | US$120 | 1 |
| Goma | Port of Matadi | US$1,050 | US$1,310 | 7 |
| Kisangani | Port of Matadi | US$880 | US$1,100 | 7 |
| Mbuji-Mayi | Port of Matadi | US$690 | US$860 | 5 |
How do you avoid scams when buying a car from Japan?
- Check that the exporter is a registered Japanese company: look up its corporate number and address, and prefer members of the Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association.
- Ask for the original auction sheet and, after purchase, the export certificate. Both name the chassis number, which should match the invoice.
- Pay only to a company bank account in the exporter's name, never to a personal account or a money-transfer agent.
AVON INTERNATIONAL company and licence details are on the About page, and the JUMVEA member list is public. JUMVEA (exporters association) · About AVON INTERNATIONAL · Is buying a car from Japan safe?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the age limit for importing a car to DRC?
- Under the 2026 decree, the age limit is approximately 15 years from manufacture. That means vehicles as old as 2011 (in 2026) are generally eligible, giving buyers a wide range of Japanese auction stock to choose from.
- What taxes do I pay to import a car to DR Congo?
- The main charges are 20% customs duty on the CIF value, 16% VAT, plus OCC (approx. 2%) and OGEFREM (approx. 0.58%) parafiscal levies. Together these add roughly 40–50% of the CIF value.
- Which port does the car arrive at in DR Congo?
- Vehicles enter through the Port of Matadi on the Atlantic coast.
- Do I need a pre-shipment inspection for DR Congo?
- Yes — DR Congo requires a BIVAC (Bureau Veritas) pre-shipment inspection in Japan before the car can be shipped.
Car import duty calculator for DR Congo
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Estimate only. Duties are assessed by customs on arrival, freight rates move, and rules change. Check current figures before you buy.