Shipping a Car to the Congo from the UK: Ports, Duty and Documentation

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is served by the port of Matadi, while the Republic of Congo is served by Pointe-Noire — the two countries have separate customs regimes and it's essential to confirm which one your buyer or destination requires before booking. Vehicles bound for Kinshasa in the DRC often route through Matadi and then overland, while Brazzaville-bound vehicles frequently transit via Pointe-Noire due to better port infrastructure and ferry connections across the Congo River.

RoRo and container shipments depart the UK from Southampton or Tilbury, with transit times of 21–30 days to Pointe-Noire and slightly longer, 25–35 days, to Matadi due to fewer direct sailings. Given security and infrastructure concerns at both ports, container shipping is strongly recommended over RoRo, particularly for higher-value vehicles or those carrying personal effects.

The DRC applies import duty of around 20%, plus VAT of 16% and additional administrative levies that can bring total charges to 40–50% of CIF value. The Republic of Congo applies broadly similar CEMAC common external tariff rates, with duty around 20–30% depending on engine size, plus 18% VAT. Both countries assess older, high-emission diesel vehicles at the top of their respective duty bands.

Neither country enforces a strict blanket age ban, but both apply higher duty to vehicles over eight years old, and importers report that customs officials scrutinise older diesel vehicles more closely for roadworthiness on arrival. Right-hand drive is legal in both, as both countries drive on the right but tolerate RHD imports without conversion requirements, though left-hand drive vehicles clear more smoothly in practice.

You'll need the original V5C, a commercial invoice, a bill of lading, and — for the DRC specifically — a pre-shipment inspection certificate from an approved agency such as BIVAC. Given the complexity and bureaucracy involved, appointing a licensed local clearing agent at Matadi or Pointe-Noire before the vessel departs the UK is essential to avoid extended delays and storage charges.

Budget £1,600–£2,200 for container freight from Southampton to Pointe-Noire or Matadi, plus £300–£500 for UK export handling, pre-shipment inspection, and marine insurance. Combined duty and taxes typically add £2,500–£5,500 depending on vehicle value, age, and which Congo you're importing into.