Import Cars to The Democratic Republic Of The Congo from Japan

Everything you need to import a used car from Japan to The Democratic Republic Of The Congo — the age rule, shipping options, taxes and the vehicles currently available at a fixed One Price. Vehicles under 15 years old qualify — model year 2011 or newer for 2026.

The Democratic Republic Of The Congo Import Regulations

Shipping & Logistics

Steering: Both left-hand and right-hand drive are accepted and there is no nationwide ban. Right-hand drive cars are shipped via Dar es Salaam or Mombasa to the south and east (Lubumbashi, Goma); the western ports Matadi and Boma take left-hand drive only, and Kinshasa has banned right-hand drive imports since 2017. Confirm with your clearing agent.
Pre-Export: Mandatory pre-shipment inspection by Bureau Veritas (BIVAC); its Attestation de Vérification is needed for every vehicle.
Ports: Depends on the region: west (Kinshasa) via Matadi or Boma (container) or Luanda (Angola); east (Goma, Bukavu) via Dar es Salaam or Mombasa; south-east (Lubumbashi, Kolwezi) via Dar es Salaam or Durban, then by road through Zambia (Kasumbalesa border; from Durban via Zimbabwe and the Chirundu border).
Tracking: A FERI tracking certificate is needed before the ship arrives for cargo through the western ports Matadi and Boma.

Customs & Costs

Customs: Contact us for customs and taxes information.

Age & Import Restrictions (CRITICAL)

Maximum 15 years old for passenger cars, utility vehicles, trucks and buses (decree of 24 January 2026; previously 20 years); agricultural, forestry and mining tractors up to 20 years. Required documents: a technical inspection certificate from the country of shipment, the registration document (or a legalised copy) and an authenticated transfer deed. Non-compliant vehicles are re-exported or destroyed at the expense of the carrier or freight forwarder; customs may also order an inspection at the importer's expense.

Disclaimer

The import regulations, taxes, and age restrictions provided below are gathered from public internet sources for general guidance only. We do not bear any legal responsibility for the accuracy of this information. It is your sole responsibility to verify how to clear customs, homologate, and register the vehicle in your country. We are only responsible for shipping the vehicle to your requested port.

Frequently asked questions

The Democratic Republic Of The Congo requires imported vehicles to be under 15 years old. In 2026 that means a model year of 2011 or newer.

Yes. Every order includes Japanese export de-registration, the English export certificate, marine insurance and shipping from Japan to The Democratic Republic Of The Congo by RORO or container. Our export team prepares the documents your customs broker needs.

Each vehicle ships with the original Japanese auction sheet, our own inspection report with photos, and the export certificate. Mileage and condition are stated as recorded at the Japanese auction.