Can I import a right-hand-drive Japanese car to DR Congo?

Yes. DR Congo accepts both right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive vehicles, so Japan's standard RHD stock can be imported without a steering conversion. Our team selects the best option for your city and use case.

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; the exact figure depends on vehicle type and HS code and our team will confirm it for you.

Which port does the car arrive at in DR Congo?

Vehicles enter through the Port of Matadi on the Atlantic coast. From there we arrange road transport inland to Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Goma and other cities across the country.

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. We arrange this as part of the process, and the certificate travels with your documents to clearing.

Cost to import a car from Japan to DR Congo

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

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. The regulatory picture is more buyer-friendly than many Central African neighbours: both right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive vehicles are accepted, and the age limit under the 2026 decree sits at approximately 15 years from manufacture — giving buyers a wide range of Japanese stock to choose from. 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. Because tariff classification, the OCC/OGEFREM assessments and local broker charges vary by vehicle type and HS code, our licensed team works directly with your importer or broker to confirm the exact, current figure for your car before you commit.

Main ports: Port of Matadi
Import age rule: ~15-year age limit (2026 decree).
Steering: both
Duties & taxes: 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.

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Estimate only — duties, freight and last-mile delivery vary and policies change. Our team confirms exact, current figures on WhatsApp before any bid.

How to import a car from Japan to DR Congo

Choose a Congo-eligible car
Tell us your budget, use case and preferred body type. We shortlist only vehicles within the ~15-year age limit (2026 decree) and confirm whether your preferred model works best in RHD or LHD for your city.
We source it from Japan's auctions
Using our licensed USS auction access, our team reads the auction sheet, verifies the grade and physical condition, and selects the car before any money changes hands.
Pre-shipment inspection by BIVAC
DR Congo requires a pre-shipment inspection by BIVAC (Bureau Veritas) in Japan before the car can be shipped. We arrange this and keep the certificate with your documents.
Ocean shipping to Port of Matadi
The car is booked onto a vessel bound for the Port of Matadi, DR Congo's principal Atlantic gateway. We share the sailing schedule and tracking once the car is loaded.
Duty and clearing at Matadi
On arrival our team or your nominated local broker handles customs valuation, pays the 20% duty, 16% VAT and the OCC and OGEFREM levies, then clears the car through the port.
Inland delivery to your city
From Matadi the car is transported inland to Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Mbuji-Mayi, Goma, Kisangani or elsewhere — we quote the delivery cost before you approve the shipment.

Import duties & taxes in DR Congo explained

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. The precise figure depends on the vehicle's HS code, engine size, body type and local broker charges, all of which our licensed team confirms — our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for DR Congo

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.
See 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.
See 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.
See 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.
See 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.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in DR Congo

Matadi — You are at the port, so inland delivery for a sedan runs only about $100.
Kinshasa — Delivery from Matadi to Kinshasa adds roughly $250 for a sedan.
Mbuji-Mayi — Delivery from Matadi to Mbuji-Mayi adds roughly $690 for a sedan.
Lubumbashi — Delivery from Matadi to Lubumbashi adds roughly $800 for a sedan.
Kisangani — Delivery from Matadi to Kisangani adds roughly $880 for a sedan.
Goma — Delivery from Matadi to Goma adds roughly $1,050 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

Can I import a right-hand-drive Japanese car to DR Congo?: Yes. DR Congo accepts both right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive vehicles, so Japan's standard RHD stock can be imported without a steering conversion. Our team selects the best option for your city and use case.
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; the exact figure depends on vehicle type and HS code and our team will confirm it for you.
Which port does the car arrive at in DR Congo?: Vehicles enter through the Port of Matadi on the Atlantic coast. From there we arrange road transport inland to Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Goma and other cities across the country.
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. We arrange this as part of the process, and the certificate travels with your documents to clearing.