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MCTC

Practical information

Procedures & documents

Importing or exporting via Matadi follows a precise regulatory path. Here it is, step by step, with the documents required at each stage.

The procedures below describe the typical journey of containerised cargo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Four institutional players are involved: OGEFREM (Office de Gestion du Fret Multimodal), which issues the FERI; the DGDA (customs and excise); the OCC (quality and conformity control); and SEGUCE, the foreign-trade single window through which declarations are filed. MCTC performs the physical operations at the terminal: handling, storage, presentation for inspections, delivery. Customs clearance itself must be handled by a licensed customs broker. Administrative lead times and costs are the responsibility of the agencies concerned.

Importing via Matadi — step by step

  1. Before shipment: obtain the FERI

    The Fiche Électronique de Renseignement à l’Importation (electronic import information sheet), issued by OGEFREM through its approved agents at the port of loading, is mandatory for all cargo bound for the DRC. It must be validated before the vessel arrives; failure to obtain it exposes you to penalties. Documents required: commercial invoice, bill of lading (B/L), packing list.

  2. Pre-arrival: manifest and appointment of the freight forwarder

    The shipping line transmits the manifest to the authorities. Appoint your licensed customs broker and hand over the complete file: original B/L or telex release, invoice, packing list, FERI, and any certificate required for the cargo.

  3. Customs declaration via SEGUCE

    The freight forwarder files the DGDA declaration through the SEGUCE single window. The declaration is assessed; duties and taxes are paid at the approved banks.

  4. Inspections

    The OCC carries out quality and conformity inspections according to the nature of the cargo. The DGDA may order a physical examination: MCTC then positions the container in the inspection area (see the Transfers & inspections service).

  5. Customs release order (BAE)

    Once the declaration is settled and the inspections cleared, the DGDA issues the customs release order (bon à enlever).

  6. Terminal settlement and exit pass

    Pay the MCTC handling and storage charges (free time of 1 to 4 days by category [TO BE CONFIRMED]). The exit pass is issued once the file is fully settled.

  7. Collection at the gate

    The carrier presents itself at the gate (Monday–Saturday, 06:00–18:00 [TO BE CONFIRMED]) with the exit pass, the driver’s identification and the pre-announced registration plate [TO BE CONFIRMED]. Weighing at the weighbridge if required, outbound EIR, and the container leaves the terminal.

Exporting via Matadi — step by step

  1. Book with the shipping line

    Obtain a booking confirming the vessel, the call and the number of containers.

  2. Assemble the export file

    Through your freight forwarder and the SEGUCE single window: DGDA export declaration, OCC certificates depending on the product, specific documents for regulated goods (mining products, coffee, timber, etc.) and the OGEFREM formalities applicable to exports [TO BE CONFIRMED].

  3. Collect the empty container

    The line makes the empty available (designated depot). Check the container’s condition and record any reservations on the EIR.

  4. Stuff and seal

    Stuffing at the shipper’s premises, sealing with the line’s seal, recording of the seal number.

  5. Weigh: the VGM

    Have the Verified Gross Mass certificate established, on our weighbridge (Method 1) or by a recognised facility. No VGM, no loading.

  6. Deliver the full container before the cut-off

    Present yourself at the gate with the booking, the customs declaration, the VGM and the EIR. Delivery must take place before the call’s physical cut-off (indicative value: 24 h before the ETA [TO BE CONFIRMED]).

  7. Customs validation and loading

    Possible customs examination, then validation. The container is loaded on board; the line issues the bill of lading (B/L).

Downloadable checklists

Matadi import checklist (PDF, 1 page)

Coming soon

Checklist of documents and steps: FERI, B/L, invoice, packing list, SEGUCE declaration, BAE, exit pass. A4 format, printable, designed to be ticked off file by file.

Matadi export checklist (PDF, 1 page)

Coming soon

Checklist: booking, export declaration, OCC certificates, EIR, seal, VGM, cut-offs. A4 format, printable.

General information documents, January 2026 edition [TO BE CONFIRMED]. They are no substitute for the regulations or your freight forwarder’s instructions.

Administrative procedures change. In the event of any discrepancy between this page and the official texts (DGDA, OGEFREM, OCC, SEGUCE), the official texts prevail. Report any outdated information to us: contact@mctc-cd.com.