Frequently asked questions

Four, principally: the DGDA (Direction Générale des Douanes et Accises) for the declaration and the assessment of duties; the OCC (Office Congolais de Contrôle) for quality and conformity inspections; OGEFREM, which issues the FERI; and SEGUCE, the single window through which declarations are filed. MCTC performs only the physical operations at the terminal.

The Fiche Électronique de Renseignement à l’Importation is a mandatory OGEFREM document for all cargo bound for the DRC. It is taken out at the port of loading, through an approved agent, and must be validated before the vessel arrives at Matadi. Failure to obtain it exposes you to penalties and delays clearance.

Through a licensed customs broker (freight forwarder), who files the DGDA declaration via the SEGUCE single window. A private individual or a non-licensed company cannot declare directly.

MCTC transfers it to the inspection area according to the schedule agreed with the DGDA. The opening takes place in the presence of the officers and your freight forwarder; our teams perform the presentation handling, then the restuffing and resealing. The container is then returned to the delivery flow.

No. Declaration, assessment and inspection lead times depend on the agencies and on the completeness of your file. What MCTC guarantees: inspection transfers scheduled daily, and immediate return to the delivery flow after inspection.

On the Tariff schedule page: three schedules (freight forwarders, shipping lines, other customers), available online and downloadable as PDFs. Edition in force: January 2026.

No. All tariffs are expressed in USD excluding tax. VAT applies at 16% on import-related services and 0% on export-related services.

The period during which your container stays at the terminal without storage charges. It ranges from 1 to 4 days depending on category (full import, full export, empty, reefer) [TO BE CONFIRMED]. Beyond that, each calendar day or part thereof is charged according to the schedule.

Payment is made by bank transfer before collection [TO BE CONFIRMED — other possible methods]. The bank details appear on the pro forma invoice. No container leaves the terminal until the file is fully settled.

Send your request to contact@mctc-cd.com with the container number, the B/L number and the intended collection date. The pro forma itemises handling, storage and ancillary services.

Monday to Saturday, 06:00 to 18:00 [TO BE CONFIRMED]. Last entry admitted 30 minutes before closing [TO BE CONFIRMED]. One-off changes (public holidays, works) are published in the operational notices.

For an import collection: the MCTC exit pass, the driver’s ID and the pre-announced registration plate [TO BE CONFIRMED — pre-announcement arrangements]. For an export delivery: the booking, the customs declaration, the VGM and the EIR. Vehicles and drivers that do not comply with the security rules are refused access.

The terminal is a port facility subject to the ISPS Code: access is restricted to authorised persons. Visits (customers, partners, press) are arranged by prior written request, with a badge and protective equipment provided on site. Requests: contact@mctc-cd.com.

At berths 5, 6 and 7 of the Port of Matadi, Kongo Central. GPS coordinates: [TO BE CONFIRMED]. The detailed access map is on the Access map page. The administrative offices are on the 3rd floor of the Immeuble Ami Congo, in Matadi.

Yes: 29, Avenue des Forces Armées (formerly Haut-Commandement), Immeuble Lys Center, 2nd floor, Gombe, Kinshasa.

The customs release order (BAE) issued by the DGDA once the declaration is settled, the MCTC exit pass issued after payment of the terminal charges, and the carrier’s identification. Your freight forwarder coordinates the whole file.

The shipping line’s booking, the validated export declaration, the VGM certificate and the container’s EIR. Delivery must take place before the call’s physical cut-off.

The Equipment Interchange Receipt: the interchange document recording the container’s condition (and any reservations) at each handover between parties — terminal gate-in and gate-out, empty pick-up and return. Keep it: it is the authoritative record in the event of a dispute over the container’s condition.

The Verified Gross Mass, required by the SOLAS Convention for every export container. Without a VGM submitted to the line before the documentary cut-off, the container is not loaded. MCTC issues VGM certificates on its weighbridge (see Weighing & VGM).

Send a written request to contact@mctc-cd.com stating the container number and the date of the operation. Documents are archived and a duplicate can be issued [TO BE CONFIRMED — possible fees].

Yes. The terminal has 48 reefer plugs in a dedicated area, with priority plugging at discharge and continuous monitoring.

Yes. Settings are checked at plug-in, then verified through regular readings [TO BE CONFIRMED: twice a day] recorded in a log. Any alarm triggers immediate intervention and notification to the shipping line.

A reduced free time compared with dry containers [TO BE CONFIRMED], with plugging and monitoring charged per 24-hour period. Details appear in the tariff schedule. Tip: schedule the collection of your reefers as soon as possible after the customs release order.

Record precise, written and immediate reservations on the outbound EIR before leaving the terminal — this is the condition of admissibility. Photograph the damage. Then confirm the claim in writing to contact@mctc-cd.com within 3 working days [TO BE CONFIRMED], enclosing the EIR, photos and B/L.

An acknowledgement of receipt is sent within 2 working days and a reasoned reply within 15 working days [TO BE CONFIRMED]. Claims involving the shipping line or an insurer may take longer; you are kept informed throughout.

The invoicing department, in writing at contact@mctc-cd.com, quoting the invoice number and the grounds for dispute. A dispute does not suspend the payability of undisputed amounts [TO BE CONFIRMED].