DR Congo customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

DR Congo enforces a strict ban on single-use plastic bags and used clothing imports. Cash declarations are mandatory above $10,000, and failure to declare risks confiscation and fines. All arriving international travellers in 2026 must comply.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, or 2 liters of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Duty-free value up to 800,000 CDF (approx. $320).
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Any amount over $10,000 (or equivalent in CDF, approx. 25,000,000 CDF) must be declared on the customs declaration form (Formulaire de Déclaration de Devises) at the red channel.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to 800,000 CDF (approx. $320). Above this, a flat 20% duty applies on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drugs)
  • Single-use plastic bags (import, sale, and use banned since 2018)
  • Used clothing (fripperie) without a special import permit
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated products
  • Weapons of war, explosives, and ammunition without prior authorization
  • Pornographic materials and obscene items

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing narcotics or psychotropics (require Ministry of Health permit)
  • Plants, seeds, and live animals (require phytosanitary or veterinary certificate)
  • Drones and satellite phones (require prior authorization from the Ministry of Defense)
  • Firearms and ammunition (require police permit and import license)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques (require export certificate from the National Museum)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting luggage, proceed to the customs area. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. If you have goods exceeding the allowance, cash over $10,000, or prohibited/restricted items, use the red channel and fill out a customs declaration form (available at the counter).

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 3 months are allowed with a prescription. Narcotics, psychotropics, and any medication containing codeine or tramadol require prior authorization from the Ministry of Health. Some common Western meds like Adderall are illegal.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are generally prohibited without a phytosanitary certificate. Processed and sealed food for personal use is allowed in small quantities.

Rules worth knowing

Plastic Bag Ban

DR Congo bans the import, sale, and use of single-use plastic bags. Travellers should not bring any plastic bags, including ziplock bags, or risk confiscation and a fine.

Used Clothing Ban

Import of used clothing (fripperie) is strictly prohibited without a special permit from the Ministry of Trade. Even small personal amounts may be questioned.

Currency Declaration

Any amount over $10,000 (or equivalent in CDF) must be declared on arrival. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and a fine of up to 50% of the amount.

Frequently asked questions

Personal electronics like laptops and cameras for your own use are generally exempt from duty, but you may be asked to register them on your passport at the red channel to avoid issues on departure.
Gold bullion and large quantities of jewelry (over 500g) require a permit from the Ministry of Mines. Personal jewelry for wear is allowed, but you should declare it if the value exceeds $10,000.
Yes, N'djili Airport (FIH) has a duty-free shop after security. You can buy alcohol, tobacco, and perfumes, but limits still apply on arrival.
You must pay a flat 20% duty on the value exceeding 800,000 CDF (approx. $320). Pay at the customs cashier in the red channel, in CDF or USD.
Yes, common antimalarials like doxycycline or artemether-lumefantrine are allowed without prescription for personal use. Keep them in original packaging.
No restrictions on personal phones. SIM cards can be bought locally, but you must register with your passport at the mobile operator's office.
Only if you have goods exceeding the allowance, cash over $10,000, or restricted items. Otherwise, use the green channel and no form is needed.

Official source

Direction Générale des Douanes et Accises (DGDA)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Direction Générale des Douanes et Accises (DGDA) before travelling.