WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 144 - 
 
  ANNEX 2 : CONGO , REPUBLIC OF  THE 
  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 145 - 
 
  CONTENTS  
1   ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  ................................ ................................ ......................  148  
1.1   Main features of the economy  ................................ ................................ ..................  148 
1.2   Recent economic developments  ................................ ................................ ................  149 
1.3  Trade and investment performance  ................................ ................................ ............  152 
2   TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  ................................ ................................ .........  155  
2.1   General framework  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 155 
2.2   Trade policy objectives  ................................ ................................ ............................  158 
2.3   Trade agreements and arrangements  ................................ ................................ ........  159 
2.3.1   WTO ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  159 
2.3.2   Other agreements and arrangements  ................................ ................................ ...... 159 
2.4   Investment regi me ................................ ................................ ................................ . 159 
3   TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  ................................ ......................  162  
3.1   Measures directly affecting imports  ................................ ................................ ...........  162 
3.1.1   Registration  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  162 
3.1.2   Customs procedures  ................................ ................................ .............................  164 
3.1.3   Preshipment inspection and customs valuation  ................................ .........................  165 
3.1.4   Rules of origin  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 166 
3.1.5   Customs levies  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 167 
3.1.6   Internal taxes  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 169 
3.1.7   Tariff preferences  ................................ ................................ ................................  170 
3.1.8   Duty and tax concessions  ................................ ................................ ......................  170 
3.1.9   Prohibitions, quantitative restrictions and licensing  ................................ ...................  170 
3.1.10    Other measures  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 172 
3.2   Measures directly affecti ng exports  ................................ ................................ ...........  172 
3.2.1   Registration and customs procedures  ................................ ................................ ...... 172 
3.2.2   Export duties and taxes  ................................ ................................ ........................  172 
3.2.3   Export prohibitions and controls  ................................ ................................ .............  173 
3.2.4   Export subsidies and promotion  ................................ ................................ .............  174 
3.3   Measures affecting production and trade  ................................ ................................ .... 174 
3.3.1   Incentives  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  174 
3.3.2   Standards, technical regulations and accreditation  ................................ ....................  175 
3.3.3   Sanitary and phytosanitary measur es ................................ ................................ ..... 176 
3.3.4   Labelling, marking and packaging requirements  ................................ .......................  177 
3.3.5   Competition and price controls  ................................ ................................ ...............  177 
3.3.6   State trading, state -owned enterprises and privatization ................................ ............  178 
3.3.7   Government procurement  ................................ ................................ .....................  179 
3.3.8   Protection of intellectual property rights  ................................ ................................ .. 180 
4   TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  ................................ ................................ ...................  181  
4.1   Agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forestry  ................................ ...............................  181 WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 146 - 
 
  4.1.1   Overview  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  181 
4.1.2   Agricultural policy  ................................ ................................ ................................  182 
4.1.3   Policy by subsector  ................................ ................................ ..............................  183 
4.2   Mining, energy and water  ................................ ................................ ........................  188 
4.2.1   Mining products  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 188 
4.2.2   Petroleum products and natural gas ................................ ................................ ....... 189 
4.2.3   Electricity  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  193 
4.2.4   Water  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  195 
4.3   Manufacturing  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  195 
4.4   Services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  196 
4.4.1   Telecommunication services  ................................ ................................ ..................  196 
4.4.2   Postal and express services  ................................ ................................ ...................  197 
4.4.3   Transport services  ................................ ................................ ...............................  198 
4.4.4   Tourism services  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 201 
4.4.5   Financial services  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 203 
5   APPENDIX TABLES  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 205  
 
CHARTS  
 
Chart 1.1 Patterns in merchandise trade, 2012 and 2021  ................................ .....................  153 
Chart 1.2 Direction of merchandise trade, 2012 and 2021  ................................ ....................  154 
 
TABLES  
 
Table 1.1 Basic economic indicators, 2012 -21 ................................ ................................ .... 149 
Table 1.2 Balance of payments, 2012 -21 ................................ ................................ ...........  151 
Table 2.1 Principal trade -related laws and regulations of Congo, July  2022 .............................  156 
Table 3.1 Number of businesses set up, 2019 -21 ................................ ................................  162 
Table 3.2 Variable component of the  BESC tariff 2022  ................................ .........................  163 
Table 3.3 Fiscal revenue by main source, 2014 -21 ................................ ..............................  168 
Table 3.4 Breakdown of losses attributable to tax exemptions, 2016 -19 ................................ . 170 
Table 3.5 Import controls, 2022  ................................ ................................ .......................  171 
Table 4.1 Production by type of fishery, 2013 -21 ................................ ................................  184 
Table 4.2 Parafiscal levies on fishing, 2020  ................................ ................................ ........  185 
Table 4.3 Trend in the production of forest woods, 2013 -19 ................................ .................  188 
Table 4.4 Structure of the oil industry, 2012 and 2021  ................................ ........................  190 
Table 4.5 Electricity generation in Congo in 2018 and 2019 per plant  ................................ .... 194 
Table 4.6 Key telecommunication indicators, 2020  ................................ ..............................  196 
Table 4.7 Average price for different types of service, 2021  ................................ .................  197 
Table 4.8 Aircraft movements, 2015 -21 ................................ ................................ ............  200 
Table 4.9 Passenger traffic, 2015 -21 ................................ ................................ ................  200 WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 147 - 
 
  Table 4.10 Freight traffic,  2015-21 ................................ ................................ ...................  200 
Table 4.11 Mail traffic, 2015 -21 ................................ ................................ .......................  200 
Table 4.12 Air Services Agreements, 2022  ................................ ................................ .........  200 
Table 4.13 Tourism, 2012 -18 ................................ ................................ ...........................  201 
Table 4.14 Banking system indicators for Congo, 2015 -21 ................................ ...................  203 
Table 4.15 Insurance companies operating in Congo  ................................ ...........................  204 
BOXES  
 
Box 3.1 Legal provisions on standards and technical regulations  ................................ ...........  175 
 
APPENDIX TABLES  
 
Table A1.1 Structure of exports, 2012 -21 ................................ ................................ ..........  205 
Table A1.2 Structure of imports, 2012 -21 ................................ ................................ ..........  207 
Table A1.3 Destination of exports, 2012 -20 ................................ ................................ ....... 209 
Table A1.4 Origin of imports, 2012 -20 ................................ ................................ ..............  210 
Table A3.1 Mandatory International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standards 
(techni cal regulations) in the Congo  ................................ ................................ .................  211 
 
 WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 148 - 
 
  1  ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
1.1  Main features of the economy  
1.1.  The Republic of the Congo (Congo) has a wide variety of natural resources representing 
considerable economic growth potential . Oil, wood, potash, magnesium, natural gas, hydropower 
and iron ore are only a few of the natural resources Congo can rely on for its development.1 
1.2.  The country has a coastline stretching for some 170 km along the Atlantic Ocean, a deep -water 
port at Pointe -Noire and a marine area of 200 nautical miles . Congo also provides access to the sea 
for two landlocked Central African countries (Chad and the Central African Republic) . Given its 
position, the country  plays an important geostrategic role in the subregion in terms of the entry and 
exit of goods . 
1.3.  Congo also has a highly developed hydrographic network, a climate conducive to farming, 
biodiversity of global importance and mineral resources . Its forests occ upy the third -largest area in 
Africa and have a high carbon stock . Congo has always been an important tropical timber producer, 
with logs being the main forestry output . However, the country also exports a limited volume of 
sawn timber and wood -based panel s. Forestry output includes firewood, charcoal, non -timber forest 
products, food and medicines . Congo also has considerable growth potential in the food production 
and cash crop sectors.  
1.4.  Congo's huge resources and reserves remain largely untapped . The coun try's econom y lacks 
diversity and is heavily dependent on the petroleum sector, whic h on average accounts for 40% of 
GDP and around 80% of export revenue . Agriculture remains underdeveloped, contributing an 
average of 5% to GDP . Manufacturing is also under developed (about 8% of GDP) due to supply -side 
constraints, including the scarcity of inputs such as electricity, the poor state  of transpor t 
infrastructure and logistics, and a financial system focusing mainly on import -export activity . Driven 
by telecomm unications and tourism, the services sector accounts for about 30% of GDP (Table 1.1).  
1.5.  Due to shortcomings in structural policies, economic management, social inclusion and equity 
policies, Congo's economy remains fragile; it is in fact still heavily relia nt on petroleum and hence highly 
vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. Around 67% of the population lives below the poverty line, 
and the country also has one of the highest unemployment rates in sub -Saharan Africa. Moreover, 60% 
of the populati on has no access to electricity, and social protection services are limited.2 
1.6.  The Congolese Government has initiated a wide -ranging programme  of structural reforms and 
enhanced governance , oriented towards  inclusion through job creation, economic transformation 
and diversification centred on agriculture, tourism, and industry, all driven  by the private sector . 
The Government of Congo intends to use these programmes and reforms to expand its productive 
base,  create jobs and reduce poverty.3 
1.7.  According to the authorities, as in many other African countries, the informal sector occupies 
a very important position in the Congolese economy, with a significant proportion of the population 
relying on what would else where be described as odd jobs for their livelihood . Although there is a 
lack of statistical data on this sector at the domestic level, the Congolese Ministry of Small and 
Medium -sized Enterprises reports that 58.8 % of the informal sector is made up of ind ividual 
businesses  and 40.1 % of corporations,  and that this sector creates 97 % of jobs in the country . 
However, the informal sector is not subject to any type of taxation, audit or enumeration and the 
main industries concerned are crafts, commerce and rela ted activities (carpentry, mechanical work, 
shoemaking, welding) .4 The low level of formali zation of businesses  is partly due to their distrust of 
 
1 Office of the President of the Republic of the Congo: National Development Plan of Congo (PND Congo) 
2012-2016. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), Congo has significant oil reserves 
with proven reserves estimated at 1.6 billion b arrels, the fourth largest proven oil reserves in 
sub-Saharan  Africa.  
2 IMF (2021). Country Report No. 21/225 , p.37.  
3 See the Congo National Development Plan (Congo PND) 2012 -2016 and the National Development 
Plan 2018 -2022. See also Central Document of the Strategic Development Framework of the PND 2018 -2022, 
and the Synopsis: DSCERP 2012 -2016.  
4 Report on Mapping of th e Informal Sector  in Congo (Brazzaville and Pointe -Noire), prepared by the 
Ministry of Small and Medium -sized Enterprises (2018) . WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 149 - 
 
  fiscal or parafiscal authorities, whose influence is made more burdensome by  the limited tax base . 
Tax incen tives for formalization are not persuasive enough and sometimes even encourage formal 
enterprises not to declare their real income.   
1.8.  Congo is a member of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) and 
the Central African Monetary Union ( CAMU). The common currency among CAMU  member States is 
the CFA franc used for financial cooperation in Central Africa, which is pegged to the euro 
(Common  Report, Sections  1 and 2).5 
1.2  Recent economic developments  
1.9.  Since its last Trade Policy Review (TPR) in 2013, the Republic of the Congo has experienced 
irregular and generally sluggish economic growth, which has even been negative since 2015, with 
sharp downturns of -12.2% in 2016 and -6.11% in 2020 . These downturns  have affected most key 
sectors of the economy, including the non -petroleum and gas sector (Table 1.1) . The petroleum 
sector, the backbone of the country's economy, has been unable to play its traditional role of driving 
the country's growth . The COVID -19 pandemic, fluctuations in oil prices and the decline in domestic 
petroleum output, as well as debt overhang, among other factors, have all had major economic 
repercussions for Congo, especially in 2020 and 2021 . Difficulties experienced by the petroleum 
sector have impacted other sectors of the country's economy and led to a deep recession.  
1.10.  Trends in revenue (petroleum and non -petroleum) and public spending have shaped social 
developments . Income growth has remained insufficient to reduce poverty and substa ntially improve 
living conditions . With the population growing by around 2.6% per year, negative real economic 
growth since 2015 has resulted in a marked decline of about 50% in real per capita income, 
intensifying the deterioration in living conditions . GDP per capita, which was USD 4.492 in 2014, 
stood at USD 2.240 in 2020 (Table 1.1).  
1.11.  The CEMAC member States, which include Congo, pursue common monetary an d exchange 
rate policies within the CAMU  framework (Common Report, Section  1). In a monetary union wh ere, 
on the one hand, the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) implements a prudent monetary policy 
and, on the other, member States' recourse to the BEAC to finance their public deficits is strictly 
regulated, inflation in Congo depends largely on the im ported component of foodstuff and petroleum 
product prices, which are generally subject to control and regulation (Section  3). The monetary 
component of inflation has been controlled through the Community monetary policy 
(Common  Report, Sections  1 and 2) and the prudent budgetary policy implemented by the 
authorities as part of  the Government's economic programme supported by the International 
Monetary Fund (IMF) . Consequently, since 2013, with the exception of 2016 (4.6%), inflation has 
stayed below the re gional convergence criterion of 3%, albeit with slightly variable rates ranging 
from 1.1% in 2020 to 2.3% in 2021.  
Table 1.1 Basic economic indicators, 2012 -21 
  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Miscellaneous            
GDP at current market 
prices (CFAF  billion)  9,033.2  9,009.3  9,450.4  7,856.1  6,885.9  7,413.9  8,060.5  8,226.8  6,400.9  7,852.5  
GDP at current market 
prices (USD  billion)  17.7 18.2 19.1 13.3 11.6 12.8 14.5 14.0 11.1 14.2 
Real GDP growth rate  15.3 -1.1 6.7 -1.0 -12.2 -0.2 1.1 -0.2 -6.1 -1.3 
Real GDP growth rate 
excluding oil and gas (%)  25.3 3.9 8.5 1.0 -14.6 -4.3 -12.5 -1.4 -3.8 6.1 
GDP per capita (USD)  4,372.9  4,391.5  4,492.2  3,039.2  2,589.6  2,772.9  3,074.2  2,897.9  2,240.1  2,777.7  
Population (million)  4.0 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 5.0 5.1 
Inflation (African 
consumer prices, annual 
average)  5.0 4.7 0.9 1.7 4.6 0.7 1.2 2.3 1.1 2.3 
National accounts at current prices  (% of GDP)  
  
Consumption  37.5 40.6 47.3 58.7 63.5 60.4 39.2 38.0 49.7 41.6 
Public (Government)  13.8 12.3 14.2 13.9 12.6 14.4 6.0 4.8 4.8 8.6 
Private  23.7 28.3 33.2 44.8 50.9 46.0 33.1 33.2 44.9 33.0 
Gross investment  43.8 46.7 50.7 74.6 59.7 41.6 36.6 37.3 38.1 42.6 
Gross fixed capital 
formation  38.2 40.9 47.3 71.4 62.1 44.5 34.8 35.5 35.8 40.7 
 
5 1 EURO = 655.957 CFAF since 1 January 1994.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 150 - 
 
    2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Public  9.1 9.7 10.9 15.1 10.6 7.2 1.5 1.7 2.9 3.8 
Private  29.0 31.2 36.4 56.3 51.5 37.3 33.2 33.8 32.9 36.9 
Petroleum sector  20.9 22.6 20.6 39.0 44.4 11.8 11.5 12.4 5.6 14.0 
Non-petroleum 
sector  8.2 8.6 15.7 17.2 7.1 25.5 21.8 21.4 27.3 22.9 
Changes in 
inventories  5.7 5.8 3.5 3.2 -2.4 -2.9 1.8 1.8 2.3 1.9 
Net exports  18.7 12.7 1.9 -33.3 -23.2 -2.0 24.3 24.7 12.2 15.8 
Exports of non -factor 
goods and services  58.1 52.1 49.7 38.2 39.6 49.8 63.3 60.7 46.6 54.7 
Imports of non -factor 
goods and services  -39.4 -39.4 -47.8 -71.6 -62.7 -51.8 -39.1 -36.0 -34.4 -38.9 
Sectoral distribution (% of nominal GDP at factor cost)  
  
Agriculture  4.0 4.8 4.8 6.3 8.0 8.0 7.2 7.3 9.1 8.2 
Agriculture, livestock, 
hunting and fishing  3.2 4.0 4.0 5.2 6.4 6.2 5.7 5.9 7.0 6.2 
Forestry and logging  0.8 0.8 0.8 1.1 1.6 1.9 1.5 1.5 2.1 2.0 
Mining and quarrying  50.5 45.2 41.2 26.7 25.5 32.8 47.3 46.5 34.1 41.3 
Oil 49.4 44.6 40.6 25.9 25.1 31.6 46.3 45.5 33.3 39.7 
Gas 1.1 0.6 0.6 0.8 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.7 
Copper  ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.5 0.6 
Iron ore  ,, 0.0 ,, ,, ,, ,, 0.0 ,, 0.0 0.0 
Zinc ,, ,, ,, 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 
Manufacturing  5.0 6.0 6.3 8.3 8.9 8.1 7.1 7.8 9.2 8.4 
Electricity, gas and water  0.6 0.7 0.7 0.8 1.2 1.2 1.0 1.1 1.4 1.2 
Construction and public 
works  12.0 14.6 16.0 21.6 14.5 10.1 6.2 7.0 9.2 8.1 
Services  28.1 28.7 31.1 36.3 42.0 39.8 31.2 30.3 37.0 32.9 
Transport and 
telecommunications  6.4 7.2 7.7 8.0 8.1 7.2 4.9 5.4 6.1 5.7 
Transport  5.1 5.6 6.0 5.9 5.9 5.3 3.6 4.1 4.4 4.0 
Telecommunications  1.3 1.6 1.7 2.1 2.2 1.9 1.3 1.3 1.7 1.7 
Commerce, restaurants 
and hotels  7.5 7.9 8.6 11.9 13.0 11.3 8.7 7.9 10.3 9.1 
General government  8.4 7.8 8.9 9.2 8.8 9.6 9.0 8.7 11.5 10.0 
Other services  5.8 5.9 5.9 7.3 12.1 11.8 8.7 8.2 9.2 8.1 
Public finances  (% of GDP)   
Total revenue  32.8 34.4 35.1 20.5 22.2 19.1 23.4 24.2 19.9 21.6 
Petroleum revenue  25.4 25.8 26.0 8.9 10.2 9.2 16.0 15.7 10.2 13.4 
Non-petroleum 
revenue  7.5 8.6 9.1 11.6 12.1 9.9 7.4 8.4 9.7 8.3 
Total expenditure  28.1 30.1 45.5 36.9 36.3 25.1 18.1 19.5 22.5 20.5 
 Current expenditure  11.3 12.5 22.3 21.8 23.5 19.5 16.4 16.5 19.1 17.6 
 Capital expenditure  16.7 17.6 23.2 15.2 13.0 5.5 1.8 3.0 3.3 2.9 
Budgetary  balance, 
commitments basis, 
excluding grants (deficit 
(-)) 4.8 4.3 -10.5 -16.5 -14.0 -6.0 5.2 4.7 -2.6 1.2 
Budgetary  balance, 
commitments basis, 
including grants  
(deficit ( -)) 4.9 4.6 -10.1 -15.9 -13.5 -5.6 5.3 5.3 -1.0 1.6 
External sector  
  
Real effective exchange 
rate (% change)a -5.2 6.3 1.2 -5.5 4.0 -0.6 2.5 0.1 5.1 -1.0 
CFAF per USD (annual 
average)  510.6  493.9  493.8  591.2  592.6  580.7  555.4  585.9  575.6  554.5  
Current account balance 
(% of GDP)a 2.6 -11.7 3.6 -34.9 -44.0 2.6 8.4 15.7 -3.5 10.8 
Total debt outstanding 
(% of GDP)  ,, ,, 28.8 38.7 47.3 80.1 71.7 74.6 103.1  103.5  
Outstanding external 
debt (% of GDP)  20.0 20.4 24.7 33.7 41.5 55.1 49.2 52.0 58.9 52.4 
External reserves 
(in months of imports of 
goods and services)  9.4 8.5 7.2 2.9 1.2 1.1 1.1 2.5 3.3 2.2 
Foreign direct investment 
(FDI) inflows 
(USD  million)  -282.8  609.4  1,659.5  3,803.3  1,611.6  4,417.0  4,315.3  3,366.1  4,015.5  3,690.8  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 151 - 
 
    2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
% of GDP  -1.6 3.3 8.7 28.6 13.9 34.6 29.7 24.0 36.1 26.1 
Inward FDI stock 
(USD  million)  9,164.4  9,773.8  11,433.3  15,236.5  16,848.2  21,265.1  25,580.4  28,946.5  32,962.0  36,652.8  
% of GDP  51.8 53.6 59.7 114.7  145.0  166.5  176.3  206.2  296.4  258.8  
.. Not available.  
a A minus sign indicates depreciation.  
Note:  The CFA franc used by the CEMAC countries is pegged to the euro at a rate of EUR  1 = 655.96.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities ; BEAC. Viewed at: 
https://www.beac.int/economie -stats/statistiques -economiques /; UNCTAD . Viewed at: 
http://unctadstat.unctad.org/EN/Index.html . IMF, International Financial Statistics . Viewed at: 
http://elibrary -data.imf.org / and UNCTADstat.  
1.12.  On the fiscal front, total annual revenue (as a percentage of GDP) remained stable between 
2012 (32.8%) and 2014 (35.1%) . However, since 2015 (20.5%), a downward trend has been 
observed in petroleum revenues, together with a shrinking of the tax base following negative, 
sluggish GDP growth in 2015 . However , a slight improvement  was experienced in 2018 and 2019 . 
As a proportion of GDP, expen ditures trended upwards  from 2012 to 2016, with sharp increases  
between 2012 and 2014 , before recording  a downward trend as from 2017 . Capital expenditure 
showed an upward trend between 2012 and 2016, reflecting  the impetus  of major public 
infrastructure c onstruction works , before falling significantly from 2017 onwards (Table 1.1).  
1.13.  Against this backdrop of falling public revenues and high expenditure (current and capital 
spending), the budget deficit (cash basis, excluding grants), which stood at 4.8% of G DP in 2012, 
fluctuated during the period under review, albeit with an upward trend reaching 16.5% in 2015 . The 
subsequent increase in financial needs was met by internal (bank) and external financing 
(accumulation of arrears) . As a result, the private sect or was crowded out, and debt (domestic and 
external) rose to 80.1% of GDP in 2017 before reaching 103.5% of GDP in 2021, well above the 
70% cap set by CEMAC (Table 1.1) . Between 2017 and 2021, Congo benefited from several  million  
US dollars in external deb t relief and cancellation (Table 1.2).  
1.14.  The external component remains predominant in the composition of Congo's public debt, 
having accounted for 55.1% and 52.4% of such debt in 2017 and 2021, respectively (Table 1.1) . 
Governance and debt overhang problems  had prompted Congo to negotiate and conclude an 
extended credit facility (ECF) programme with the IMF in 2019 . However, the COVID -19 pandemic 
and oil price shocks preceding the Ukraine crisis seriously undermined Congo's finances, raising 
concerns about d ebt viability . Consequently, the Congolese authorities are negotiating adjustments 
in the payment of outstanding external arrears to ease their financial burden.6 
1.15.  Despite a strongly positive external trade balance, Congo's current account balance has 
seesawed, with large deficits of around 11.7% of GDP in 2013, 34.9% of GDP in 2015, 44.0% of 
GDP in 2016, and a slight deficit in 2020 of 3.5% of GDP . The decline in petroleum revenue is the 
main cause of these deficits, together with a significant contraction  in the country's external 
reserves . As a result, the coverage rate of imports by external reserves narrowed significantly from 
nine and a half months in 201 to a single month in 2018 and 2019, before rising to two months in 
2021. The balance of services i s largely negative due to the high cost of transport and travel services, 
reflecting Congo's remoteness from its import markets in particular . The balance of payments was 
negative overall, partly due to dwindling exports of petroleum products  (Tables 1.1 a nd 1.2) . 
Table 1.2 Balance of payments, 2012 -21 
(USD  million)   
2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Current account balance  458.5  -2,125.9  684.1  -4,635.6  -5,115.2  338.2  1,219.4  2,208.5  -393.2  1,531.7  
Foreign trade balance  4,789.5  2,780.1  3,468.9  -1,109.4  -2,066.3  2,845.2  6,041.6  4,863.7  2,169.8  4,161.4  
Exports  10,274.5  9,030.8  8,878.7  4,680.2  4,358.7  6,250.0  9,501.7  8,259.3  4,951.3  7,421.1  
Imports  -5,485.0  -6,250.7  -5,409.7  -5,789.6  -6,425.0  -3,404.8  -3,460.1  -3,395.6  -2,781.5  -3,259.7  
Balance of services  -2,995.2  -3,773.4  -3,092.6  -3,318.3  -2,144.4  -951.5  -2,805.7  -1,877.1  -1,967.4  -2,158.8  
Balance of revenue  -1,426.1  -1,214.6  267.3  -65.8 -390.8  -1,558.6  -2,020.0  -810.9  -771.2  -510.3  
 
6 IMF (2021). Country Report No. 21/225.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 152 - 
 
   
2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Current transfers 
balance  90.3 82.0 40.7 -142.1  -513.7  2.9 3.4 32.8 175.5  39.5 
Capital and financial 
account  -23.3 453.7  -79.2 1,920.5  4,114.5  -1,228.1  -794.9  -1,948.6  1,003.3  -2,287.5  
Capital account  19.6 69.0 -4.7 -10.8 58.0 77.8 2.2 86.5 22.8 47.2 
Public (net)  19.6 69.0 7.3 0.0 68.2 86.1 10.8 96.6 33.0 57.7 
Private (net)  0.0 0.0 -11.9 -10.8 -10.1 -8.3 -8.6 -10.1 -10.3 -10.5 
Financial account  -42.9 384.7  -74.5 1,931.3  4,056.5  -1,305.9  -797.0  -2,035.1  979.9  -2,334.8  
Direct investment (net)  609.7  903.4  2,247.7  3,788.7  2,932.3  -490.1  408.9  -3,282.6  -3,080.5  -1,543.3  
Portfolio investment 
(net) -1.8 -1.6 -1.6 -1.4 -34.4 72.3 -1.4 -1.4 -1.4 -1.4 
Other net investment  -650.9  -517.1  -2,320.6  -1,856.0  1,158.6  -888.1  -1,204.6  1,248.8  4,062.5  -790.0  
Errors and omissions  -609.7  1,058.5  -210.0  460.9  -582.3  423.0  -698.7  -76.0 299.5  407.2  
Overall balance  -174.3  -613.7  394.7  -2,254.2  -1,583.0  -466.9  -274.0  184.0  909.7  -348.6  
Financing  174.3  613.7  -394.7  2,254.2  1,583.0  466.9  274.0  -184.0  -909.7  348.6  
Changes in official reserves 
(+ = decrease)  177.1  544.8  -394.3  2,245.6  1,485.1  367.2  -39.8 -472.4  -908.3  404.5  
Exceptional financing  -2.7 68.8 -0.6 8.5 97.9 99.7 314.0  288.4  -1.4 -55.9 
Variations in external 
arrears (reduction ( -)) -121.0  -0.6 -0.6 8.5 97.9 0.2 120.6  160.4  -92.9 -229.0  
Debt relief and 
cancellation  118.3  69.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 99.7 193.4  128.0  91.6 173.1  
Source:  Information compiled by the WTO Secretariat on the basis of BEAC annual reports (2014 -21). 
1.3  Trade and investment performance  
1.16.  During the period under review, the ratio of trade (exports and imports) of goods and services 
to GDP remained above 90%, with peaks of around 120% in 2015 and 2016 (Table 1.1) . This reflects 
the imp ortance of international trade for the Congolese economy . The country imports most of the 
consumer goods it needs and exports most of its main products, hence its high dependence on 
international trade.  
1.17.  The structure of Congo's export s has remained largely  unchanged since its last review . More 
than half of them continue to be concentrated in mining and quarrying, including fuels and 
hydrocarbons, at 78.9% in 2012 and 55.1% in 2021 . Machinery and transport equipment 
(re-exports) occupy second position, follo wed a long way behind by agricultural products, including 
timber (Chart 1.1 and Table A1.1) . Asia, primarily China, has become Congo's biggest trading 
partner . The volume of trade in goods with Asian countries increased considerably during the period 
under  review, rising from 21.5% to 45.8% for China and from 33.3% to 57.0% for all 
Asian  countries, including China . The European Union (EU -27) and the United States saw their share 
drop from 38.7% to 6.4% and from 6.1% to 0.6%, respectively, over the same peri od. Although 
the share of Congo's trade with other CEMAC member States has increased slightly, intra -community 
trade remains low, and Congo exports little to other African countries (Chart 1.2).  
1.18.  Despite a sharp decline, manufactures continue to account for a large share of imports (59.4% 
in 2021 compared to 92.0% in 2012) . They are followed by agricultural products (33.1% in 2021, 
compared to 6.4% in 2012) . The European Union remains Congo's largest import market, and its 
market share increased d uring the period under review, from 21.5% in 2012 to 30.8% in 2021 . The 
share of African countries in Congo's total imports remains low, falling from 52.9% in 2012 to 19.6% 
in 2021 (Chart 1.2 and Table A1.3).  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 153 - 
 
  Chart 1.1 Patterns in merchandise trade, 2012 and 2021  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculation s based on data from the United Nations Statistical Division (UNSD) 
Comtrade database (SITC Rev.3).  
2012 2021
(a)    Exports (f.o.b.)
Agriculture
15.0%
Fuels
55.1%Transport 
equipment
22.9%
Other
7.0%
Total: USD 7,437.9 million Total: USD 2,362.2 million
(b)    Imports (c.i.f.)
Agriculture  
6.4% Manufactures
92.0%
Non-electrical 
machinery 9.4%Other semi -
finished products 
4.2%Other 1.5 %
Chemical 
products 3.2%Other manufactured 
articles
5.5%
Electrical 
machinery
2.2%Transport 
equipment
65.2%
Iron and 
steel 2.3%
Agriculture  
33.1%Manufacture s
59.4%Non-electrical 
machinery
8.4%
Other
semi-finished 
products
5.7%Other
7.5%
Chemical 
products
16.5%Other 
manufactured 
articles 6.4% Electrical 
machinery
4.2%Transport 
equipment
15.5%
Iron and steel
2.7%
Total: USD 7,348.6 million Total: USD 2,315.5 millionOther 1.4%
Fuels
78.9%Agriculture
1.0%Transport 
equipment
18.7%WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 154 - 
 
  Chart 1.2 Direction of merchandise trade, 2012 and 2021  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculation s based on data from the United Nations Statistical Division (UNSD) 
Comtrade database.  
 
2012 2021
(a)    Exports (f.o.b.)
Other 2.3%
EU-27
6.4%Asia
57.0%
Other Asian 
countries
5.1%China 45.8%
United States 0.6%Africa
30.5%
CEMAC
(WTO Members)
9.8%Other African 
countries
20.8%India 3.1%United Arab 
Emirates 
3.1%
Australia 2.9%
Total: USD 7,437.9 million Total: USD 2,362.2 million
(b)    Imports (c.i.f.)
EU-27
21.5%China  4.3%
Other Asian
countries 7.6%Asia
12.7%Africa
52.9%
Other 1.7%CEMAC
(WTO Members)
14.8%Other African 
countries
12.6%
United States 2.5%
Brazil 6.2%Middle East 
1.7%
Russian 
Federation
0.02%India 0.7%Angola 
25.6%
Türkiye 0.8%
EU-27
30.8%China  19.6%
Other Asian 
countries
4.8%Asia
27.7%Africa
19.6%
Other 4.2%CEMAC
(WTO Members)
3.4%
United States 4.2%Other African 
countries
14.9%Middle East 
3.5%
Russian 
Federation
4.4%
India 3.3%Türkiye 2.4%Angola
1.3%
Brazil  3.2%
Total: USD 7,348.6 million Total: USD 2,351.5 millionOther 3.2%EU-27 
38.7%Asia
33.3%China 21.5%
Other Asian 
countries
4.3%
United States
6.1%Africa
18.6%CEMAC
(WTO Members)
3.2%Other African 
countries
15.4%
India 1.9%United Arab Emirates 0.1%
Australia 5.6%WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 155 - 
 
  2  TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
2.1  General framework  
2.1.  The Republic of the Congo's new constitution was promulgated in November  2015.7 It enshrines 
the separation of powers.8 Under the Constitution, the President of the Republic is elected by direct 
universal suffrage for a term of five years, renewable twice. The President of the Republic is the 
Head of S tate, head of the executive branch, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and 
President of the Judicial Service Commission. He appoints the Prime Minister, who is Head of 
Government. On the latter's proposal, he also appoints ministers. He determines their  powers by 
decree and chairs the Council of Ministers. Presidential elections were last held on 21  March  2021. 
They resulted in the re -election of the current President, in power from 1979 to 1992 and from 1997 
to the present.  
2.2.  Parliament is bicameral and is composed of the National Assembly, with 151 deputies elected 
for five years by direct universal suffrage, and the Senate, with 72  senators elected for six years by 
indirect suffrage (there are elections for one third of the S enate seats every three  years). Legislative 
elections were held in July  2022 and senatorial elections will be held in 2023. Once  adopted by 
Parliament9, a draft law becomes law after it has been promulgated by the Head of State and 
published in the Offici al Journal.10 
2.3.  The legal aspects of trade matters are dealt with at the national level, except in the event of 
recourse to the OHADA Arbitration Act11, more specifically to  the Common  Court of Justice and 
Arbitration (CCJA) (Common Report, Section  2). At th e national level, arbitration is administered by 
the Centre for Arbitration and Mediation of Congo (CEMACO), which has been in place since 
27 January  2012 and sits at the headquarters of the  Chamber  of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture 
and Trades at Brazzavi lle, with satellites at  Pointe -Noire, Ouesso, an d Dolisie.12 
2.4.  The President of the Republic (or his/her delegate) negotiates, signs and promulgates 
treaties  and international agreements; where necessary, these are submitted to Parliament 
for ratification.13 The WTO Agreement came into force in Congo after its ratification by the President 
of the Republic on 21  April 1997 (Law No.  07-97 of 21  April 1997), following authorization by 
Parliament on 27  March  1997.  
2.5.  The hierarchy of laws follows the monist system u nder which treaties and international 
agreements, once ratified, take precedence over laws, with the proviso that each individual 
agreement or treaty is applied by the other parties, except in the case of human rights treaties. 
Upon their entry into force,  treaties and international agreements are directly applicable as law in 
 
7 The first Constitution dates from 2  May 1961; the second, of 8  December  1963, was repealed and 
replaced by the Acte fondamental  of 16 August  1968; the third, of 31  December  1969, was suspended by the 
Acte fondamental  of 5 April 1977; the fourth dates from  8 July 1979; the fifth, of 15  March  1992, was 
suspended in 1998; and the sixth Constitution dates from 20  January  2002.  
8 Executive power is vested in the  President of the Republic and his/her Government; legislative power 
rests with Parliament; and  judicial power is exercised by the Supreme  Court, the courts of appeal, the Court of 
Audit and Budgetary Discipline, and  other national courts.  
9 Pursuant to Article 1 47 of the 20 15 Constitution, draft laws are first considered by the first chamber 
seized, on the basis of the text introduced by th e Prime Minister . Once that chamber has voted to approve the 
draft, it is referred to the other chamber, which then considers the text before it. Pursuant to Article  150, draft 
laws are considered by the  two chambers in successively with a view to the adop tion of an identical text; in the 
event of disagreement, the Prime Minister  may convene a joint (equi -representational) committee to propose a 
draft on the provisions yet to be  agreed.  
10 Organic laws cannot be promulgated until they have been ruled constit utional by the Constitutional 
Court.  
11 OHADA's Uniform Act on Arbitration was adopted by Congo on 11  July 1999 and entered into force 90 
days after its  adoption (Article  9 of the Treaty on the Harmonization of Buisness Law in Africa).  
12 According to the au thorities, CEMACO's main responsibilities are to organize and administer mediation 
and arbitration procedures referred to it, to provide training or assistance to facilitate the promotion of  a 
culture of trade dispute settlement in Congo and to contribute to improving the business environment (Article  2 
of the CEMACO statute).  
13 Title XVII of the 20 15 Constitution. The Constitutional Court rules on the constitutionality of treaties 
and agreements. When the Constitutional Court has ruled that an internationa l commitment contains a clause 
that is contrary to the Constitution, ratification or approval cannot be authorized until the Constitution has 
been amended.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 156 - 
 
  Congo and automatically legally binding. Consequently, the WTO  Agreements may be invoked 
directly before the national courts, although this has hitherto not happened. After treaties, 
international agreements and the  Constitution come laws, decrees and orders, in descending order. 
Ordinances are the exclusive purview of the President of the Republic. Decree -laws are not 
customary in Congo.  
2.6.  The preparation and implementation of Congo's t rade policy are the responsibility 
of the Ministry of Trade and Supply. The Ministry deals with issues relating to Congo's participation 
in the WTO and in regional, subregional and bilateral trade mechanisms. A Ministry representative 
acts as the Executive  Secretary to the National Committee for Monitoring and  Coordinating 
Multilateral Trade Negotiations.14 It has not been fully functional since 2017 due to the financial 
crisis affecting the country.  
2.7.  According to the authorities, the Ministry has undergone restructuring, as a result of which the 
former Directorate -General of Trade has been broken up into three different Directorates -General, 
namely the Directorate -General for  Foreign  Trade, the Directorate -General for Domestic Trade, and 
the Directorate -General of  Supply. A degree of confusion has ensued. For  example, aspects of 
foreign trade, in particular import -related matters, sometimes fall within the remit of  the 
Directorate -General of Domestic Trade and sometimes that of the Directorate -General of  Supply, for 
reasons that are not altogether clear. By carving up this important Ministerial department and 
dividing its functions among the  resulting Directorates -General in an unclear manner, the 
effectiveness and coordination of the activities of the new Dir ectorates -General is undermined, which 
gives rise to competency conflicts and substantial additional costs to the  country.  
2.8.  Other ministries are involved in drafting and implementing trade policy in their respective areas 
of competence, in particular the  ministries responsible for the economy, finance, planning, foreign 
affairs, international  cooperation, agriculture, tourism, transport and justice.  
2.9.  The private sector and civil society continue to interact formally or informally with the 
government. The priv ate sector, in  this case the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and 
Trades (CCIAM)15, the Employers' and Interprofessional Union of Congo (UNICONGO), one of the 
leading employers' associations in the country, the Congolese Shippers' Council (CCC) ( Section  3), 
as well as consumer associations, civil society, and NGOs are all represented in  the National 
Committee for Monitoring and Coordinating Multilateral Trade Negotiations.16 However, apart from 
the legislature, which is constitutionally empowered to monitor the actions of the executive branch, 
no other national body is responsible for evaluating Congo's trade policy.  
2.10.  Each ministry initiates the legal instruments relating to its area of competence. The principal 
legal instruments relating to trade a re set out in  Table  2.1. 
Table 2.1 Principal trade -related laws and regulations of Congo, July  2022  
Area  Instrument/text  
Customs legislation  CEMAC Customs Code  
Customs tariff  
Decree No.  2019-40 of 11 March  2019 establishing, organizing and 
allocating single goods' control points at the autonomous port of 
Pointe -Noire.  
Trader status  Uniform Act on General Commercial Law adopted on 15  December  2010 at 
Lomé; OHADA Official Journal17 
Law No.  19-2005 of 24  November  2005.  
Decree No.  2008-447 of 15  November  2008 laying down the conditions for 
modifying, extending and transferring commercial activities and the 
amount of statutory charges  
Customs valuation  Decree No.  2001-387 of 31  July 2001.  
Preshipment inspection  Decree No.  95-147 of 8  August  1995 and Decree No.  99-167 of 
23 August  1999 
 
14 Decree No.  2003-48 of 20  March  2003.  
15 Decree No. 95 -245 of 4 December 1995.  
16 Decree No.  2003-48 of 20 March  2003.  
17 Viewed at http://www.droit -afrique.com/pays/congo /. WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 157 - 
 
  Area  Instrument/text  
Value added tax, excise duties, 
and customs fees  General Tax Code  
Import prohibitions and licences  Law No.  7-94 of 1  June 1994.  
Order No.  2853 prohibiting the  manufacture, import, distribution, 
possession, sale or free offer of cigarettes with flavour capsules, as well as 
flavoured cigarettes and waterpipes  
Sanitary and phytosanitary 
measures:  
 Human health and phytosanitary 
measures  
 Animal health  Laws Nos.  6-94 and 7 -94 of 1  June 1994 
Decree No.  67/182 of 17  July 1967 
Order No.  3312 of 26  April 2017 on the creation, powers and organization 
of the plant breeding and improvement laboratory  
Investments  Law No.  6-2003 of 18  January  2003 
Law No.  7-96 of 6  March  1996 amending certain provisions of Law 
No. 008-92 of 10  April 1992 on the Investment Code  
Law No.  008-92 of 10  April 1992 on the Investment Code  
Decree No.  2003-57 of 22  April 2003 on the e stablishment, powers and 
composition of the National Investment Commission  
Decree No.  2004-30 of 18  February  2004 on the modalities to approve 
enterprises for the benefits derived from the Investment Charter  
Decree No.  94-568 of 10  October  1994, as amended  by Decree 
No. 95-183 of 18  October  1995 establishing the Business Administrative 
Formalities Centre  
Procedures and regulations 
for the establishment of  private 
commercial enterprises  Seven Uniform Acts of the Organization for the Harmonization of Business 
Law in Africa (OHADA)  
Decree No.  2011-258 of 25  March  2011 on the establishment, powers and 
organization of the High Council for Public -Private Dialogue (HDCPP 
decree)18 
Protection of patents, industrial 
designs, and trademarks, 
new plant varieties  Bangui Agreement (1999)  
Protection of copyright and 
related rights  Law No.  24/82 of 7  July 1982 
Competition and prices  Law No.  6-94 of 1  June 1994.  
Privatization of state -owned 
enterprises  Law No.  21-94 of 10 August  1994 
Government procurement  Decree No.  02/329 of 22  April 1982 
Decree No.  2009-156 of 20  May 2009 enacting the Government 
Procurement Code19 
Forestry  Law No.  33-2020 of 8  July 2020 on the Forestry Code  
Fisheries  Law No.  2-2000 of 1 February  2000 
Order No.  6 prohibiting fishing vessels and other craft from maritime 
fishing in the zone reserved for non -industrial fishing and aquaculture  
Mining  Law No.  4-2005 of 11  April 2005 
Order No.  12326 of 7  September  2022 on drawing up specific ations in the 
mining sector  
Hydrocarbons  Law No.  2016-28 of 12  October  2016 on the Hydrocarbons Code  
Electricity  Law No.  14-2003 of 10  April 2003 
Decree No.  2020-133 of 18  May 2020 setting the energy consumption 
bands applicable to different categories of electrical utility users  
Order No.  673 setting the terms and conditions for the issuance and 
renewal of electricity import and export licenses  
Water  Law No.  14-2003 of 10  April 2003 
 
18 Viewed at https://www.wbginvestmentclimate.org/toolkits/health -in-africa -policy -
toolkit/upload/DEC RET-HCDPP.pdf . 
19 Government Procurement Regulatory Authority, Viewed at http://www.armpcongo.org/Decret -n-
2009-156-PR_a34.html . WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 158 - 
 
  Area  Instrument/text  
Telecommunications and postal 
services  Decree No.  84/078 o f 19 January  1984 
Ordinances Nos.  8-2001, 10 -2001 and 11 -2001 of 1  July 2001 
Law 29 -2019 of 10  October  2019 on the creation of personal data  
Law No.  37-2019 of 12  December  2019 on electronic transactions  
Decree No.  2019-150 of 17  June 2019 approving the na tional strategy for 
the development of the digital economy  
Decree No.  2015-242 of 4  February  2015 setting the terms and conditions 
for the regulation of tariffs for electronic communications services  
Decree No.  2014-596 of 3  November  2014 regulating electr onic signatures 
for electronic transactions  
Order No.  8787 on the management of ".cg" and ".gouv.cg" Internet 
domain names  
Tourism establishments  
Tourist agencies  Decree No.  84-078 of 19  January  1984 
Decree No.  83-853 of 22  November  1983 
Law No.  29-2021 governing the tourism sector  
Decree No.  2022-241 setting classification standards for tourist 
accommodation establishments  
Decree No.  2022-242 setting out the modalities for classifying, 
downgrading and reclassifying tourist accommodation establishmen ts 
Banking services  Bank of Central African States (BEAC) and Central African Monetary Union 
provisions  
Insurance  Insurance Code of the Inter -African Conference on Insurance Markets 
(CIMA)  
Law 37 -2014 of 27  June 2014 instituting the universal insurance system  
Standards  Law No.  20-2015 of 29  October  2015 governing the national 
standardization and quality management system  
Law No.  19-2015 of 29  October  2015 creating the Congolese 
Standardization and Quality Agency (ACONOQ)  
Special Economic Zones  Law No.  24-2017 of 9  June 2017, on the creation of special economic 
zones, and the definition of their regime and their organization  
Law No.  25-2017 of 9  June 2017, creating the agency for the planning, 
promotion and development of special e conomic zones  
Law No.  36-2019 of 26  November  2019, creating the regulatory authority 
for special economic zones  
Decree No.  2018-213 of 5  June 2018, setting the conditions for granting 
and withdrawing investor approval for the special economic zones regime  
Decree No.  2019-120 of 3  May 2019 on the creation, powers and 
operation of one -stop shops in special economic zones  
Source:  Congolese authorities.  
2.11.  According to the authorities, with the entry into force of the OHADA Treaty, the legal 
framework for busines s in the Republic of the Congo is in principle based on the different OHADA 
Uniform Acts (Common Report, Section 2).20 However, the  alignment of the national laws with these 
provisions is not yet complete. The process of harmonizing domestic law with certa in OHADA Uniform 
Acts, including by referring to national laws for certain aspects of the Acts' implementation, is still 
underway. On the legal front, other sectoral texts could also be improved, in particular the 
Hydrocarbons Code and the Mining Code, whi ch could promote investment and the development of 
exploration, as well as the Investment Charter, by introducing provisions favourable to the 
development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through joint ventures between local and 
foreign private compa nies. 
2.2  Trade policy objectives  
2.12.  The country's trade policy is based on regulations established at the supranational 
(i.e. multilateral, regional and subregional) level, and at the national level for all aspects not covered 
elsewhere (Common Report, Section 2 ). This commitment to integration is part of Congo's 
overarching trade policy goal of poverty reduction thanks to the positive spill -over effects that should 
result from further liberalizing the trade regime (including trade facilitation); diversifying exp orts; 
 
20 The revised OHADA Treaty was ratified in 2009.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 159 - 
 
  and accelerating the privatization programme and sectoral reforms (agriculture, mining, services 
and industry). In each sector to be promoted, the primary aim is to increase the competitiveness of 
local goods and services for export, in order to boos t revenues and reduce poverty.  
2.13.  The Republic of the Congo's economic and social development strategy is based on plans. 
Following the National Development Plans (PND) that covered the periods 2012 –16 and 2018 -22, 
the Government has drawn up a new plan for 2 022–26 (PND  2022–26). 
2.14.  According to the Congolese authorities, the PND  2022–26 aims, among other things, to build 
a strong, diversified and resilient economy based on growth -generating activities, including 
agriculture in the broadest sense (arable farming, livestock, fishing, fish farming, agroforestry), 
industry, special economic zones, tourism, the digital economy and real estate.  
2.15.  Foreign trade has accounted for 114.8 % of GDP on average over the last five years. In that 
respect, the PND  2022–26 se ts out to make trade one of the main drivers of growth in the Congolese 
economy, the aim being to provide the local market with a sufficient, regular supply and so reduce 
the level of food imports. The Government will promote the marketing and processing o f agricultural 
products, modernize agriculture, provide the country with at least two quality -control laboratories 
in Brazzaville and Pointe -Noire, and build at least two wholesale markets in those two major cities, 
as well as warehouses for the storage an d conservation of agricultural products.21 
2.16.  The success of the PND  2022-26 will also depend to a large extent on the private sector's 
contribution to the financing of activities relating directly or indirectly to the various pillars of the 
PND. The Governme nt faces two major challenges in achieving this: improving the business climate; 
and introducing incentives to make companies more competitive.  
2.3  Trade agreements and arrangements  
2.3.1   WTO  
2.17.  Congo is an original Member of the WTO (Common Report, Section  2).22 Betwe en 
January  2019 and May  2022, it was subject to "administrative measures" imposed on countries that 
have outstanding contributions, which has limited Congo's participation  in WTO activities. Since 
June 2022, the country has regularized its situation by pay ing its outstanding contributions to the 
WTO.  
2.18.  During the period under review, the Republic of the Congo submitted very few notifications 
to the WTO (Common Report, Section 2). Consequently, Congo's trade policy remains something of 
an unknown quantity to W TO Members. Congo has not been involved in any formal WTO disputes.  
2.3.2   Other agreements and arrangements  
2.19.  In addition to its reciprocal trade preferences within the CEMAC and ECCAS frameworks, 
Congo benefits from the non -reciprocal preferential treatment offer ed by the EU, the United States 
and other developed or developing countries in accordance with their national preference schemes, 
including the Generalized System of Preferences (Common Report, Section 2).  
2.20.  Congo is a member of the following regional and su bregional organizations: the  African  Union , 
the Economic Commission for Africa , the  African Continental Free Trade Area, the Economic 
Community of Central African States (ECCAS), and CEMAC (Common Report, Section  2). Congo has 
also con cluded framework trade facilitation agreements with China, Rwanda, France and Senegal.  
2.4  Investment regime  
2.21.  Since the Republic of the Congo's last TPR, the Investment Promotion Agency (API) has been 
set up. According to the statutes adopted in April  2013 (Decree No.  2013/32), the API's mandate 
 
21 PND 2022 –26. 
22 Congo inherited the status of contracting party on 3  May 1963 (Article  XXVI:5(c) of the GATT  1994) 
after applying the GATT de facto as from 15  August  1960. It ratified the  Marrakesh  Agreements on 
27 March  1997.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 160 - 
 
  covers three main areas: devising and promoting the Republic of the Congo's brand image to attract 
potential investors; implementing government investment policy through activities to promote and 
facilitate private investment; and contributing to improving the business environment.  
2.22.  The Ministry of the Economy and Finance  formulates national investment policy. The  National 
Investment Commission (CNI) is responsible for implementing government investment policy and 
following it up with the approved enterprises and the national authorities involved in the  relevant 
incentives. It works to  implement economic investment regulations by considering applications for 
approval, granting the benefits of preferential regimes to approved businesses, ensuring compliance 
with the  commitments entered into by the companies approved under the various regimes, and 
certifying the  end of the companies' start -up period. The CNI is chaired by the Minister of the 
Economy and Finance and holds four regular meetings a year, though extraordinary sessions  may be 
convened at the initiative of its chair.  
2.23.  The API works in parallel with the CNI. Its role is to implement government investment policy 
through activities to promote and facilitate private investment; contribute to improving the business 
environment; and devise and promote a  brand image to attract potential investors to Congo. 
The API makes economic, commercial and technical information available to  investors,  or conducts 
studies on investment opportunities. It is managed by a general manager, under the supervision of 
a Management Committee, which c omprises a chair, representatives of the Office of the President 
of the Republic, the ministry responsible for promoting the private sector, employers, private -sector 
users, the general manager of the body and staff, as well as two persons recognized for t heir abilities 
appointed by the President of the Republic.  
2.24.  Adopted in 2003, the Investment Charter of Congo remains the principal regulatory 
framework for investments and coexists with OHADA standards. As is the case for all the other 
members of CEMAC, the  Charter transposes Community provisions on investment into national law 
(Common Report, Section  2). The national charter is supplemented by regulations adopted at the 
beginning of 2004. It defines the eligibility conditions and criteria for the various re gimes/benefits; 
investment procedures and the approval authority; and the obligations incumbent upon approved 
enterprises, infringements, penalties, miscellaneous provisions, and other practical information.23 
2.25.  The Investment Charter provides guarantees to all investors, irrespective of  nationality. It 
reaffirms that every investor is free to engage in business; the right to property, including intellectual 
property; the right to repatriate capital invested and profits realized, as well as savings made on 
salaries by expatriate staff; the right of access to foreign exchange and free movement of capital; 
and the transparent application of business law and labour law.  
2.26.  Specific regulatory frameworks also apply to mining, forestry and oil companies (Section 4). 
Although trade is, in principle, an activity excluded from the ambit of Charter, in exceptional 
circumstances it applies to commercial activities associated with the collection, storage, distribution 
and export of locally manufactured products (other than a lcoholic beverages and tobacco) with 
a view to promoting exports of local manufactures. Other activities are not open to private 
investment, however, including the sugar industry (Section  4.2), certain services related oil 
operations (Section  4.3) and good s or services supplied under a state monopoly (water, postal 
services and fixed telecommunications) (Sections  3 and  4). The electricity sector has been 
liberalized. Moreover, market stall trading, bread -making and urban transport activities are reserved 
to traders of Congolese nationality.24 
2.27.  In addition to various guarantees (including non -discrimination, free movement and free 
transfer of revenue), newly formed companies operating in one of the eligible sectors can benefit 
from the customs, tax and land -ownership measures provided for at the Community level 
(Common  Report, Section  3), including: (i) exemption from the profits tax during the company's 
first three years of operation; (ii) the option to implement degressive or accelerated amortization 
and, dur ing the first years of operation, authorization to carry losses over to subsequent years; 
(iii) companies with subsidiaries  may deduct the income from shares or ownership interests in those 
subsidiaries from their taxable profits; and (iv) tax reduction me asures when profits are  reinvested.  
 
23 Decree No. 2004 -30 of 18 February 2004.  
24 Law No. 19 -2005 of 24 November 2005.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 161 - 
 
  2.28.  Other measures are available as a result of the Republic of the Congo's application of the 
provisions of the OHADA revised Uniform Act on General Commercial Law. They include the abolition 
of fees for the publication of a company incorporation notice (a simple notification to the Commercial 
Court or on the website of the  Business  Formalities Centre and its single -window facility now 
suffices) and the submission of a  sworn statement instead of a copy of a police record (Co mmon 
Report,  Section  2). 
2.29.  According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), several 
cross-cutting constraints hinder the Congo's attractiveness to investors. They include "the limited 
level of private -sector development, particul arly outside the oil industry; the shortage of skilled 
labour; poor transport infrastructure; the energy challenge; institutional weaknesses in the public 
administration; and, above all, the challenges of governance and the fight against corruption".25 
2.30.  Since the last TPR, according to the authorities, the Congolese government has been making 
efforts to strengthen governance and combat corruption. Key measures include the Government 
Procurement Law (Decree No.  156-2009 of 20  May 2009), as amended in 2012 (Ac t No. 31-2012), 
and the 2017 Transparency Law (Law No.10 of 9  March  2017). At the international level, in 2005, 
Congo signed the United Nations Convention against Corruption and the African Union Convention 
on Preventing and Combating Corruption. At the na tional level, Congo has enacted a series of 
anti-corruption laws, including Law No.  5 of 22  September  2009 on corruption, extortion, fraud and 
related offences. The country has also set up the National Commission to Combat Corruption, 
Extortion and Fraud ( CNLCCF). In addition, the Anti -Corruption Observatory was established to 
enable civil society to provide advice to the CNLCCF and monitor its activities. The National Financial 
Investigation Agency (ANIF) was set up in 2008, and Congo joined the Extractive  Industries 
Transparency Initiative (EITI) in 2007.  
2.31.  The Government has also introduced a number of reforms to make it easier to do business, 
including the creation of a brick -and-mortar one -stop shop, the Congolese Agency for Business 
Creation (ACPCE), bri nging all the authorities involved in setting up a business under one roof (Law 
No. 16-2017 of 30  October  201726). It has also established the Maison de l'Entreprise (MEC), which 
also aims to simplify business creation in Congo.  
2.32.  Other measures have also been taken to make it easier to do business, including the 
establishment of the Interministerial Committee to Improve the Business Climate (Decree 
No. 2017-42 of 28  March  2017); the National Committee for Consultation between the Private 
Sector and Pu blic Administrations (Decree No.  2018-340 of 27  August  2018); the Single Customs 
Clearance Window (GUD), the Single Cross -Border Transactions Window (GUOT) and the Single 
Payment Counter (GUP); and the easing of requirements for setting up companies, inclu ding 
scrapping the minimum capital requirement for establishing an SARL -type company (Decree 
No. 2017-41 of 28  March  2017).  
2.33.  Disputes between the State and investors are settled in accordance with the rules of the 
national courts or the provisions of the in ternational treaties and conventions to which Congo is 
party (Common Report, Section  2). Congo has also concluded a number of bilateral agreements on 
the reciprocal protection and promotion of investments with the following countries: Germany 
(1967), Switz erland (1964), United Kingdom (1990), United States (1994) and Italy (1994, but 
which came into force on 10  January  2003). Congo has concluded two conventions with France 
(1986 and 1987), to prevent double taxation and tax evasion. In  October  2005, it sign ed an 
agreement with Tunisia on the reciprocal promotion and protection of investments, together with a 
double -taxation convention. A reciprocal investment promotion and protection agreement was 
signed with South  Africa in  October  2005. Lastly, the Republi c of the Congo has also signed 
reciprocal protection and promotion agreements with China (2000), Mauritius (2010) and the 
Republic of Korea (2006). There have been no changes to these agreements since the last review.  
 
25 UNCTAD (2014), L'examen de la politique d'investissement de la République du Congo , pp. 4 –5. 
26 Viewed at https://www.acpce.cg/download/loi -n-16-2017-du-30-mars-2017/. WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 162 - 
 
  3  TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1  Measures directly affecting imports  
3.1.1   Registration  
3.1.  Since Congo's last trade policy review (TPR) in 2013, all economic operators must be registered 
and entered in the Trade and Personal Property Credit Register, irrespective of the type of company 
or establishment; be registered in the files of  the National Institute of Statistics (INS); obtain a 
unique identification number (NIU) from the Directorate -General of Taxes; be  registered with the 
Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Trades; and be registered with the National Social 
Securit y Fund. These conditions apply to both nationals and non -nationals.27 
3.2.  Congo does not require separate registration to engage in foreign trade; registration to operate 
as a trader is all that is required. For registration purposes, all traders must appear b efore the 
Congolese Agency for Business Creation (ACPCE), where they meet with a business advisor in order 
to fill out a single form and attach the original identity card or other equivalent document, as well 
as two photocopies of these documents, three id entity photographs and, for a married person, a 
copy of the marriage certificate.  
3.3.  According to the authorities, in order to facilitate and simplify the business start -up formalities, 
by enabling entrepreneurs to complete the declarations required under law s and regulations in the 
same place and in the same document. All administrative procedures associated with business 
activities can be carried out at the Congolese Agency for Business Creation (single window)28 in 
Brazzaville, Pointe -Noire, Ouesso, Nkayi, Dolisie or Owando. All administrative formalities are carried 
out at ACPCE departmental and interdepartmental offices throughout the country. The average time 
taken to complete these formalities is 72 hours in Brazzaville and Pointe -Noire, and slightly lon ger 
in other departments if the person registering the business has all of the necessary documents. 
Registration costs vary depending upon the nature, class and locality of the activity.29 
3.4.  Upon payment of the required fees30, the single window handles the formalities with the 
following offices on the trader's behalf: the Registry of the Commercial Court (RCCM); the Chamber 
of Commerce; the National Social Security Fund; the National Institute of Statistics; the 
departmental Tax Directorate; the departmental  Labour Directorate; and the departmental Trade 
Directorate. The operations delegated to the single window cover all of the formalities associated 
with registering a business and issuing the NIU, as well as a temporary trading permit.  
3.5.  The number of registrations to engage in trade has grown significantly since the last review, 
confirming the economic upturn in Congo. Between 2019 and 2021, the single window was used to 
help to set up approximately 5,500 sole proprietorships and 2,000 capital companie s (Table  3.1). 
Table 3.1 Number of businesses set up, 2019 -21 
 
2019  2020  2021  Total  
Sole proprietorship  1,643  1,742  2,110  5,495  
SA (société anonyme  - public limited company)  29 35 39 103 
SAS ( société par actions simplifiée  - simplified 
joint-stock company)  15 23 28 66 
SARL ( société à responsabilité limitée  - limited liability 
company)  196 275 388 859 
SAU ( société anonyme 
unipersonnelle  - single -member public limited 
company)  8 10 13 31 
 
27 Law No. 03 of 24 January 2007 regulating imports, exports and re -exports. See also the 
2013 Budget  Law. 
28 Law No. 16 -2017 of 30 March 2017, creating a public administrative body called the 
Congolese  Agency for Business Creation (ACPCE).  
29 Articles  277-327 of the General Tax Code.  
30 Law No.  36-2011 of 29  December  2011 on the 2012 Budget L aw institutes a  single tax, levied upon 
starting a business. The amount is set at CFAF  500,000 for capital firms, CFAF  300,000 for partnerships and 
economic interest groups, and CFAF  100,000 for sole proprietorships. The fee for obtaining a temporary tradi ng 
licence is CFAF  10 million and the cost for renewing it is CFAF 25 million.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 163 - 
 
   
2019  2020  2021  Total  
SASU ( société par actions simplifiée 
unipersonnelle  - single -member simplified joint -stock 
company)  5 6 9 20 
SARLU ( société à responsabilité limitée à associé 
unique - single -member limited liability company)  202 231 372 805 
Economic interest group  (EIG)  2 4 3 9 
SARL branch  2 3 2 7 
SA branch  .. 2 6 8 
SCS ( Société en commandite simple  - limited 
partnership)  .. .. .. .. 
Other forms  12 22 39 74 
Total  2,115  2,353  3,009  7,477  
.. Not available.  
Source:  Congolese Agency for Business Creation (ACPCE).  
3.6.  Import, export and re -export activities are regulated by law31 in Congo. The Law provides for 
two import procedures: (i) the import declaration (DI) regime, which covers goods or merchandise 
which can be imported free of quotas, with the value threshold se t at CFAF  1 million; and (ii) the 
special import authorization (ASI) regime, which covers any goods or merchandise which are 
specifically subject to a duly justified restriction. This ASI requires a visa from the 
Directorate -General of Currency. Products t hat may affect public health, the environment and 
security, in particular, are subject to a special import authorization (Section 3.1.9). There is also a 
regime for self -service declaration for imports and procedures through the Single Window for 
Cross -Border Operations (GUOT).  
3.7.  The different procedures for declaring imports are: simplified declarations; direct imports and 
clearance for home use (IM4); direct currency imports (IMF4); the granting of temporary admission 
(IM5); importation of goods under the w arehousing procedure (IM6 and IM7); and authorization to 
move goods from one place to another (IM8).  
3.8.  In Congo, all imports and exports, irrespective of the origin/destination and the applicable 
customs procedure, must have been issued with an electronic ca rgo tracking note (BESC) by the 
Congolese Shippers Council, a state agency under the ministry in charge of the merchant marine. 
This applies to all modes of transport, including land, air, maritime and river transport. However, 
goods in transit or tranship ment are not required to have an BESC.32 
3.9.  In Congo, an BESC is required, inter alia , for customs declarations. It informs the customs 
authorities of  the approximate value and tonnage of the cargo, and the type of goods being shipped. 
It also provides data t hat allow the goods to be tracked from the port of loading to the port of 
discharge, thereby also playing a key security role. The BESC must be sent electronically at least 
48 hours prior to the cargo's arrival.33 
3.10.  The International Maritime Bureau manages BESCs and collects fees according to the following 
tariff,  70% of which goes to the Congolese Shippers Council: a flat fee (EUR  55 per BESC for  
shipments from Europe and Africa; EUR  100 per BESC for shipments originating in other continents) 
plus a compone nt that varies depending on the package type (Table  3.2). There is a flat fee of 
CFAF 3,000 for BESCs for exports to any continent.  
3.11.  There are no Community regulations in respect of BESCs (Common Report, Section 3.1). This 
measure duplicates the work done b y Customs and adds to the costs of importing into Congo, which 
seems to run counter to the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement ratified by Congo.  
Table 3.2 Variable component of the BESC tariff 2022  
Imports from Africa and Europe  
Bulk EUR 82 per bill of lading (BL) / 500 tonnes maximum  
Break bulk  EUR 82 per BL / 500 tonnes maximum  
 
31 Law No. 03 -2007 of 24 January 2007.  
32 Ministry of Maritime Transport and the Merchant Marine: Order No.  1033/MTMMM of 14 May 2008.  
33 Circular Note No. 126/MFB/DGDDI -DRC, of 23  June 2017 on the requirement to send manifests 
electronically.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 164 - 
 
  Imports from Africa and Europe  
20 ft container  EUR 60 per BL / 2 units  
40 ft container  EUR 60 per BL / 1 unit  
Vehicle of up to 5 tonnes  EUR 60 per BL / 1 unit 
Vehicle of over 5 tonnes  EUR 60 per BL / 1 unit  
Imports from Asia, America and the rest of the world  
Bulk EUR 110 per BL / 500 tonnes maximum  
Break bulk  EUR 110 per BL / 500 tonnes maximum  
20 ft container  EUR 110 per BL / 2 units  
40 ft container  EUR 110 per BL / 1 unit  
Vehicle of up to 5 tonnes  EUR 110 per BL / 1 unit  
Vehicle of over 5 tonnes  EUR 110 per BL / 1 unit  
Note:  In addition to the fees set out above, transfer fees, bank charges and the currency adjustment 
factor (CAF), which are EUR  40 per BESC, will be paid to the representative of the CCC and port 
officers .  
Source:  Information provided by the Congolese Shippers Council.  
3.1.2   Customs procedures  
3.12.  Congo has ratified and applies the Kyoto Convention on the Simplification  and Harmonization 
of Customs Procedures.34 Like all the other CEMAC member countries, since 2001 Congo has applied 
the Community Customs Code35 to the importation, exportation and re -exportation of goods 
(Common Report, Section  3.1.1). The documents requi red for customs procedures in Congo are: the 
bill of lading; purchase invoice; freight invoice; insurance certificate; import declaration; import 
inspection certificate; and, where necessary, the original BESC, certificate of origin, and 
phytosanitary cert ificate.  
3.13.  The detailed declaration is filed either by approved customs agents (or forwarding agents) or 
directly by the importers. There were 97 approved customs agencies in Congo in 2022, and no 
limitations are in place on customs posts, meaning that they cover the entire national customs 
territory.  
3.14.  With the exception of low -value imports, a customs agent must handle any customs 
formalities relating to the detailed declaration. However, economic operators wishing to declare their 
goods themselves must have prior authorization to do so. The prerequisites and terms (duration, 
renewal, geographical limitations or fees) for approval of customs agents and, where applicable, for 
authorizing an importer to file their own declaration are governed by the provisi ons of Articles 148 
to 155 of the CEMAC Customs Code and Regulation No.  11/10 -UEAC -207-CM-21 of 28  October  2010 
laying down the regulations for approved customs agents.36 
3.15.  The import procedure consists of seven stages: obtaining the import declaration, cert ificate 
of conformity  and certificate of origin ; carrying out the inspection of goods ; obtaining compulsory 
local insurance for imports (2013 Budget Law) ; carrying out pre -inspection checks by 
 
34 Law No. 44 -2017 of 29 December 2017 authorizing the ratification of the International Convention on 
the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures; and Decree No. 2017 -520 of 29  December  2017 
on the ratification of the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs 
Procedures.  
35 Regulation No.  5/01-UDEAC -097-CM-06. 
36 These include: the application for approval sent to the Directorate -General of Customs ; submitting 
proof of a bank guarantee in the amount of CFAF  25 million; membership of a trade union; articles of 
association; registration in the Trade and Personal Property Credit Register; a certified copy of the minutes of 
the meeting at which company directors were appointed if they were not appointed under the Articles of 
Association; the birth certificate(s) for the appointed director(s); the individual  application for approval by the 
persons appointed to represent the company and their birth certif icates; a certificate stating that the applicant 
has worked for a least five years, in a public or private sector, in the area of transit, goods clearance or 
international trade; a certified copy of the degree or an equivalent higher education diploma in t he same field 
recognized by the State; a certificate, duly signed by the Directorate -General of Customs, confirming sufficient 
years of service for former customs officers; registration with the consular chamber; a certificate of good 
standing; the manager 's certificate of nationality; a certificate or approval from the Ministry of Transport; the 
company and manager 's NIU; the company website; a file -processing fee of CFAF 300,000; files examined by 
the National Advisory Committee; files which have received  the approbation of the National Advisory 
Committee are transmitted to the CEMAC Commission; the CEMAC Valuation Committee examines the files; 
and approval is granted. Approval is granted for an indeterminate period and is valid nationwide and/or 
Community -wide.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 165 - 
 
  COTECNA/WEBFONTAINE for goods valued at over  CFAF 3 million ; and domiciling payments. It 
should be noted that the import declaration applies to all products admitted freely and without 
quotas, and a  number of documents must be obtained from the Directorate -General of Domestic 
Trade. These include a valid copy of the t rade register, a current business import licence, the NIU 
and the pro forma  invoice. A valid prior import declaration (DPIV) is required for all imports.  
3.16.  Exports of forestry products are subject to special conditions of approval. Special conditions 
also ap ply to persons who are approved to  import petroleum products.37 
3.17.  In Congo, nearly 98 % of customs -declaration processing has been computerized using the 
Automated System for Customs Data ( ASYCUDA World) since 2014. A data -processing fee is applied 
to imports, set at the following percentages of the c.i.f. value: 2 % for imports with a c.i.f. value of 
up to CFAF  100 million; 1 % for imports with a value of over CFAF  100 million; and 0 % for imports 
for diplomatic missions and similar bodies.  
3.18.  A risk managem ent mechanism for processing customs declarations is in place in Congo. 
Import and export declarations allow goods to be routed into one of three risk selectivity lanes: 
green for immediate release, orange for scanning, and red for physical inspection and documentary 
checks. The assessment methodology is based on a matrix of risk indicators built into the ASYCUDA 
World system, which include the characteristics and compliance record of the importer and customs 
broker, as well as the nature (fresh food, froze n or not), packaging (containerized goods or not), 
customs procedure ((IM), export or not) and origin of the consignment. According to the authorities, 
the risk engine within the IT system is not powerful and these criteria have not been updated for 
years.  
3.19.  The authorities have indicated that Congo does not publish data on imported goods subject 
to the various inspection types (such as no inspection, documentary checks, physical inspections). 
They have stated that the risk management mechanism is not in oper ation in all customs posts. Only 
the Pointe -Noire and Brazzaville offices have these channels, with the orange channel only available 
at the Pointe -Noire port customs office.  
3.20.  CEMAC customs regulations apply throughout Congo (Common Report, Section  3.1.3). 
Furthermore, perishable goods; products which constitute a hazard to store; relief, humanitarian or 
emergency shipments; and oil company machinery and equipment are subject to a simplified direct 
clearance procedure. Additionally, a bank guarantee in the a mount of  CFAF 30 million made out to 
Customs is required for tax -exempt imports approved under the Investment Charter regime.38 Goods 
in these import categories can be collected directly under an exceptional direct collection 
authorization (AETEX), obtaine d from departmental directorates or customs offices. CEMAC 
provisions on customs and excise bonds are applied in Congo and the national surtax rate is set 
at 9.25%.  
3.21.  Congo applies the CEMAC provisions on transit (Common Report, Section  3). Furthermore, 
customs disputes are settled in accordance with the provisions of the CEMAC Customs Code, either 
out of court or through legal proceedings.  
3.1.3   Preshipment inspection and customs valuation  
3.22.  According to the authorities, up until 2015, all imports t o Congo were subject to a preshipment 
inspection by the company COTECNA. In April  2015, Congo and COTECNA signed services contract 
No. 0043, which introduced destination inspections for all goods with an f.o.b. value of CFAF  1 million 
or more. The inspecti on fees are 0.60 % of the f.o.b. value.39 
 
37 Decree No.  2005-83 of 28 December 2005. Service Note No. 0005/MCAC -CAB of 20 February 2018 on 
products subject to special import arrangements. A fee of CFAF 700  million must also be paid in order to obtain 
approval as an importer of petroleum prod ucts. 
38 Service Note No.  0077/MFBPP/DGDDI/DRC of 14  March  2012.  
39 The company COTECNA had been authorized by the Government to conduct preshipment inspections 
on Congo's behalf since  March  2006 (Contract No.  009/2006/PR/AO/DGTT of 20 July 2006). According to the 
contract, COTECNA  inspections included documentary checks of the quality, quantity, price, origin, tariff 
heading and customs value of goods imported into Congo, and the eligibility of goods for one of  the customs 
schemes. Inspections are carried out at the places of production, storage, or loading, and the importer is WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 166 - 
 
  3.23.  COTECNA used scanners for the inspections and helped to obtain information about the nature 
and the value of the goods. The inspection procedure gives rise to  an inspection report. If the results 
of the inspection a re satisfactory, an import (ADVI) or export (ADVE) verification certificate is issued. 
If the results of the  inspection are not satisfactory, COTECNA issued a report detailing anomalies; 
an internal COTECNA  appeals procedure was available in the event of d isputes. The ADVI is 
mandatory for clearing imports. The ADVI indicates the tariff heading, the customs value and the 
total amount of  duties and taxes payable; it must be accompanied by the import certificate endorsed 
by the  bank with which the transaction  is domiciled (if the value is more than CFAF  5 million), the  
commercial invoice, the transport documents and, where applicable, the certificate of origin, the 
certificate of conformity and the health or phytosanitary certificate.  
3.24.  In 2018, the contract wit h COTECNA was terminated and the company WEBB FONTAINE has 
performed these tasks since 2020, in accordance with service concession contract 
No. 2018-03025/PR/ARMP MC of 27  September  2018.40 
3.25.  Preshipment inspection fees, which are paid by the importer, are f airly high. These fees are 
not harmonized at the Community level. They are not commensurate to the services rendered, and 
they increase the prices of the imported goods and complicate the clearance procedure (Common 
Report, Section 3.1.1.2). According to t he authorities, notwithstanding the objectives, the 
mandatory nature of this inspection is increasing the cost of the imported goods and is duplicating 
the work of Customs. Moreover, the Import Declaration for COTECNA/WEBFONTAINE and the 
corresponding impo rt verification declaration (ADVI) are not digital documents; 
COTECNA/WEBFONTAINE are not linked electronically to the Customs computer platform 
(ASYCUDA  World), complicating and further delaying the import process.  
3.26.  In principle, Congo has applied the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement since 
1 August  200141, and its provisions have been transferred without amendment into the relevant 
section of  the CEMAC Customs Code (Common Report,  Section  3.1.3).42 However, the country 
is experiencing problems in applying th e Agreement in practice. Congolese Customs applies the 
transaction value for some products, and occasionally uses the reference, market and guide list 
values for others.43 
3.27.  Congo has notified the category of its assistance requirements under the Trade Facil itation 
Agreement, which the country ratified on 5  October  2017. Technical assistance is requested to 
improve implementation of this Agreement and the multilateral provisions on customs valuation.  
3.1.4   Rules of origin  
3.28.  Congo applies the rules of origin as define d by the Community authorities through CEMAC 
and ECCAS acts, decisions and regulations (Common Report, Section 3.1.2).  
3.29.  The National Origin Committee was created by Decree No.  2019-303 of 16  October  2019. 
Three meetings have already been held (including one  in December  2020 and two in July  2021).44 
No Congolese product has been approved since the introduction of the Community system. According 
to the authorities, the procedure for approval and for issuing of  certificates of origin, and the 
procedure for veri fying certificates of origin upon importation is regulated at the national level.45 
3.30.  Applications submitted for obtaining origin status must contain the following information: the 
characteristics of the product for which origin status is requested so that i t can be approved under 
 
required to present to Congolese Customs a prior import declaration (DPI) endorsed by the preshipment 
inspection company. Also required are the pro forma  invoice/purchase ord er and the receipt for payment of the 
inspection fee (0.9 % of the f.o.b. value, with a minimum fee of CFAF  65,000).  
40 Service concession contract No. 2018 -03025/PR/ARMP MC of 27 September 2018 signed between 
Congo and the company FONTAINE GROUP FZ -LLC. 
41 Decree No.  2001-387 of 31 July 2001.  
42 Title I, Chapter IV, Section IV.  
43 Customs also refers to the guide list value when granting customs clearance for  second hand vehicles. 
For the export of timber and scrap metal, market values (f.o.b.) have been publis hed. It should be noted that 
as the legal bases of those values are rarely amended, they lower the prices of the goods concerned. Local 
offices also apply market values as a simplification measure.  
44 Decree No. 2019 -303 of 16 October 2019, creating the Nat ional Committee of Origin.  
45 Order No.  486 of 20  September  1998 regulating certificates of origin.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 167 - 
 
  the CEMAC generalized preferential tariff; a brief description of the production or manufacturing 
process for said product; a list of the originating products or raw materials used; the name of the 
resulting product as well as its d esignation under the CEMAC Harmonized Tariff Classification system.  
3.31.  The company submits an application to the National Origin Committee, on the basis of CEMAC 
texts and national rules, determining the origin. Customs authenticates the certificates. Origin is one 
of the elements checked by COTECNA/WEBFONTAINE during the  preshipment inspection.  
3.32.  A zero -rated generalized preferential tariff (GPT) is applied to local goods and traditional 
handicrafts of CEMAC origin.46 Likewise, Community origin is awarded to in dustrial products 
manufactured in the CEMAC zone if one of the following conditions is verified: (i) the product is 
wholly obtained from raw materials of Community origin; (ii) Community raw materials account for 
at least 40 % of the value of the raw materi als used; and (iii) the local value added is equal to at 
least 30 % of the ex -factory price.47 
3.33.  Congo applies the GPT for products of CEMAC and ECCAS origin. The ECCAS GPT has been in 
force in Congo since the 2018 Budget Law.48 
3.34.  A clearing fund had been planned. Established at the BEAC, this fund should cover any 
revenue losses caused by: the goods being cleared for home use in any CEMAC State (i.e. a State 
where they were not manufactured); or the goods being re -exported to a member State other than 
that in which they were initially released for home use. For this fund to be set up, the customs union 
must be fully established first, something which has still not come to fruition 40 years on. However, 
the impending enactment by CEMAC and ECCAS of the Act i ntroducing additional community codes 
will go some way to raising the profile of this compensation.  
3.35.  The CEMAC rules of origin (Common Report, Section  3.1.2) apply throughout Congo. Since 
2021, 9 companies and 50 Congolese products have been approved under these CEMAC rules. For 
imports, certificates of origin are issued by the supplier and verified at the national level by Customs 
for free within a maximum of 48 hours.  
3.1.5   Customs levies  
3.1.5.1   Import duties and taxes  
3.36.  The Directorate -General of Customs is still one of  the State's chief sources of budgetary and 
total revenues (Table  3.3). 
3.37.  All CEMAC countries, including Congo, apply a common external tariff (CET) to imports of 
goods originating from third countries (Common Report, Section 3.1.3.1). However, each 
CEMAC  country unilaterally grants CET  exemptions, often without consulting or notifying the other 
members.49 Therefore, Congo uses the five -band CEMAC CET, with rates set at 0 %, 5%, 10%, 20% 
and 30 %.50 It applies CET exemptions on 242 tariff lines (HS8), to lowe r prices, particularly on 
essential goods, machinery or equipment for farming, livestock breeding and fisheries, as well as 
other agricultural inputs and fertilizers.51 These exceptions apply to 9 % of tariff lines.  
3.38.  Furthermore, according to the authorities , there is a reduced rate of 5 % on goods imported 
by Total Energies  E&P and ENI (two oil companies) under Ordinances Nos.  021/89 and 023/89. The 
 
46 Regulation No. 21/07 -UEAC -1505 U -CM-16 of 18 December 2007 amending Article 10 of Act 
No. 1/98-UDEAC -1505-CD-61 of 28 July 1998 amending Articles 9 and 10 of the Annex to Act 
No. 7/93-UDEAC -556-CD-SE1 of 21 June 1993.  
47 The procedures for determining the local value added are set out in Circular 
No. 179/CEMAC/SE/DMC/SDAD of 24 October 2003 and its Corrigendum No. 027/CEMAC/SE/DMC/SDAD 
of 11 February 2004.  
48 Additional Act No. 7/93 -UDEAC -556-CD-SE1 of 21 June 1993 revising the common external tariff and 
establishing the procedures for  the application of the GPT.  
49 Decision No.  21/07 -UEAC -1368-U-CM-15 of 17  March  2007 approving the update of the CEMAC CET 
in accordance with the 2007 version of the Harmonized System.  
50 Regulation No. 10/17 -UEAC -CM-010 A -30-SE of 13 November 2017. See also the CEMAC Customs 
Code, 2020 edition.  
51 Circular Note No. 00555/MFB/CAB of 13 June 2008 on measures to combat the high cost of  living. 
See also the Budget Laws of 2018, 2020 and 2021.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 168 - 
 
  2018 Budget Law redefined the concept of an overall reduced rate. Circular No.  00555/MEFB -CAB 
of 13  June 2008, a dopted to combat the high cost of living, introduced a reduced rate of 5 % on 
some products.  
3.39.  Circular No.  024/M EFBP-CAB of 7  September  2017 removed a number of imports included in 
Circular No.  00555/MEFB -CAB from the list of products that must be treated as  essential goods. 
These items were rebar, cement, oil -based paint, pasta, wheat flour, household soaps and 
corrugated iron sheets.52 The same regulation lowered the CET rate on agricultural imports to zero. 
According to the authorities, in June  2022, as pa rt of efforts to address the food crisis, the 
Government established a one -year resilience plan, under which, basic staple foods and 
agro-pastoral and fishery inputs are exempt from customs duties, VAT and the data -processing fee 
(RedI), but are still liab le for Community taxes. These items included wheat, refined vegetable oil, 
frozen meat and edible offal, frozen saltwater fish, rice, powdered milk, table salt put up for retail 
sale, baby food, fertilizers, cattle feed, cattle feed inputs, breeding stock,  seeds, incubation eggs 
and other inputs.53 
3.40.  In addition to the CET, Congo applies other Community duties and taxes (Common Report, 
Section 3.1.3.5). It also imposes a data -processing fee of between 0 % and 2 %, based on the value 
and destination of the impor ted or exported goods, as well as inspection fees for transactions subject 
to inspections.  
3.41.  The data -processing fee (RedI) is only applied at a rate of 0.5 % of the c.i.f. value of goods in 
international or community transit. In addition, a proportional guar antee to the suspended customs 
duties and taxes is required. The guarantee is released immediately upon proof of the exit of the 
goods being furnished by the customs office of exit.  
Table 3.3 Major sources of government  revenue, 2014 -21 
(CFAF  billion)   
2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Non-oil revenue  858.7  910.1  831.5  736.0  636.5  668.6  621.6  645.7  
Fiscal revenue  847.9  896.4  807.9  725.0  580.6  604.8  558.0  559.3  
Taxes and duties (domestic)  693.0  748.0  682.0  617.0  485.8  501.6  455.4  445.7  
Direct taxes  293.0  357.0  355.0  321.0  252.7  261.1  237.1  232.0  
Taxes on non -oil companies  168.9  193.4  157.5  152.7  120.2  115.8  105.1  102.9  
Personal income tax (IRPP)  98.5 114.3  114.7  111.2  87.6 84.4 76.6 75.0 
Wealth tax  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Other direct taxes  25.6 49.3 82.8 57.1 45.0 60.9 55.3 54.1 
Indirect taxes  400.0  391.0  327.0  296.0  233.1  240.5  218.3  213.7  
Value added tax (VAT)  264.3  246.3  216.9  205.3  161.6  159.5  144.8  141.7  
Domestic consumption duty CORAF water and rent  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0    
Other indirect taxes  135.7  144.7  110.1  90.7 71.4 81.0 73.5 72.0 
Customs revenues  154.9  148.4  125.9  108.0  94.8 103.2  102.6  113.6  
Import duties and taxes  154.9  148.4  125.9  108.0  94.8 103.2  102.6  113.6  
Export duties and taxes  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Registration revenues  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Registration duties and charges  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Other combined taxes  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Non-tax revenue  10.8 13.7 23.6 11.0 55.9 63.8 63.6 86.4 
Revenue from state domain (land tenure, forestry, 
mining)  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0    
Revenue from services  8.7 10.4 5.6 0.0 49.6 8.9 5.3 21.4 
Revenue from state -owned companies  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
Fines, confiscation and distraint  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
Asset transfers  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
Other non -tax revenue  2.1 3.3 18.0 11.0 6.3 54.9 58.3 65.0 
.. Not available.  
Source:  Information provided by the Congolese authorities.  
 
52 A number of products were declassified in 2008, with measures to combat the high cost of living  
(frozen saltwater fish, cement, rebar, pasta, corrugated iron sheets and flour), before some product s were 
reclassified in 2017 (cement, corrugated iron sheets, rebar, pasta and household soap); declassified in 2018 
(liquefied butane gas); reclassified in 2018 (flour); and declassified in 2018 (materials and equipment, 
fertilizers and other agricultural inputs).  
53 Congolese Government. Ministry of Finance: Decree No. 2022 -370 of 29 June 2022 approving the 
food crisis resilience plan 2022 -23. WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 169 - 
 
  3.1.5.2   Bindings  
3.42.  Congo has bound 18.2 % of its tariff lines (Common Report, Section  3.1.3.2). A low 
percentage of bindings means that the tariff regime's predictability cannot be guaranteed, raising 
predictability issues, which may cause any partner, either a trading partner or p otential investment 
partner, to hesitate. Furthermore, on two tariff lines (clinical waste and coolers), the applied rates 
are higher than the bound rates (Common Report, Section 3.1.3.2).  
3.1.6   Internal taxes  
3.43.  In conformity with the schemes laid down at the Comm unity level54, Congo applies value 
added tax (VAT) at a standard rate of 18 %55, and excise duty (DA) of between 12.5 % and 25 % on 
certain products (Common Report, Section  3.1.4). However, there are exceptions to the 
VAT directive, such as the exemptions or concessions granted to oil companies or companies with 
an establishment agreement or a public procurement contract.56 
3.44.  Some essential goods are, in principle, exempt from VAT (as well as customs duties).57 The 
exemption granted to the oil -related activities of companies approved under the Hydrocarbons Code 
and their  subcontractors has been codified since 1999.58 Budget  Law No. 41-2012 of 
29 December  2012 extended the exemption afforded to the following products until  2016: inputs, 
materials and equ ipment for use in the agro -pastoral and fisheries sector.59 Furthermore, some 
locally produced goods, such as wheat flour produced by MINOCO60 and mineral water produced by 
SN PLASCO, were granted a VAT exemption, unlike competing imports.  
3.45.  Congo applies the VAT ceiling and reduced statutory rates for essential goods. The 2016 
Budget Law required companies exempt from VAT under establishment agreements to pay at least 
5% VAT. Furthermore, the 2018 Budget Law granted a VAT exemption to imports of bu tane gas, 
agricultural, horticultural, forestry and fishery machines and apparatus, as well as fertilizers and 
other agricultural inputs. In addition, in the framework of implementing the food crisis resilience 
plan 2022 -23, a certain number of products (1 94 tariff subheadings) are exempt from customs 
duties, VAT and RedI for one year.61 Altogether, according to the Secretariat's estimates, VAT is 
applied in principle to 4,949 of the 5,794  lines in the Congolese tariff system. Exports are zero -rated.  
3.46.  In acc ordance with CEMAC regulations62, Congo levies an excise duty, set at the following 
rates depending on the product type: (i) 25 % on precious stones, luxury food products, perfumes, 
cosmetics, apparatus for games of chance and recreational games, arms, muni tions and jewellery; 
(ii) 15 % on motor vehicles of a cylinder capacity exceeding 3000 cc and on motorcycles; and 
(iii) 16.5% and 12.5 % on tobacco and alcoholic beverages, respectively. However, a  10% tax rate 
is applied in a discriminatory manner to bevera ges and tobacco that are produced locally, which 
poses a problem with regard to the WTO principle of national treatment. Furthermore, according to 
the authorities, a 12 % excise duty was introduced on imports of second -hand vehicles, road tractors, 
trailers  and semi -trailers over 15 years old.63 
 
54 Act No. 1/92-UDEAC -556-CD-SE1, amended by Act No.  4/94-UDEAC -556-CD-SE1 and 
Act No. 1/96-UDEAC -556-CD. 
55 Law No.  12-97 of 12  May 1997, as amended by successive budget laws.  
56 Directive No. 03/19 -UEAC -010ACM -33 of 8 April 2019 harmonizing States' legislation on excise duty. 
See also the General Tax Code and the 2019 Budget Law.  
57 Annex III, texts relating to VAT, General Tax Code. The goods concerned include: wheat flour; milk; 
bread; meat and poultry; baby food; powdered milk; medicines; medical appliances and carriages for disabled 
persons; spectacles; books; fertilizers, insecticides and p esticides.  
58 Decree No.  99-186 of 26  October  1999, repealed by Decree No.  2001-522 of 19  October  2001. 
The equipment and products eligible for duty - and tax -free entry for mineral and oil exploration purposes are 
listed in Annex  IV to Chapter  V, General Ta x Code.  
59 Law No. 33 -2003 of 31 December 2003.  
60 Law No.  20-2004 of 30  December  2004 extends the VAT exemption within CEMAC.  
61 Congolese Government. Ministry of Finance: Decree No. 2022 -370 of 29 June 2022 approving the 
food crisis resilience plan 2022 -23. 
62 Act No. 1/92-UDEAC -556-CD-SE1, amended by Act No.  4/94-UDEAC -556-CD-SE1 and Act No.  1/96-
UDEAC -556-CD. The products liable for excise duty are listed in Annex  II to Chapter V, General  Tax Code.  
63 Act No. 1/92 -UDEAC -556-CD-SE1, as amended by Act No. 4/94  UDEAC -556-CD-SE1 and Act 
No. 1/96-UDEAC -556-CD. See also Directive No. 7/11 -UEDAC -028-CM-22 harmonizing VAT and Directive WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 170 - 
 
  3.47.  There is no free circulation of goods regime in force within the Community area. Furthermore, 
in the absence of free circulation, goods cleared for home use in a CEMAC country are subject to 
import duties and taxes w henever they cross borders between member States. According to the 
Congolese authorities, this measure exists due to the lack of clearing facilities at the CEMAC and 
ECCAS levels, meaning that goods cannot circulate freely. As soon as clearing facilities a re put in 
place, double taxation will be stopped.  
3.1.7   Tariff preferences  
3.48.  Congo has removed all restrictions, including tariff restrictions, on imports originating in other 
CEMAC countries. Moreover, the Community Integration Contribution  (CCI) does not apply t o 
intra-ECCAS trade and the OHADA tax does not apply to intra -OHADA trade.  
3.1.8   Duty and tax concessions  
3.49.  In addition to schemes granting concessions and exemptions from Community duties and 
taxes (Common Report, Section  3.1.3.3), Congo grants exemptions from du ties and taxes to 
businesses approved under the National Investment Charter (Section  2), the Forestry Code 
(Section  4.2), the Mining Code (Section  4.3) and the Hydrocarbons Code (Section  4.3). Some of 
these measures are reserved to export and import substi tution activities. Imports of agricultural 
inputs, machinery and equipment have been exempt from customs duties and VAT since 
1 January  2018.  
3.50.  The loss of revenue attributable to exemptions (in the oil sector under Acts No.  2/92 and 
No. 2/98/UDEAC,, in the form of investment allowances and other types of exemptions (Table  3.4)), 
which has been growing since the last review, shows that the taxation system is ill -suited to the 
structure of the  economy. For the years for which we have data, all of these exempti ons together 
are, on average, equivalent to more than 600 % of the State's customs revenues (Section  3.1.5.1, 
Table  3.3), which greatly deprives the State of substantial resources with which to implement its  
various programmes.  
Table 3.4 Breakdown of losses attributable to tax exemptions, 2016 -19 
(CFAF)  
DESCRIPTION  2016  2017  2018  2019  
Diplomatic privileges 
and similar  3,751,032,715  4,903,986,150  8,511,165,960  6,731,042,638  
Exceptional 
exemptions to the 
Customs Code  4,390,460,455  373,534,405  555,265,504  2,080,668,290  
NGOs  14,999,796  52,594,522  396,246,448  273,665,293  
External financing  0 23,949,940  257,283,058  1,533,028,461  
Investment 
allowances  829,909,561,615  316,278,361,134  417,375,593,115  331,773,617,058  
Other social or 
cultural exemptions  4,498,917,483  1,009,369,242  912,095,333  18,565,297,085  
Exceptional 
exemptions  1,122,978   2,634,381,486  7,223,540,895  
Other additional 
codes  68,504,076,730  44,772,670,617  184,772,590,506  318,384,332,418  
Total  911,070,171,772  367,414,466,010  615,414,621,410  686,565,192,138  
Source:  Congolese Directorate -General of Customs.  
3.1.9   Prohibitions, quantitative restrictions and licensing  
3.51.  Apart from the registration formalities applying to all foreign trade activities (Section  3.2.1), 
control measures may be applied to imports of certain products for security reasons, either in order 
to protect public health and morality or because of their strategic nature.  
 
No. 03/19 -UEAC -010ACM -33 of 8 April 2019 harmonizing States' legislation on excise duty, the General Tax 
Code, and the 2019 and 2022 Budget Laws.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 171 - 
 
  3.52.  Since the  last TPR, Congo has not notified the WTO of its import prohibition, authorization or 
licensing regimes. However, Law No.  03-2007 of 24  January  2007 regulating imports, exports and 
re-exports introduced two procedures: the import declaration (DI) regime an d the special import 
authorization (ASI) regime. Special import authorizations are similar to import licences.64 
3.53.  Import prohibitions concern, in particular, food waste65, and dangerous and  war toys.66 
Controls are imposed through import declarations in ord er to protect consumers, live animals, plants 
and the environment, in particular within the framework of the  international conventions to which 
Congo is a signatory.67 
3.54.  According to the authorities, a number of products are subject to an import and export 
prohibitions; they include drugs, psychotropic substances, arms and munitions, plastic sacks and 
bags (plastic sacks and bags for industrial use are allowed, subject to pre -approval by the Ministry 
of Trade), war -like children's toys, fully protected animal  species, elephant tusks, counterfeit goods, 
scrap metal and industrial waste. Breaches of this prohibition are subject to penalties as laid down 
in the texts in force.68 
3.55.  Sugar is the only product imported under a quota. The marketing of sugar is a  monopol y 
granted to SARIS Congo. In the event that sugar production (part of which is exported) should prove 
insufficient to meet local demand, SARIS Congo would issue shortage certificates, on the basis of 
which the Ministry of Trade would issue an import certif icate (Section  4.2). Congo bans imports of 
refined cane sugar. However, other types of sugar not produced in Congo may be imported and 
marketed.  
3.56.  According to the authorities, flour quotas are no longer in force in Congo. The flour milling 
industry comprise s five soft -wheat -flour production companies. The flour production sector is very 
competitive. Since the CET was raised from 5 % to 30 %, there has scarcely been any demand for 
flour imports, with the exception of specific flours not produced in Congo.  
3.57.  In th eir traditional forms, import and export licences have been abolished in Congo.69 
However, the export of  some products is still regulated by specific codes (Table  3.5), as well as by 
the Forestry, Mining and  Hydrocarbons Codes. The Directorate -General of C ustoms and Indirect 
Duties is responsible for implementing CEMAC provisions on prohibitions and licensing 
(Common  Report, Section  3.1.5). 
Table 3.5 Import controls, 2022  
Responsible body  Document required  Product  
Ministry of Internal Affairs  Authorization  Arms and munitions; radio equipment 
(transmitters and receivers)  
Ministry of Health  Authorization  Pharmaceutical products, human 
laboratory reagents, and medical 
furniture and equipment  
Ministry of Agriculture (veterinary service)  Health certificate  Fresh meat and fish  
Ministry of Agriculture (live animals) and 
of Forest Economy (protected species)  Health certificate and 
CITES  certificate  Live animals and protected species  
Ministry of H ydrocarbons  Authorization  Fuels 
Ministry of Finance and the BEAC  Authorization  Foreign exchange  
Source:  Directorate -General of Customs. Contingency measures  
 
64 Law No.  3/2007 of 24 January 2007 regulating imports, exports and re -exports.  
65 Decree No.  2001-524 of 19 October 2001. The following, in particular, are affected: old frozen meat 
and fish; turkey rumps; fatty meat, in particular " capas " (low-grade cuts); cuts of meat, " rasées ou épluchées " 
(shaved or skinned); and chicken feet.  
66 Circular No.  931/MCCA -CAB of 19  November  2003.  
67 Online  information. Viewed at:  
https://w ww.wto.org/english/thewto_e/countries_e/congo_e.htm . 
68 In accordance with Law No. 03/2007 of 24 January 2007 regulating imports, exports and re -exports, 
the penalties for these breaches are as follows: a fine of between CFAF 1 million and CFAF 150 million; for 
repeat offenses, the establishment or company may be temporarily or permanently closed down; trader status 
may be temporarily or permanently withdrawn; a prison sentence of between six months and five years.  
69 Law No.  03/2007 regulating imports, exports and re -exports.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 172 - 
 
  3.58.  Congo has no national legislation on anti -dumping, countervailing or safeguard measures; the 
relevant CEMAC provisions (Common Report, Section  3.1.6) are  applicable in Congo. According to 
the authorities, Congo has never implemented any of  these measures.  
3.1.10   Other measures  
3.59.  Since 2017, in order to avoid shortages of some basic staple foods, Congo has taken a number 
of measures to create and maintain buffer stocks/reserve stocks. Congo does not participate in 
countertrade transactions.  
3.60.  Congo applies the trade sanctions imposed within the framework of the UN or the regional 
bodies of which it is a member . No agreement has been concluded by Congo or Congolese enterprises 
with foreign governments or enterprises with a view to influencing the quantity or value of goods 
and services exported to Congo.  
3.2  Measures directly affecting exports  
3.2.1   Registration and custo ms procedures  
3.61.  The registration formalities required to import goods for commercial purposes are also 
applicable to exports (Section 3.2.1). The status of exporter is awarded to any operator meeting the 
requirements for the status of trader. The export of f orestry products is subject to special conditions 
of approval, except in the case of forestry companies.70 Holders of mining rights may transport and 
export the minerals to which those titles relate71; export operations may also be carried out by 
purchasing offices.72 Special conditions apply to persons who have received approval to export 
petroleum products or to engage in transit and re -exportation activities involving these products .73 
An export license is not required in Congo . Instead, there are special authorizat ions for certain 
products deemed to be sensitive or that are subject to restrictions, such as sugar . No distinction is 
made between Congolese and foreign traders in the award of special export authorizations/export 
declarations; foreign traders need only f urnish documentary evidence that their establishment has 
a presence in Congo . 
3.62.  The preshipment inspection procedure, entrusted to COTECNA/WEBFONTAINE 
(Section  3.1.3), applies to imports as well as exports, except for forestry products where inspections 
are the responsibility of the Forestry Product Export Controls Unit (SCPFE) attached to the Ministry 
of Forest Economics. The situation is similar for petroleum products, where inspection is the 
responsibility of Bureau Veritas, acting on the State's behalf. A ll exports must be the subject of a 
customs declaration. A document concerning the foreign exchange commitment endorsed by the 
bank with which the transaction is domiciled is also required for all export operations . The foreign 
exchange commitment includes  the obligation to repatriate export earnings from countries outside 
CEMAC and convert them into CFA francs within 30 days of the goods being shipped.74 
3.63.  In support of the customs declaration, exporters of forestry products must also produce 
specification s heets certified by the water and forestry administration . These specification sheets 
"contain the product references, the name of the holder of the contract or permit and that person's 
tax category, indicated by a triangular hammer mark ".75 The duty is lev ied by Customs on exporters 
upon presentation of the specification sheet and the export verification certificate supplied by the 
SCPFE following the inspection.  
3.2.2   Export duties and taxes  
3.64.  Exports of goods are subject to exit duties and taxes of 2 %, with the e xception of the following 
specific goods, which are subject to a 4 % rate: rough diamonds and unwrought precious metals, 
 
70 Articles 127 and 128 of Decree No. 2002 -437 of 31 December 2002.  
71 Article 78 of Law No. 2005 -4 of 11 April 2005.  
72 Article 80 of Law No. 2005 -4 of 11 April 2005.  
73 Decree No. 2002 -265 of 1 A ugust 2002. Decree No. 2005 -83 of 28 December 2005 establishes a fee 
of CFAF  500 million for approval to engage in export activities, and of CFAF 700 million for approval to engage 
in transit and re -exportation activities.  
74 CEMAC Regulation No. 2.  
75 Article 135 of Decree No. 2002 -437 of 31 December 2002.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 173 - 
 
  crude palm oil, fish meal, maize, resin and other exudates extracted from trees in natural and 
planted forests.  
3.65.  The export duty for timb er varies according to its grade and degree of processing . In the case 
of rough wood taken from natural forests it is 10 % of free on truck (f.o.t.) value for okoume, 
afrormosia and ebony and 9 % for other varieties. In the case of processed wood: 4 % for gre en 
lumber and reconstituted wood; 1.5 % for dry -sawn timber; 0.5 % for sliced veneer, plywood, panels, 
glulam and other; 1 % for rotary -cut veneer; and 0 % for flooring, mouldings, doors and windows, 
furniture parts and other finished products. In the case of processed wood from planted forests: 
1.5% for eucalyptus bundles; 1 % for green lumber; and 0.5 % for eucalyptus poles, eucalyptus wood 
chips, and dry -sawn timber.  
3.66.  However, all exports of rough wood beyond the 85/15 quota remain subject to an additional 
tax of 30 % of the f.o.t. value. Moreover, for all rough wood exports the road fund collects 
CFAF 75/m3. 
3.67.  Timber is taxed as follows: a 1 % levy for the SCPFE76 and the timber exports tax based on 
the transport costs associated with the four loggin g zones (Section 4.2)77, applied to the f.o.b. value 
according to the species and degree of processing. In addition, there is a 15 % surtax on rough wood 
exported above the quota of 85 % of the production of each forestry company78, and a contribution 
to the  road fund assessed on timber for export or in transit.79 The tax base is the f.o.b. value.  
3.2.3   Export prohibitions and controls  
3.68.  All exported and re -exported goods and services are subject to export and re -export 
declarations issued by the Ministry responsible  for trade. There are two export regimes: the export 
declaration regime and the special export authorization regime.80 The export declaration regime 
applies to any good or service not specifically subject to a duly justified restriction. The special export  
authorization regime applies to those goods or services that are specifically subject to such a 
restriction. This special export authorization regime is applicable in particular to goods and services 
exported pursuant to Article 17 of Law No.  3-2007 of 24  January  2007 regulating imports, exports 
and re -exports in the Republic of the Congo. Timber and oil exports require prior authorization from 
the appropriate ministry (an export verification certificate from either the SCPFE, for timber, or from 
Bureau Ve ritas for petroleum) to accompany the export declaration issued by the Ministry 
responsible for trade.81 
3.69.  According to the Forestry Code, only finished or semi -finished processed wood products and 
rough wood of heavy and hardwood species, the machining of w hich involves a specific technology, 
may be exported.82 In practice, however, forestry companies must not export more than 15 % of 
their respective total production volume of rough wood. That limit is often exceeded, resulting in a 
surtax. The surtax on rou gh wood exports in volumes exceeding 15 %, but less than 50 %, of annual 
production, is 15 % of the f.o.b. value, according to the quality of the variety concerned, in all tax 
zones. For rough wood exports in volumes exceeding 50 % of annual production, the su rtax is 20 % 
of that f.o.b. value, according to the quality of the variety, in all tax zones.  
3.70.  Under the Mining Code, every shipment of precious minerals requires an export authorization 
(licence), issued by the central mining authority.83 Congo has been par ticipating in the diamond 
trade's Kimberley Process (KP) since 10  June 2003.  
3.71.  On the export of hydrocarbons, the Government has signed an agreement with another 
inspection company, Bureau Veritas. Where hydrocarbons and their refined and gaseous derivatives  
 
76 Article 78 of Law No. 2005 -4 of 11 April 2005.  
77 Order No. 6383/MEFB of 31 December 2002 and Order No. 6387/MEFB of 31 December 2002.  
78 Order No. 2731/MEFE/MEFB of 17 March 2004.  
79 The contribution is CF AF 75/m3 for Congolese timber, CFAF 250/m3 for timber from non -CEMAC 
countries, CFAF  0/m3 for wood from CEMAC countries.  
80 Law No.  7-94 of 1 June 1994, Article 18. See also Law No. 16 -2000 of 20 November 2000 on the 
Forestry Code and Law No. 4 -2005 of 11 A pril 2005 on the Mining Code.  
81 Contract No. 009/2006/PR/AO/DGTT of 20 July 2006.  
82 Law No. 33 -2020 of 8 July 2020 on the Forestry Code, Article 97(1).  
83 Article 80 of Law No. 4 -2005 of 11 April 2005.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 174 - 
 
  are concerned, this company acts on Congo's behalf alongside the Société générale de surveillance 
(SGS), which acts on the purchaser's behalf. The inspection costs and charges of Bureau Veritas are 
borne by the State.  
3.72.  Exports of scrap metal and non -ferrou s metal waste are prohibited in Congo. Exceptions, 
however, are permitted for semi -finished or finished products, such as ingots, made from recycled 
and recovered non -ferrous metals.84 
3.2.4   Export subsidies and promotion  
3.73.  Apart from the zero rate of VAT and the various suspensory procedures provided for at the 
Community level (Common Report, Section 3), Congo has not established any other benefits for 
exports.  
3.74.  According to the authorities, Congo does not have any operationa l free zones. However, four 
special economic zones (SEZs) have been established (Ouesso, Oyo -Ollombo, Ignié -Brazzaville and 
Pointe -Noire) for markets in the CEMAC/ECCAS subregion and Africa in general.  
3.75.  The SEZs have their own regulatory and institutional framework. A ministry devoted entirely 
to them was established five years ago, the Ministry of Special Economic Zones and Economic 
Diversification. In addition to the Ministry, the institutional framework includes guidance and 
management bodi es: the National Guidance Committee for SEZs, the Regulatory Authority for SEZs 
and the Agency for SEZ Planning, Promotion and Development.85 
3.76.  Companies, including SEZ promoters and developers, can benefit from a package of incentives 
entitling them to fisc al and customs exemptions. Companies that qualify shall benefit over a clearly 
specified period from, inter alia , the right to import raw materials, equipment and other goods free 
of all duties and taxes levied at the customs cordon (except Community levie s); the right to export 
these same goods duty -free outside the national territory; an exemption from all income taxes; the 
application of a 15 % corporate tax rate; the possibility of entering into fixed -term five -year 
contracts; an exemption from flat -rate employer contributions or any other tax based on wages paid 
and borne by the company; and an exemption from the minimum flat -rate corporate tax.86 
3.77.  The Congolese Foreign Trade Centre (CCCE) was established in 200587 to promote exports; 
provide producers, t raders and trade associations with available marketing, technical and regulatory 
information conducive to expanding exports; provide assistance to exporters; and work, in concert 
with the ministry responsible for cooperation, to establish partnership agree ments. The CCCE 
organizes and coordinates all commercial events in the Republic of the Congo and supports the 
participation of Congolese economic operators in trade fairs and similar events. The CCCE is 
essentially funded by an annual state subsidy (transf er budget).  
3.3  Measures affecting production and trade  
3.3.1   Incentives  
3.78.  Congo has not notified the WTO of any subsidies or aid. The main support measures in effect 
relate to the benefits available to companies approved under the Investment Charter (Common 
Report an d Sections 2.4 and 3.2.4), the Forestry Code (Section 4.2), the Mining Code (Section 4.3) 
or the Hydrocarbons Code (Section 4.3). Benefits are also granted to promote SMEs (Section 4.4). 
The State employs various measures to support agriculture (Section 4. 2). Public services such as 
electricity (Section 4.3), water (Section 4.3) and transport (Section 4.5) receive state support as 
well. 
 
84 Order No. 14 857/MTDIPSP/MC/MFBP of 9 November 2011 prohibiting the export of ferrous scrap 
metal in the Republic of the Congo; and Order No. 22 -78 of 27 February 2014 prohibiting the export of non -
ferrous metal waste.  
85 Law No . 2017-06 of 6 January 2017  on special economic zones.  
86 Law No.  2017-07 of 6 January 2017 on the package of incentives applicable in special economic 
zones, and Decree No. 2017 -1174 on the implementation of Law No. 2017 -07 of 6 January 2017.  
87 Law No.  23-2005 of 30 December 2005 establishing the Congolese Foreign Trad e Centre.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 175 - 
 
  3.79.  Law No.  22-2005 of 28  December  2005, as amended by Law No.  30-2012 of 
11 October  2012, created the administrative public b ody known as the Agricultural Support Fund, 
tasked with providing finance for agricultural, pastoral and fisheries production, marketing and 
conservation, as well as institutional support. In 2008, the Agricultural Support Fund enabled 
development activiti es to be conducted in technical centres, together with seminars and training 
workshops, to enhance human resource capacity in the sector. Order No.  6967 of 
22 September  2010 on the establishment, powers and organization of the Project to Support the 
Market ing of Agricultural Products charges the Fund with ensuring the primary collection, 
transportation and distribution of agricultural products; studying the mechanism regulating 
marketing channels for agricultural products; and establishing the conditions fo r private economic 
operators to resume marketing activities.88 Congo launched an Integrated Development Project for 
Agricultural Value Chains (PRODIVAC) on 24  September  2020 to promote competitive and resilient 
agriculture through the development of agri -food value chains, with support from the African 
Development Bank in the amount of EUR  73.2 million.89 
3.3.2   Standards, technical regulations and accreditation  
3.80.  Since 2015, Congo has instituted reforms by setting up a national regulatory framework for 
standardizat ion and quality management.90 The Congolese Standardization and Quality Agency 
(ACONOQ) was created, inter alia , to implement a national standardization and quality management 
system and equip the country with food testing laboratories to control product q uality, such as those 
operated by La Congolaise des Eaux (LCDE) and the National Institute for Research in Engineering, 
Innovation and Technology (INRSIIT).91 
3.81.  According to the authorities, Congo is conscious of the role played by standardization in the 
process of national development and has been active in introducing regulations to that effect. 
(Box 3.1). 
Box 3.1 Legal provisions on standards and technical regulations  
• Law No.  19-2015 of 29  October  2015 establ ishing the Congolese Standardization and Quality Agency;  
• Law No.  20-2015 of 29  October  2015 regulating the national standardization and quality management 
system;  
• Decree No.  2022-260 of 18  May 2022 establishing procedures and modalities for certifying conformity with standards;  
• Decree No.  2022-261 of 18  May 2022 establishing the modalities for legal metrological controls, the 
characteristics of verification marks and conditions for affixing them to measuring instruments;  
• Decree No.  2022-483 of 16 August  2022 establishing a system for marking tobacco products produced in 
or imported into Congo;  
• Decree No.  2022-1855 of 12  October  2022 establishing the list of legal and authorized inspections and 
responsible bodies for private sector enterprises;  
• Order No.  6594 of 19  July 2022 approving and providing for the mandatory application of 42 IEC 
international standards;  
• Order No.  6595 of 19  July 2022 approving and providing for the mandatory application of the Codex 
Alimentarius standards;  
• Order N o. 6596 of 19  July 2022 approving and providing for the mandatory application of four ISO 
standards relating to wastewater services;  
• Order No.  6597 of 19  July 2022 approving and providing for the mandatory application of two Congolese 
standards relating to water for human consumption and bottled water;  
• Order No.  113 MEIPP/CAB approving the Congolese standard on cement;  
• Order No.  11236/MDIPSP/MSP/MCA approving the standard on iron -fortified wheat flour;  
• Order No.  19522 of 5  August  2015 approving the Congolese standard on the labelling of pre -packaged foods.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
 
3.82.  The ACONOQ is the national standardization agency charged with activities relating to 
standardization, metrology, the promotion of quality, certif ication and accreditation for all sectors of 
 
88 Law No.  30-2012 of 11 October 2012 amending certain provisions of Law No.  22-2005 creating the 
administrative public body known as the Agricultural Support Fund.  
89 Decree No. 2020 -366 of 24 September 2020 ratifying the loan agreement between th e Republic of 
the Congo and the African Development Bank.  
90 Law No. 20 -2015 regulating the national standardization and quality management system  
91 Law No. 19 -2015 of 29 October 2015 establishing the Congolese Standardization and Quality Agency.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 176 - 
 
  socioeconomic activity in the Republic of the Congo. Since 2015, the ACONOQ has developed national 
standards and adopted several international standards.  
3.83.  The following national standards have been developed and made mandatory (technical 
regulations): NCGO  0004-1:2017 -09 standard on the composition, specifications and conformity 
criteria of cement; NCGO  002:2015 -03 Congolese standard for the labelling of pre -packaged foods; 
NCGO  001:2013 Congolese standard for iro n-fortified wheat flour; NCGO  200-1:2021 -03 Congolese 
standard on water for human consumption; NCGO  200-2:2021 -03 Congolese standard on bottled 
water.  
3.84.  Congo has also adopted a series of international standards (technical regulations) and 
provided for their  mandatory application (Table A3.1).  
3.85.  In the absence of a national standard or divergence, regional or international standards apply.  
3.86.  To date, Congo has not signed any mutual recognition agreement. It has put in place a 
programme of pre -shipment conformity assessment for goods. All imports of goods into Congo must 
have a conformity certificate issued by the ACONOQ.92 
3.87.  According to the Congolese authorities, standards have been established for salt and flour. 
The latter must contain 60 ppm iron. Salt marketed in Congo must be iodized. A standard for cement 
has been adopted, and the technical regulation (order of approval) is in the process of being 
published.93 Pending the determination of regulatory costs involved in adopting these standards they 
are not yet b eing applied.  
3.88.  The checks carried out upon importation further to technical standards and regulations are 
documentary and quality controls. For border controls, importers must present the conformity 
certificate issued by the ACONOQ.  
3.89.  Congo has not submitted any notification to the WTO in this regard.  
3.3.3   Sanitary and phytosanitary measures  
3.90.  No measure (ordinary or emergency) has been notified to the WTO SPS Committee since the 
last review of Congo's trade policies, in 2013; the country does not have an S PS enquiry point. The 
lack of an operational SPS system and the country's inadequate infrastructure hinder the export of 
Congolese products.  
3.91.  The Ministry responsible for health is responsible for applying SPS measures relating to human 
health and food, and  the Ministry responsible for agriculture is in charge of applying phytosanitary 
measures and the protection of animal health94, in both cases in collaboration with the Ministry 
responsible for trade.95 Congo complies with the provisions of the FAO Interna tional Plant Protection 
Convention; the FAO and WHO Codex Alimentarius; and the World Organisation for Animal Health 
(WOAH).  
3.92.  The importation and exportation of animal and plant products are subject to prior 
authorization and the issuance of animal health a nd phytosanitary certificates. The importation into 
the Republic of the Congo of live animals other than carnivores is subject to an authorization issued 
 
92 The 2022  Budget Law.  
93 Order No.  11236/MDIPSP/MSP/MCA approving the standard on iron -fortified wheat flour; Decree 
No. 2004-471 of 17 November 2004 laying down the conditions for the import and marketing of iodized salt; 
Order No.  19522 of 5 August 2015 approving the Congolese standard on the labelling of pre -packaged foods; 
and Order No.  19523 of 5 August 2015 approving the Congolese standard on edible palm oil.  
94 Decree No. 67/182 of 17 July 1967 concerns the animal health inspectorate; and Law No. 17/67 of 
30 November 1967 concerns the penalties for related infringements. Order No. 4646/BE 47 -14 of 
16 December  1968 concerns the importation of live animals and establishes the obligation to obtain an 
authorization issued by the Veterinary Inspection Service; Order No. 4645/BE 47 -14 of 16 December 1968 
regulates the movement of cattle on Congolese territory.  
95 Law No. 6/94 of 1 June 1994 on competition (Section 4(ii)) and Law No. 7/94 of 1 June 1994 on the 
trade regime (Section 2) provide the regulatory framework for  such measures.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 177 - 
 
  by the Veterinary Inspection Service (Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock).96 The importation of 
some food products of animal origin is prohibited97, and the movement of cattle on Congolese 
territory is subject to the issuance of a health permit by the Veterinary Inspection Service following 
a cattle health visit from the head of the veterinary sector of  the place of origin.98 
3.93.  The health inspection of markets and establishments for trade in and processing of products 
of animal origin, whether fresh, prepared or processed, and of facilities for processing raw materials 
is compulsory.99 Compound products in tended for cattle feed are subject to controls and their sale 
is subject to prior declaration of their composition authorized by the Ministry of Agriculture and 
Livestock.100 Representatives of the departments of the Ministry, acting as phytosanitary inspec tors, 
are present at the main customs posts to check plants' origin and quality.101 
3.94.  In Congo, SPS controls are performed at several levels and for various reasons. Phytosanitary 
controls are conducted to prevent the introduction and spread of organisms harm ful to plants. Animal 
health controls are intended to prevent the introduction of animals carrying diseases that could infect 
animals and humans. Lastly, the objective of food safety inspections is to prevent contamination.  
3.95.  With respect to the customs cord on, at the operational level, the various structures operating 
at the country's borders work under the umbrella of Customs , but there is no regulatory framework 
for the coordination of such activities. The customs administration is responsible for the bord ers, 
functioning essentially in a supervisory capacity for all services operating there. It oversees imports 
and exports of goods and verifies that trade transactions at the borders are conducted properly. It 
develops and proposes regulations to facilitate  international trade and secure the logistics chain.102 
3.3.4   Labelling, marking and packaging requirements  
3.96.  Congo has no national rules (or associated taxes) in respect of packaging . For labelling, on 
the other hand, Law No.  03-2007 of 24  January  2007 requires th at products imported into Congo 
bear a notice in  French .103 Decree No.  2018-217 of 5  June 2018 on the packaging and labelling of 
tobacco and its by -products explains the requirements relating to health warnings and images 
describing the harmful effects of tobacco consumption in both French and local languages.  
3.3.5   Competition and price controls  
3.97.  Apart from the relevant CEMAC regulations, which in principle are directly applicable in all 
member States, Congo does not have a national competition regime (Common Report, 
Section  3.3.3). According to the authorities, some aspects are covered by national provisions dating 
from 1994 (Law No.  6-94 of 1  June 1994), namely product price regimes for goods and services of 
all kinds; market transparency; anti -compet itive practices; trading standards; stockholding; and the 
detection and prevention of fraud. A new competition law, currently being drafted, will provide for 
the establishment of a national competition authority.  
3.98.  Consumer protection is also among the law's  objectives, as are market transparency and 
product quality. For example, traders must inform consumers of the prices of the goods or services 
offered for sale and must provide a commercial invoice upon request. The law punishes offences 
such as counterfei ting and deceptive or misleading advertising, particularly in respect of counterfeit 
or toxic products, and thus concerns, indirectly, sanitary measures (Section 3.3.3), counterfeiting 
and fraud in the provision of services, and fraud relating to importati on, production and sale. The 
 
96 Order No. 4646 of 16 December 1968 on the importation of live animals into the Republic of the 
Congo.  
97 Decree No. 200 -524 of 19 October 2001 prohibiting the import of certain food products of animal 
origin. These include old frozen meat and fish; turkey rumps; fatty meat, in particular capas ; cuts of meat, 
shaved or skinned; table eggs transported in non -refrigerated containers; and chicken feet.  
98 Order No. 4645 of 16 December 1968 on the movement of cattle on Congolese territory.  
99 Order No. 1778 of 8 June 1940 regulating the health inspection of markets and establishments for 
trade in and processing of products of animal origin.  
100 Ordinance No. 63 -18 of 26 November 1963 establishing controls on products intended for cattle feed.  
101 Order No. 3401 of 23 June 1976.  
102 Decree No. 2010 -565 of 3 August 2010 on the functions and organization of the Directorate -General 
of Customs and Indirect Taxation, Title 1: Functions . 
103 Order No. 19522 of 5 August 2015 approving the Congolese standard on  the labelling of prepackaged 
foods.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 178 - 
 
  law also applies to offences relating to the exercise of the profession of trader and the enforcement 
of relevant provisions on internal or external trade. A draft consumer protection law is being drawn 
up and provides, inter a lia, for the introduction of a national consumer rights protection council.  
3.99.  Prices are in principle determined by free competition, except in the case of staple goods.104 
Order No.  16/MCAPMEA/CAB of 23  August  2000 identifies products subject to a price auth orization 
regime, including  meat, poultry, marine fish, salted fish, wheat flour, edible oils, rebar, corrugated 
iron sheets, salt, mineral water and sugar.105 
3.100.   Under the special regimes establishing exceptions, the State also determines the prices of 
petrol eum products (Section 4.3); water (Section 4.3); electricity (Section 4.3); postal and 
telecommunication services, with the exception of Internet and mobile telephony(Section 4.5); 
locally manufactured beverages, sugar and wheat flour; locally manufactured  products; and public 
transport. The Directorate -General of Competition and Prevention of Fraud represents the country 
as part of CEMAC's Competition Monitoring Body (Common Report, Section 3.3.3).  
3.101.   Two types of checks – random and scheduled – are performed for activities relating to all 
goods and services. These checks relate to compliance with the rules on trading standards in such 
areas as production; the use of measuring and weighing instruments; transport conditions; 
certification conditions fo r the entry of products for consumption; counterfeit products; 
counterfeiting and fraud relating to product importation; accounting documents and records; 
anticompetitive practices; and stockholding.  
3.102.   Congo refers to the following CEMAC directives relating to competition: Regulation 
No. 06/19 -UEAC -639-CM-33 of 7  April 2019 on competition; and Regulation No.  000350 of 
25 September  2020 on the application procedure for rules on competition.106 
3.3.6   State trading, state -owned enterprises and privatization  
3.103.   Congo has n ot notified the WTO of any state trading enterprises within the meaning of 
Article  XVII of the GATT.107 The process of state withdrawal from economic activities dates from 
1994, but the effective liberalization of the economy is ongoing. Nevertheless, the S tate's presence 
in business activities remains significant (Table 3.6). The Société nationale d'électricité (SNE), for 
example, continues to hold a monopoly over the generation, supply and importation of electricity. 
Saris Congo is still the only company p roducing and importing sugar in Congo. And in areas where 
there used to be a monopoly (such as hydrocarbons), Decree No.  2008-15 of 11  December  2008 
lays down the procedures for the allocation of mining titles for liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons.  
Table 3. 1 State involvement in the economy, 2022  
Company  Share held by 
the State  Area(s) of activity  Prerogatives  
2012  2022  
Congo -Telecom  100%  100%  Telecommunications  Monopoly on fixed -line telephony 
services  
Energie électrique du Congo  100%  100%   Monopoly on electricity 
generation, transmission and 
distribution  
Centrale électrique du Congo 
(CEC)   100%  Energy  Gas-fired power plant  
 
104 According to Law No. 5 -94 of 1 June 1994, as supplemented by Circular Note No.  16/MCAPME/CAB of 
23 August 2000, the authorization process consists of the approval of maximum selling prices by the Ministry 
responsible for trade, on the basis of a breakdown provided by the economic operator in accordance with the 
price structure and statutory profit ratios. Authorization must be obtained before the goods concerned can be 
offered for sale. Wholesale importers must indicat e the authorized retail selling price on their wholesale 
invoices.  
105 Circular Note No. 16 -MCAPMEA/CAB of 23 August 2000 on the price and approval regime.  
106 Revised rules on competition were adopted in April 2019; this revision deals with anti -competitive 
trade practices attributable to state enterprises and practices affecting trade between member States. The 
competition regulations are aimed at three kinds of practice: certain unlawful agreements, certain 
concentration operations and abuses of dominant pos ition. 
107 WTO document G/L/971/Rev.1 of 7 November 2011.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 179 - 
 
  Company  Share held by 
the State  Area(s) of activity  Prerogatives  
2012  2022  
La Congolaise des Eaux   100%   Monopoly on the production, 
transport and distribution of water  
Agency for Land -Use Planning 
(AFAT)   100%  Land development   
National Civil Aviation 
Authority (ANAC)   100%  Transport  Air safety and air traffic control  
Congo -Ocean Railway (CFCO)   100%  Transport  Monopoly on railway transport  
Assurance et réassurance du 
Congo (ARC)   100%  Insurance  Insurance services  
Congolaise de Gestion de 
Loterie   90% Games of chance  Recreational services  
Société des transports publics 
urbains (STPU)   100%  Urban public transit  Public transit services  
Société congolaise de 
transport fluvial (SOCOTRAF)   100%  River transport   
Banque Congolaise de l'Habitat 
(BCH)   84% Financial services   
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.3.7   Government procurement  
3.104.   In 2009, Congo adopted a new government procurement management framework108 that 
transposed CEMAC legislation in this field into national law (Common Report, Section 3.3.3). 
According to the authorities, the new code seeks to promote transparency and competition in the 
allocation and monitoring of public contracts in accordance w ith international standards. However, 
Decree No.  2009-156 of 20  May 2009 covers only three types of procurement: works contracts; 
supply and intellectual services contracts; and purchases of food products or ironmongery.  
3.105.   During the period under review, imp rovements were made to the government procurement 
system to supplement certain provisions and categorize some of those by type of procurement.  
3.106.   The new code formally establishes several bodies, including the Government Procurement 
Regulatory Authority, to p rovide high quality services to government procurement stakeholders . The 
Ministry of Land -Use Planning and Major Works was also established and is charged with awarding 
and enforcing government procurement contracts and public service concessions on behalf  of the 
State and other legal persons under public or private law.  
3.107.   A government procurement management unit, answerable to the person in charge of 
government procurement, is responsible for carrying out all government procurement and 
public -service concess ion procedures , as well as for planning government procurement and public 
service concessions. The Directorate -General for Government Procurement Control monitors 
implementation of regulations on government procurement and public service concessions.  
3.108.   The c urrent thresholds for public contracts subject to calls for tender are CFAF 50 million or 
more for works and supply contracts, and CFAF  10 million or more for intellectual services 
contracts.109 As part of the evaluation of the tenders, bids from candidates  based in Congo/the 
CEMAC zone have a 10 -point advantage.  
3.109.   Article 11 of the Decree No.  2009-162 sets the thresholds for public contracts tendered 
internationally at CFAF  2 billion or more for works and CFAF  500 million or more for the supply of 
goods or se rvices.  
 
108 Decree No. 2009 -156 of 20 May 2009.  
109 The thresholds for government procurement in the Republic of the Congo are set out in Decree 
No. 2009-162 of 20 May 2009 establishing the thresholds for the awa rd, control and approval of government 
procurement contracts, and Decree No.2011 -843 of 31 December 2011, amending and supplementing certain 
provisions of Decree No. 2009 -162 of 20 May 2009 establishing the thresholds for the award, control and 
approval of  government procurement contracts.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo, Republic of  the 
 
- 180 - 
 
  3.110.   Contracts for works, supplies and services below the thresholds set for domestic calls for 
tender are awarded by a simplified process of comparing at least three bids.  
3.111.   The Code allows for preference to be given to Congolese businesses, a provision that can be 
invoked only if it has been provided for in the tender documents. It allows domestic bidders' offers 
to be reduced by between 7.5 % and 10 % for works contracts and by up to 15 % for other types of 
procurement contracts.110 
3.112.   Congo is neither a party  nor an observer to the WTO Agreement on Government 
Procurement.  
3.3.8   Protection of intellectual property rights  
3.113.   Congo, like all the other CEMAC countries (Common Report, Section 3), is a member of the 
African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), created by the Bangui Agreement in 1977 
(Common Report, Section 3.3.6).111 Congo ratified the revised Bangui Agreement (1999) in 2001.112 
The revised Agreement entered into force on 28  February  2002 and applies in Congo, pursuant to 
the 2015 Constitution (Section 2. 1), as automatically legally binding state law. In addition to the 
revised Bangui Agreement (1999), Congo has passed national legislation on copyright and related 
rights. Congo has been a party to the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property  
Organization (WIPO) since 9  July 1973.113 Congo has notified the Bangui Agreement (1999) to the 
WTO.114 
3.114.   The regulatory and institutional framework for the country's intellectual property regime did 
not change or evolve during the period under review . 
 
110 Article 62 of the Government Procurement Code.  
111 The Bangui Agreement (1977) created the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) to 
replace the African and Malagasy Industrial Property Office, set up in 1962. OAPI's members include Benin, 
Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, 
Gabon, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal and Togo. Viewed at: 
http://www.oapi.wipo.net . 
112 Law No. 7 -2001 of 1 9 October 2001.  
113 Ordinance No. 24 -73 of 9 July 1973.  
114 WTO documents IP/N/1/COG/C/1 and IP/N/1/COG/C/2 of 29 April 2002.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 181 - 
  4  TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1  Agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forestry  
4.1.1   Overview  
4.1.  Congo covers an area of 342,000 km2, of which 60 % is forest and 40 % savannah ( Section  1.1). 
There is abundant rainfall and the hydrographic network, fed chiefly by the Congo and Oubangui 
Rivers, is extensive and dense. Congo has relatively large fisheries resources; it has a 170 km long 
coastline, a 11,300 km2 continental shelf and a vast exclusive economic zone (EEZ) ( Section  1.1). 
4.2.  With its farmable land,  water resources and growing, mainly young population, Congo has huge 
potential to become an agricultural producer and exporter. Climatic conditions, including rainfall, 
vary greatly from one region to another and offer an excellent basis for the developme nt of a range 
of agricultural, forestry and livestock activities. The steady growth of domestic demand should also 
favour the sector's development. Furthermore, the country's position on the equator and its diverse 
plant life support year -round agricultura l activity. It has plans to expand cultivation of crops such as 
bananas, cassava, rubber, oil palm, cocoa and coffee in forest regions, while the savannah areas are 
deemed well suited to growing grain legumes, cereals, rice and cotton, and to farming lives tock.115 
4.3.  Despite its considerable potential, the sector has lagged in becoming a vehicle for economic 
diversification and poverty reduction in a country that has turned its focus almost exclusively to 
petroleum production. Its contribution to national wealt h (GDP) has fallen steadily from 20 % in the 
1980s to a mere 1.6 % in 2020. The share of the population employed in the agricultural sector is 
also falling. In 1998 the sector accounted for over 40 % of the workforce, yet by 2018 it accounted 
for less than 20 %. An estimated 500,000 people (70 % of whom are women) are engaged in 
agricultural work on some 75,000 farms. The total cultivated area is 245,000 hectares (just over 
2% of the 10  million hectares suitable for agriculture), giving an average area of 0.4 he ctares per 
farm. The farms mainly produce crops; there is little livestock farming. The types of farming 
practised are traditional farming, which accounts for approximately 80 % of the cultivated area, and 
peri-urban sedentary farming, which makes up the re maining 20 %. Traditional crop -growing 
practices are followed and there is little use of modern production inputs (agricultural machinery, 
selected/improved seeds, irrigation, fertilizers and pesticides). Cassava is the main food crop, 
followed by plantains , yam and other fruits and vegetables.116 
4.4.  Because of its low agricultural output, the Republic of the Congo is highly dependent on food 
imports. Family farming, which accounts for over 90 % of domestic production and 80 % of the 
cultivated area, is unable to cover the population's food needs owing to this low productivity. As a 
result, food is imported in huge volumes (CFAF  700 billion in 2021).117 
4.5.  The agricultural sector's share of GDP (including livestock farming, fisheries and forestry) 
remains quite small r elative to the country's potential ( Section  1), principally because of the 
importance assigned to the petroleum subsector in Congo's economy ( Section  4.3). The small size 
of farms does not allow for economies of scale. They are unprofitable and employ rudi mentary 
production techniques. As a result of rural exodus, Congo's population is currently highly urbanized 
and is thus a relatively long way away from the centres of agricultural production. Agriculture is 
nonetheless the main source of income and employ ment for around one third of the population. 
Moreover, agriculture continues to be disadvantaged by structural weaknesses associated in 
particular with: inappropriate agricultural techniques; the high costs of factors of production, 
including hard -to-acces s credit; the poor state of the road network; and the weakness of support 
and extension services.  
4.6.  According to the authorities, the factors posing the biggest limitations to the potential of the 
agricultural sector relate to, inter alia , land (poor access to land, the small size of farms and a 
 
115 Republic of the Congo (2012), Plan national de Développement 2012 –2016,  Livre 1: Document de 
stratégie pour la croissance, l'emploi et la réduction de la pauvreté  (DSCERP 2012 -2016) , Brazzaville. See also 
African Union, Republic of the Congo, ECCAS and NEPAD (2013). Revue documentaire du secteur agricole du 
Congo  – Rapport , November.  
116 FAO (2014). Economic situation: FAOSTAT country profiles. Viewed at: 
https://www.fao.org/countryprofiles/index/en/?iso3=COG . 
117 National Deve lopment Plan (PND) 2022 -26. WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 182 - 
  frequent absence of land titles, etc.); human capital (limited technical capacity, a lack of training 
and the consequent lack of skilled labour, etc.); the low level of public investment in the sector (well 
below the 10% of the state budget recommended by NEPAD in the Maputo Declaration in 2003); 
inadequate infrastructure; and weak private sector involvement. The result is that, aside from the 
sugar and beverages subsector, which nevertheless relies on imported inputs (maize, hops, malt, 
fruit concentrate, etc.), the agri -food industry remains almost non -existent.  
4.7.  Legally, the State owns the land, but the customary regime of land ownership is observed in 
the rural areas, and this prevents the establishment of an officia l land market.118 
4.1.2   Agricultural policy  
4.8.  The Ministry responsible for agriculture is in charge of formulating and implementing 
agricultural policy. However, in line with the composition of the Government of 28  December  2019, 
as reshuffled on 24  September  2022119, a number of other departments also play a role in the 
agricultural sector, including the Ministry of Forestry Economics and Sustainable Development and 
the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture. By definition, the sector involves many departments, and 
the absence of coordination between them is a major handicap. Moreover, the legislative and 
regulatory framework of agricultural policy has included the adoption of several laws and regulations 
that are not consistent and have no assessment mechanism.  
4.9.  Since  Congo's last TPR, there have been no updates to the regulatory framework, some laws 
and texts of which date back to the 1950s. State interventions have focused on mechanizing 
production, managing perimeters, providing seeds and subsidizing fertilizers.  
4.10.  According to the authorities, the new agricultural policy set out in the 2018 -22 National 
Development Plan (PND) aims to make agriculture one of the main pillars of diversification, growth, 
competitiveness and sustainable job creation. Specifically, the Cong olese Government intends to 
(i) increase agricultural production capacity to support diversification of the economy; (ii) guarantee 
food and nutritional security; and (iii) reduce poverty.  
4.11.  The new strategy for agricultural development is based, on the one hand, on an integrated 
approach to the development of value chains in the agriculture, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture 
sectors, and, on the other, on institutional support for the private sector, with a view to stepping up 
the level of processing in a griculture and thus driving economic development.  
4.12.  The principal support measures for farmers are: exemption from the business licence fee120; 
exemption from personal income tax (IRPP) for those with income under CFAF  265,000121; 
distribution (free of charge) of tested seeds by the authorities (rice, cassava, maize, groundnuts, 
potatoes); exemption from duties and taxes on agricultural inputs and equipment; and various 
investments to develop the rural sector (including the repair of rural roads). Agri -food enterprises 
may receive subsidies under the National Investment Charter ( Section  2). An Agricultural Techniques 
Demonstration Centre has been opened to train agricultural technicians.  
4.13.  However, with the support of the African Development Bank, Congo has , since 
24 September  2020, been implementing an Integrated Agricultural Value Chains Development 
Project (PRODIVAC), a EUR  73.2 million project aimed at promoting competitive and resilient 
agriculture through the development of agri -food value chains.122 The specific goals of the project 
are to improve the performance of agricultural value chains and foster a business environment 
conducive to the promotion of profitable small agricultural enterprises.  
4.14.  Based on the ISIC definition, the simple average rate of CEMAC's CET applied to agricultural 
products (including livestock, fisheries and forestry activities) is 23.6 %, which is significantly higher 
than the overall average of 18.1 %. The mixed escalation of the tariff on agricultural products should 
 
118 Law No. 10 -2004 of 26 March 2004 establishing general principles for the state land and property 
regime (Articles 32 -37). 
119 Decree No. 2022 -1850 of 24 September 2022 on the appointment of members of the Government.  
120 Article 2 79 of the General Tax Code.  
121 Article 95 of the General Tax Code.  
122 Decree No. 2020 -366 of 24 September 2020 on ratification of the loan agreement between the 
Republic of the Congo and the African Development Bank.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 183 - 
  also be note d, caused by the relatively strong protection afforded to unprocessed agricultural 
products ( Common Report, Section  3). The tariff structure affects the competitiveness of Congolese 
products, especially processed agricultural products. Other duties and tax es, including internal taxes, 
are also levied on agricultural products.  
4.15.  Moreover, staple foods (for example sugar, wheat flour, rice and frozen fish) require approval 
of their ceiling prices ( Section  3) in order to make them more accessible to low -income g roups. In 
principle, sugar may not be imported and imports of wheat flour are subject to a quota of 
12,000  tonnes per quarter ( Section  3). Agricultural products (including food) may also be subject to 
sanitary and phytosanitary measures such as a ban on im porting live animals of the avian species 
and products derived therefrom ( Section  3). In addition, the agricultural product import regime 
requires permits from the Ministry responsible for agriculture and a special import authorization from 
the Ministry re sponsible for trade, which leaves room for ambiguity ( Section  3). 
4.16.  There is little processing in the livestock farming sector and no SPS regime in place to 
guarantee the quality of exported products. The authorities have promised to seek technical 
assistanc e from the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) in order to set up an 
SPS regime.  
4.1.3   Policy by subsector  
4.1.3.1   Sugar  
4.17.  The sugar subsector is organized around the Agricultural Company for the Industrial Refining 
of Sugar (SARIS -Congo)123, an agro -industrial sugar complex comprising sugar cane plantations and 
a plant for raw sugar production and refining in Nkayi in the south west of the country. SARIS -Congo 
has a monopoly on sugar production in Congo.  
4.18.  In addition to its monopoly, SARIS -Congo has be en approved under the G regime of the 
National Investment Charter ( Section  2) and is given preferential tariff quotas for sugar on the 
United States market. In 2020, SARIS -Congo exported 5,700 tonnes of sugar.124 
4.19.  Imports of refined sugar (made from sugar ca ne) are among the most protected agricultural 
products in Congo. In addition to a customs duty of 30 %, there is also a ban on importing refined 
sugar, with the possibility of obtaining a special import authorization in the event of shortages 
(Common Report , Section  3.1.4); the product is also subject to approval of a ceiling price 
(Section  3). 
4.1.3.2   Fisheries  
4.20.  The Congolese fisheries and aquaculture subsector has the potential to support and drive 
growth and employment. It provides a living for  thousands of people  and supplies around 60 % of 
the fish protein consumed nationally (the remainder comes from imports).125 The Republic of the 
Congo has a 170 km long coastline, a 11,300 km2 continental shelf and a 62,968 km2 EEZ. The 
hydrographic network, with its basin and Kouilou -Niari drainage areas and other bodies of water 
(lakes, lagoons and ponds), is a high -potential fishing resource stretching over 205,000 km2. 
4.21.  In 2017, 166,822 people were employed in small -scale inland and marine fisheries. Of those, 
72,282 were emp loyed in catching activities, 37,090 in processing activities and 57,450 in marketing 
activities. The permanent jobs created by the small -scale fishing industry employ 7.01 % of the 
active population, which was estimated at 2,380,700 people in 2017.  
 
123 SOMDIAA holds 66 % of its capital and th e remainder is held by the Congolese State.  
124 Rapport d'analyse comparative du cadre légal et réglementaire de la protection phytosanitaire des 
États de la zone CEMAC , STDF/PRASAC 2022.  
125 Republic of the Congo (2010), Rapport national sur l'analyse de la s ituation et estimation des besoins 
en santé et environnement dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre de la déclaration de Libreville, 
140 pages,  September.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 184 - 
  Table 4.1 Production by type of fishery, 2013 -21 
(Tonnes)  
Type of fishery  Production  
2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Small -scale marine fisheries  15,140  13,864  3,011  13,018  13,682  2,274  4,066  4,441  4,407  
Industrial marine fisheries  21,976  21,484  28,911  31,915  42,431  55,622  27,126  27,119  25,884  
Sardine fisheries  12,249  12,983  11,726  22,361  22,629  46,561  .. .. .. 
Trawler fisheries  9,727  8,501  17,185  9,554  19,802  11,043  .. .. .. 
Total marine fisheries  37,116  35,348  31,922  44,933  56,113  57,896  31,193  31,560  30,291  
(Small -scale) inland fisheries  35,990  38,090  37,320  39,988  38,842  41,034  38,860  .. .. 
Total domestic production  73,106  73,438  69,242  84,921  94,955  98,930  70,053  .. .. 
.. Not available.  
Source:  Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MAEP) . 
4.22.  Annual catches stagnated during the review period, going from 73,106 tonnes in 2013 to 
70,053 tonnes in 2019, with a spike in 2017 and 2018. Catches by small -scale fishe ries dropped 
considerably from 15,140 tonnes in 2013 to 4,407 tonnes in 2021. The total numbers for marine 
and inland fishing have changed by the same proportions (Table 4.1).  
4.23.  Both marine and inland fishing is practised in Congo. Inland fishery activities in the country 
are exclusively small -scale, while an industrial marine fishing fleet operates out of the port of 
Pointe -Noire. The fish caught near consumption centres is sold fresh, whereas in the interior it is 
processed on the spot, either by  smoking or by salting and drying, since there are no preservation 
facilities. This task is performed exclusively by women, who are very active in the processing and 
marketing process, taking care of around 80 % of the activities associated with smoking, drying and 
salting fish for consumption. Aquaculture, based on tilapia farming, is still in its early stages.  
4.24.  The management of fisheries resources falls under the remit of the Ministry responsible for 
fisheries and aquaculture, which defines the policy governing the sector and oversees its 
implementation. The work of the Ministry is supported by other departments with responsibilities 
and tasks that are closely linked to the management and development of fisherie s and aquaculture, 
specifically, the Ministry of Scientific Research and Technological Innovation, the Ministry of Tourism 
and Leisure, and the Ministry of Forestry Economics, Sustainable Development and the Environment. 
It also collaborates with the Minis try of National Defence, Transport and Civil Aviation and the 
Ministry of the Interior and Decentralization through their Directorates -General (Naval Force, 
Merchant Navy and Police Force).  
4.25.  Although Congo's fisheries have potential (around 80,000 tonnes pe r year for marine waters 
and some 100,000 tonnes per year for inland waters), fisheries development is nonetheless 
hampered by obstacles such as institutional instability, old and unsuitable means of production, and 
a lack of infrastructure.  
4.26.  The Congolese authorities are seeking to establish fisheries and aquaculture as a modern, 
industrialized subsector ready to play a full role in providing food and employment. They thus intend 
to provide fisheries and aquaculture with viable basic equipment and infrastru cture, such as fishing 
ports, fish markets, microbiological and chemical analysis laboratories and modern landing points, 
as well as international class facilities for preserving and drying fish that will enable fishers and fish 
farmers to work in conditio ns meeting the necessary hygiene standards. The aim is to increase 
production.  
4.27.  The Government also seeks to improve aquaculture, in particular fish farming. Aquaculture 
production should supplement inland and marine fisheries production. The Government is relying on 
aquaculture development to ensure the sustainability of the country's fisheries resources.  
4.28.  The legal and regulatory framework for fisheries in Congo comprises laws, decrees, orders 
and circulars. The law establishes two types of fishing zone: th e first covering a distance of 
0 to 6 nautical miles, reserved for small -scale marine fisheries; and the second covering a distance 
of 6 to 200 nautical miles, for industrial fisheries. Marine fishing is currently governed by Law 
No. 02-2000 of 1  February  2000 on the organization of marine fishing in the Republic of the Congo. 
Access to resources is therefore subject to obtaining a catch quota (for industrial fisheries) or a 
fishing permit (for small -scale fisheries) from the Ministry responsible for fisher ies. Inland fishing WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 185 - 
  and aquaculture are governed by Law No.  3-2010 of 14  June 2010 on the organization of inland 
fishing and aquaculture.  
4.29.  Quotas are allocated per vessel or per canoe at the beginning of each calendar year and at 
the request of the shipowne r (in the case of industrial fisheries) or the artisan fisher (in the case of 
small -scale fisheries). Prices are set after the relevant tax has been calculated: either the industrial 
fishing licence tax or the small -scale professional fishing permit tax.  
4.30.  Marine fishing requires an annual fishing licence granted by the Ministry of Fisheries and 
Aquaculture. The licence is subject to the payment of fees depending on the vessel's autonomy. A 
fishing licence is an administrative document indicating a vessel's a llocated quota. It is issued by 
the marine fisheries authority following technical visits to the vessel and full payment of the fishing 
licence tax. There are no costs attributable to the fishing licence; the fee for the industrial fishing 
quota covers the  costs of the fishing licence.  
4.31.  In addition to the taxes laid down by law, Congo has an extensive, complex system of 
parafiscal charges, chiefly of regulatory and institutional origin, which were introduced by 
administrative entities without any mandate to do so. This parafiscal system is the work of a large 
number of actors and/or structures; it applies both to professional small -scale marine fishing and to 
inland fishing. Moreover, it has a considerable impact on small -scale marine fishing, as shown in the  
summary of levies below (Table 4.2).126 
4.32.  The average tariff protection rate for fishing activities is 24.8 %, with rates ranging from 10 % 
to 30% (Common Report, Section  3.1.4).  
4.33.  According to the authorities, the existing legal framework for marine fishing doe s not fully 
meet the management needs of national fisheries, nor is it consistent with international regulations 
that cover fishing -related activities on the high seas, the management of shared and straddling fish 
stocks, and illegal, unregulated and unrep orted (IUU) fishing. The authorities recommend drafting a 
new law.  
4.34.  The principal obstacle to the development of the fishing industry in Congo, including the 
limited appeal to foreign vessels of the Congolese flag, is excessive taxation. The fiscal and para fiscal 
tariff structure does nothing to encourage efforts to improve competitiveness in the subsector, 
including substantial investment in the renewal of industrial fishing equipment and the motorization 
of dugout canoes.  
Table 4.2 Parafiscal levies on fishing, 2020   
No. Levy  Amount in CFAF  Entity concerned  
1 Tax on shark fishing permit - large vessels  300,000 F/year  Ministry of Fisheries  
2 Shark tax - small vessels  150,000 F/year  Ministry of Fisheries  
3 Shark tax - fixed nets  12,500 F/year  Ministry of Fisheries  
4 Tax on shark fins  2,000 F/fish  Ministry of Fisheries  
5 Hygiene tax for fish processing  75,000 F/year  Ministry of Health  
6 Extinguisher tax  20,000 F/year  Fire service  
7 Sardine cannery tax  25,000 F/year  Ministry of Fisheries  
8 Railway transportation tax  3,000 -4,000 F 
depending on item  Ministry of Transport  
9 Charge for small -scale fishing card  10,000 F/year  Ministry of Small and 
Medium -Sized Enterprises  
10 Registration of canoes  2,000 F  Ministry of Fisheries  
11 Shipping manifest  200 F/tide  Congolese Navy  
Source:  Information provided by the Congolese authorities.  
4.35.  According to the authorities, the fisheries subsector in Congo is facing a rise in demand, 
resulting in increased pressure on resources and a need for stronger conservation measures, such 
as protection for "sensitive" habitats. Congo has taken certain technical measures to promote 
 
126 Stratégie pour un développement durable de pêche en République du Congo, volume 1, bilan 
diagnostic de l a pêche , December 2011, p. 21.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 186 - 
  sustainable fisheries, including reinforcing the regulato ry framework127, establishing two types of 
fishing zone and introducing sea patrols.  
4.36.  The authorities believe the overfishing of fish stocks in Congolese waters to be a result of the 
chronic overcapacity of the fishing fleet. This critical situation stems no t only from the inadequacy 
of conservation measures (regarding catch and/or fishing effort quotas and technical measures) and 
their implementation follow -up, but above all from the disconnect between these measures and the 
rules on sharing production poten tial among operators in these ecosystems.  
4.37.  Congo has fisheries and aquaculture cooperation agreements with a number of countries in 
the subregion, including Angola, Gabon, Namibia, Morocco and Senegal. However, Congolese 
legislation provides that industrial  fishing in waters under Congolese jurisdiction is also reserved for 
the vessels of foreign operators who have concluded a contract with the marine fisheries authority 
authorizing them to fish in waters under Congolese jurisdiction, and for fishing vessels  chartered by 
a Congolese operator. The Fishing Vessel, Boat and Craft Observation Centre (CONBEP) in 
Pointe -Noire has a VMS satellite monitoring system and is primarily tasked with the monitoring, 
control and surveillance of the fishing activities of vess els fitted with beacons. The Centre's 
surveillance activities are currently limited by a shortage of patrol boats, although the Congolese 
State plans to acquire vessels of this type.  
4.1.3.3   Forestry  
4.38.  Forestry is the largest subsector in Congolese agriculture. It is the main private sector 
employer; it provides some 14,000 direct and 7,000 indirect jobs for the active population and is 
the second largest source of export revenue after petroleum ( Section  1). 
4.39.  Congo's forests are found in three mountainous areas: the K ouilou -Mayombe mountains 
(1.5 million hectares) and the Chaillu -Niari mountains (4.38  million hectares) in the south of Congo, 
and the Nord -Congo forested mountain range (15.9  million hectares) in the north. Of the country's 
approximately 22.5  million hect ares of forest, some 18.4  million hectares can be exploited 
commercially and 10  million hectares are concession areas. Congo also has 70,000 to 
83,000 hectares  of limba and eucalyptus plantations in the Pointe -Noire region.  
4.40.  According to the authorities, Co ngo has 16 protected areas: four national parks, three wildlife 
reserves, two hunting areas, one hunting reserve, three great ape sanctuaries, one forest reserve 
(urban protected area), one biosphere reserve and one community reserve. In all, there are ove r 
3.7 million hectares of land spread over three national parks, six reserves, three hunting areas and 
three sanctuaries.  
4.41.  Under the National Forestry Action Plan (PAFN) adopted in 1994, the main regulatory 
instrument in this subsector is the Forestry Code enacted in 2000.128 This Code requires 85 % of 
rough wood to be processed on the spot.129 In practice, processing mainly takes the form of sawing 
and has not reached the 85 % target, with the shortfall being the subject of a surcharge 
(Section  3.1). According to the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), this regulatory 
framework provides the basis for sustainable forestry management.130 The forests in the 
Congo  Basin are covered by the Treaty on the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Forest 
Ecosystems in Central Africa.131 
 
127 Decree No. 2009 -33 of 6 February 2009 laying down provisions on the mesh -size of nets and 
maritime fishing gear; Regulation on Access to Fishing by Law; Decree No. 2011 -695 of 21 November 2011 
establishing an observation centre for fishing vessels and craft.  
128 Law No. 16 -2000 of 20 November 2000. The other texts include: Law No.48 -83 of 21 April 1983 
determining the conditions for the conservation and exploitation of wild fauna; Law No. 52 -83 of 21 April 1983 
containing the Code on State Land and Property (the implementing texts of which have never been adopted); 
and Law No. 03 -91 of 23 April 1991 on environmental protection.  
129 Article 48 of Law No. 16 -2000 of 20 November 2000.  
130 The ITTO (2005) defines sustaina ble forest management (SFM) as: "The process of managing forest 
to achieve one or more clearly specified objectives of management with regard to the production of a 
continuous flow of desired forest products and services without undue reduction of its inhe rent values and 
future productivity and without undue undesirable effects on the physical and social environment ." 
131 This treaty, which established the Central African Forests Commission (COMIFAC), was adopted at 
the Summit of Heads of State of Central Afr ica, held in Brazzaville on 4 and 5 February 2005. The WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 187 - 
  4.42.  According to the Code, forests are classified into state forest, national public forest and private 
forest. State forest is split up into Forest Management Units (UFAs), as established by order of the 
Minister responsible fo r water resources and forests; there are 34 such Units ranging between 
0.2 and 1  million hectares in area.132 In the mountains in the south of the country (where logging 
dates back to the colonial era), the Units are of medium size, but they are much larger  in the north 
(where logging only started recently) with a view to attracting investors capable of exploiting the 
timber on a large scale (at least 100,000 m3 annually) by building roads and setting up facilities for 
on-the-spot primary processing. Access to the port of Pointe -Noire makes it easier to ship timber in 
the south of the country than in the north, where the timber must be transported along 1,200 km 
of rural roads to the port of Douala in Cameroon.133 Completion of the works on national road No.  2 
to Ouesso will greatly facilitate the shipping of timber in the north of the country.  
4.43.  UFAs are exploited for commercial purposes by the holders of concessions issued by the water 
resources and forestry admini stration. The concessions comprise industrial processing agreements 
(for a maximum period of 15 years); management and processing agreements (for a maximum 
period of 25 years); permits for the harvesting of plantations; and special permits (restricted to 
Congolese nationals, non -governmental organizations and associations established under Congolese 
law). Industrial processing agreements and management and processing agreements are awarded 
following a tendering process. In total, concessions awarded in 2010  covered 12,669,626 of the 
country's estimated 17,116,583 hectares of forest area. This figure relates only to the long -term 
forest concessions (more than 15 years) that account for the bulk of Congo's exploitable forest.  
4.44.  The forestry administration shall ensure on both a national and departmental level that any 
activity authorized in national forests shall be carried out without destroying the area. UFAs are the 
base units for development, management, conservation, regeneration and production tasks, as 
established by decree in the Council of Ministers. Concession holders draw up management plans in 
collaboration with foreign or Congolese business consultants for the hectares of forest given over to 
logging. The aim is to have all forestry concessions manage d by concession holders. A forest 
management programme launched in 2000 has seen 11.7  million hectares of forestry concessions 
brought under management; of these, 6,227,724 hectares already have a management plan in place 
and around 2,500,000 hectares have  been certified. As part of this programme, the French 
Development Agency (AFD) implemented a support project for the sustainable management of 
forestry concessions in the centre and south of Congo. Congo's first forestry management plan was 
adopted in Mar ch 2006 in Ouesso and covers the Kabo UFA, an area of 296,000 hectares allocated 
to CIB -OLAM. The current situation is as follows: 32 UFAs divided into 60 forestry concessions; 
57 allocated concessions (15,036,738 hectares); 21 managed concessions (8,711,2 85 hectares); 
8 certified concessions, of which 5 FSC, 2 OLB and 1 LS (3,935,597 hectares); and 3 unallocated 
concessions (322,816 hectares).  
4.45.  The state forest covers 22.5  million hectares, of which 12.7  million are allocated to the 
production of commercial  timber by concession holders. Logging is dominated by a few large 
companies including CIB and Industrie Forestière de Ouesso (IFO). Since 1  January  2010, all exports 
of rough wood have been prohibited with a view to promoting domestic value added within t he 
industry.134 The authorities have indicated that this measure has led to an increase in the number 
of processing facilities.  
4.46.  The sector is growing fast (Table 4.3). In line with the authorities' aim to encourage the 
industrialization of the timber sector , operators in the industry are increasingly required to step up 
the local processing of rough wood taken from the forests. The minimum processing rate required 
by the State is generally 85 %. However, pursuant to Article 97.1 of Law No.  33-2020 of 8  July 2020 
on the Forestry Code concerning the prohibition of the export of rough timber products originating 
 
implementation of the convergence plan drawn up for this purpose links donors to the Congo Basin Forest 
Partnership (CBFP), launched at the Johannesburg summit in September 2002.  
132 Online information f rom the Treasury of the French Republic. Viewed at: 
http://www.tresor.economie.gouv.fr/pays/congo . 
133 In order to ship timber through the port of Pointe -Noire, i t has to be sent down by water, taken out 
of the water and stored in Brazzaville and then transported by rail to Pointe -Noire. This means that timber 
cannot be shipped within the time limits expected by operators. The Congolese authorities estimate the los s in 
terms of service purchases for shipping timber through Cameroon at around CFAF 40 billion.  
134 The Forestry Code sets aside 15 % of log production from each enterprise for export and 85 % for 
local processing to promote domestic value added within the ind ustry.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 188 - 
  from natural and planted forests in the Republic of the Congo, as of 1  January  2023 only timber in 
a finished or semi -finished state may be exported.  
Table 4.3 Trend in the production of forest woods, 2013 -19 
Unit (m3) 
 2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  
Rough timber  1,623,374  1,506,857  1,536,840  1,581,653  1,750,000  1,811,065  1,612,821  
Sawn timber  326,999  350,236  369,502  362,988   335,947  284,258   357,178  
Veneer  72,521  59,256  59,139  64,131  53,297  45,450  37,896  
Plywood  28,181  28,066  25,756  24,537  23,656  .. 11,737  
Round wood  146,225  3,447  187 .. .. .. .. 
Chips  141,303  15 .. .. .. .. .. 
.. Not available.  
Source:  Ministry of Forestry Economics  
4.47.  Various taxes are levied on timber exports ( Section  3.1). Since 2003, Congo has brought its 
taxation into line with that in other countries in the subregion. Together with the cost of timber 
shipment, this change has been a factor in holding back growth in the subsector, especially in the 
north of the country.  
4.2  Mining, energy and water  
4.2.1   Mining products  
4.48.  Congo has large deposits of mineral resources, although their extent is not yet fully clear 
because no in -depth studies have been conducted. The resources include gold, copper and diamonds. 
Promoting the mining sector is a response to the objective of diversifying the basis of Congo's 
economy, as set out in the PRSP II.  
4.49.  The award of the "Boko Songho" and "Yanga -Koubanza" permits will enable copper, lead and 
zinc production to resume in the west Bouenza mining basin. The Kouilou potash and magnesium 
project led by the Canadian company MagIndustries makes provision for the imminent mining of 
potash and magnesium dep osits. It is also expected that one of its subsidiaries, Mag -Metals, will 
install an on -site smelting furnace for magnesium with a view to producing 60,000 tonnes of this 
metal, or 15 % of world consumption.  
4.50.  The regulatory framework has not changed substant ially since the last review in 2013. The 
2005 Mining Code, administered by the supervisory Ministry, governs the prospection, exploration, 
exploitation, holding, transport and processing of mineral or fossil substances. According to the 
Code, the State own s the mineral or fossil substances present in deposits in national territory, 
including those in territorial waters, as well as all the relevant technical data and information 
collected by mining companies.135 
4.51.  Decree No.  2007-274, adopted on 21 May 2007, lays down the conditions governing the 
prospection, exploration and exploitation of mineral substances, and conditions governing 
administrative supervision. According to Article 5 of the Decree, a mining title must be obtained in 
advance in ac cordance with Articles 18, 25, 39, 45, and 57 of Law No.  4-2005 of 11  April 2005 
(Mining Code) for any activity involving the prospection, exploration or exploitation of mineral 
substances. The mining titles required are the following: prospecting permit ( for one year, renewable 
for one further year); exploration permit (for three years, renewable for two further two -year 
periods); small -scale mining permit (three years, tacitly renewable for the same period); industrial 
mining permit (five years, renewable  for five -year periods); operating permit (for a maximum of 25 
years, renewable for periods of maximum 15 years); and permits to hold, transport and process 
precious mineral substances.  
4.52.  Since 2007, the country has once again been party to the Kimberley Pro cess and adopted the 
following texts to give effect to its participation: Decree No.  2008-336 of 22  September  2008 on the 
establishment and composition of the Kimberley Process Permanent Secretariat; Decree 
No. 2008-337 of 22  September  2008, establishing p rocedures for implementing the Kimberley 
 
135 Law No. 4 -2005 of 11 April 2005.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 189 - 
  Process Certification Scheme; and the Order supplementing certain provisions of Decree 
No. 2007-247 of 21  May 2007, with a view to the implementation of the Kimberley Process 
Certification Scheme.136 
4.53.  The Mining Code discourages speculation by requiring any company that holds permits in 
Congo to use them. Article 100 of the Code empowers the Government to award itself, free of 
charge, a minimum share of 10 % of the capital from each mining project with the option to pur chase 
further shares.  
4.54.  According to the authorities, the mining sector is one of the strongest links in the 
diversification of Congo's economy. Following the promulgation of Law No.  4-2005 of 11  April 2005 
on the Mining Code, there was intense prospection a nd exploration activity, which led to the 
discovery of large iron, copper and potash deposits. The Law also laid the foundations for the 
development of the small -scale mining sector with the adoption of a strategy and action plan with 
support from the UNDP  and geological mapping.  
4.55.  For these large -scale projects, the challenge ahead is to adopt a more attractive legal 
framework and create storage, transport and processing infrastructure. A committee involving the 
public and private sector, civil society and u nions has been set up to prepare the new Mining Code.  
4.56.  The support measures to the sector include freedom for approved companies to transfer 
profits and dividends abroad, along with proceeds from the sale of their investments. The temporary 
admission proced ure (with relief from import or export duties and taxes, except for the automation 
fee) applies to machinery and equipment needed for geological surveying and mapping, as well as 
during the exploration and start -up phases and when expanding capacity. Holde rs of mining permits 
must pay the standing charges, an area royalty, a mining royalty on export earnings and a tax on 
geomaterials for building.137 
4.57.  Imports of mining substances are subject to the payment of duties and taxes, including the 
CET at the maximum rate of 30 %, VAT of 18 % and excise duty of 24 % on precious stones 
(Section  3). The export of mining products is regulated. In addition to producers, State -approved 
offices that buy and sell precious mineral substances are recognized as exporters. A ccording to the 
authorities, trade in uncut diamonds in Congo continues. Following its suspension from the Kimberley 
Process in 2004, Congo was readmitted as a full member of the Process in 2007. Additionally, the 
legislation provides for a 2 % supplementar y exit duty (DAS) and the possibility of exemptions, but 
in practice there are no exports that could justify application of the exemption.  
4.2.2   Petroleum products and natural gas  
4.58.  Oil remains one of the main resources in Congo. The country has proven reserves of  
1.6 billion  barrels, as indicated in a report by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons, and is the fifth largest 
oil producer in Sub -Saharan Africa after Nigeria, Angola, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Oil 
production remains considerable (10 -15 million tonnes/year),  and there are still large reserves in 
existence. In 2020 and 2021, Congo's oil production was, respectively, 112,029,959 barrels (or 
around 306,093 barrels/day) and 99,897,987 barrels (or around 273,693 barrels/day), and its 
proven reserves (1P) were 938, 698,000 barrels (2020) and 877,939,000 barrels (2021). Most of the 
oilfields are offshore and are operated by foreign companies, in some cases with participation by the 
Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) (Table 4.4.).  
4.59.  Although it holds all perm its (Article 9 of Law No.  28-2016 of 12  October  2016 on the 
Hydrocarbons Code), the national company (the SNPC in this case) does not manage the State's 
share of production. It markets this share in accordance with a specific mandate signed with the 
State,  which tasks it with marketing the State's share of hydrocarbons in all permits in the Republic 
of the Congo.  
4.60.  The oil industry in Congo has a diversified structure. Many companies hold operating permits 
(Table 4.4. Structure of the oil industry). Since 200 8, TotalEnergies E&P has operated the deepwater 
 
136 PRSP Completion Report 2008 -11. 
137 Article 157 of Law No. 2005 -04 of 11 April 2005. Taxes are 5  per cent  on metals and precious 
stones, 1% on thermal or mineral waters, 5% on geomaterials for building and on mater ials for the ceramics 
and other industries, and 3% on all other mineral substances.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 190 - 
  permit for Moho -Bilondo, where the contracting group ( TotalEnergies E&P Congo (53.5 %), Chevron 
(31.5 %), SNPC (15 %)) had invested over USD  2.9 billion by the end of 2010 for production of 
around 90,000  barrels /day. Its principal competitor, the subsidiary of the Italian company ENI, 
produced half, i.e. 30 % of the total (97,000 barrels/day). The other actors are subsidiaries of the 
groups Maurel & Prom (France), Perenco (France/United Kingdom), Esso (United King dom) and 
Murphy (United States). Once again, the Congolese public company SNPC does not manage the 
national wells. It is the operator of a permit (MKB II) and holds participating interests (minimum of 
15%) in all permits in the Republic of the Congo.  
4.61.  Accor ding to the authorities, total output is expected to be over 100  million barrels per year 
once the new Litanzi and Nsoko oilfields are on stream. Congolese oil is generally of fairly good 
quality, not very heavy and containing little sulphur. Congo is one of the leading oil -exporting African 
countries, behind Angola, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. Oil accounts for almost 90 % of export 
receipts and 2/3 of GDP.  
Table 4.4 Structure of the oil industry, 2012 and 20 21  
Companiesa Field  Annual  
capacity  
(thousands 
of barrels)  in 
2012  Annual  
capacity  
(thousands of 
barrels) in 
2021  
TotalEnergies E &P Congo: 53.5; Chevron Overseas (Congo) Ltd: 
31.5; SNPC: 15  Nkossa  25,000  5,201  
Eni Congo S.A.: 52; SNPC: 38; AOGC: 10  Kitina II  15,000  581 
Perenco Congo S.A.: 40; SNPC: 15; HEMLA: 20; Kontinent Congo: 
10; AOGC: 10; Petro Congo:5  Tchibouéla II  15,000  5,183  
Following the withdrawal of companies Eni Congo and 
TotalEnergies, the permit is provisionally operated by the SNPC  in 
January  2022 Zatchi II  12,000  658 
PERENCO S.A.: 42.5; SNPC: 39; Petro Congo: 18.5  Yombo -Masseko  6,100  3,279  
TotalEnergies EP Congo: 65; Eni Congo S.A.: 35  Sendji  6,000  2,275  
Perenco Congo: 55; SNPC: 20; Petro Congo: 15; AOGC: 10  Likalala II  3,900  1,011  
Perenco Congo: 55; SNPC: 20; Petro Congo: 15; AOGC: 10  Kombi II  3,900  260 
Congorep: 65; Agip Congo S.A.: 35  Likouala  3,800  6,184  
Perenco Congo: 40; SNPC: 15; HEMLA: 20; Kontinent Congo: 10; 
AOGC: 10; Petro Congo: 5  Tchibéli 
II - Litanzi II  3,700  890 
    
TotalEnergies EP Congo: 65; Eni Congo S.A.: 35  Yanga  3,500  1,553  
Congorep (subsidiary of Perenco Group): 69.3800; SNPC: 
15.0038; Perenco: 15.6162  Emeraude II  3,300  3,629  
Eni Congo S.A.: 58; SNPC: 34; AOGC: 8  Foukanda II  3,000  595 
Perenco Congo S.A.: 40; SNPC: 15; HEMLA: 20; Kontinent Congo: 
10; AOGC: 10; Petro Congo:5  Tchendo II  3,000  1,495  
Eni Congo S.A.: 58; SNPC: 34; AOGC: 8  Mwafi II  2,800  724 
Eni Congo S.A.: 50; SNPC: 40; AOGC: 10  Djambala II  1,500  64 
Eni Congo SA: 50; Burren: 25; SNPC: 25  Kouakouala  500 140 
Africa Oil and Gas Corporation: 55; SNPC: 20; Petroleum 13; 
Ifouret: 12  Pointe -Indienn
e 50 51 
a The figures show the percentage share of the capital.  
Source:  Mobbs, P.M. (2004) for 2004 and Congolese authorities for 2012 and 2021.  
4.62.  The regulatory framework has changed substantially since the last review in 2012. The 
hydrocarbons sector is now governed by Law No.  2016-28 of 12  October  2016 on  the Hydrocarbons 
Code.138 This new Law sets out the legal, tax, customs and foreign exchange regimes applicable in 
the Republic of the Congo to upstream activities in the hydrocarbons sector, as well as the rights 
and obligations of contractors operating i n this area and the rules they must comply with on hygiene, 
health, safety and the environment, and on boosting local content (Article 1).  
4.63.  The Code stipulates that the hydrocarbons contained in the soil and subsoil of the territory of 
the Republic of the C ongo are part of the national heritage (Article 4). All basic technical data and 
information acquired in the context of petroleum operations, including information on the 
determination of hydrocarbon reserves, is considered exclusive property of the State,  with the 
exception of information or technology protected by industrial property rights (Article 24). The State, 
 
138 Office of the President of the Republic (2016), Law No. 2016 -28 of 12 October 2016 on the 
Hydrocarbons Code, Official Journal of the Republic of the Congo, Special Editio n No. 8 -2016.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 191 - 
  through the Ministry responsible for the hydrocarbons sector, acts as regulator of the sector by 
ensuring compliance with the requirements of the law by all parties involved (Article 4). The SNPC, 
to which all mining titles constituting an operating permit are exclusively allocated, supports the 
State in implementing the national petroleum policy in the exploration/production sector (Articles 7,  
8 and 9). For all hydrocarbon exploration and/or exploitation operations, the new Code introduces 
production -sharing contracts and service contracts.139 
4.64.  The Code defines a production -sharing contract as any petroleum contract under which the 
State assigns a contractor the rights to carry out hydrocarbon exploration and/or exploitation 
operations within a given area. In the case of production, the contractor receives a share of 
production for recovery of petroleum costs and another share as remuneration (Art icle 16). 
Petroleum contracts in which the State assigns a contractor the rights to carry out hydrocarbon 
exploration and/or exploitation operations within a given area, in exchange for fixed or variable 
remuneration paid either in cash or in kind, are con sidered service contracts. A service contract may 
be concluded in order to assign the rights to carry out petroleum operations (Article 17).  
4.65.  Persons authorized to carry out upstream activities in the territory of the Republic of the 
Congo must be accredite d contractors, composed of one or more legal persons with the necessary 
technical and financial capacities to undertake petroleum operations. Where a contractor does not 
itself have the necessary technical or financial capacities to undertake petroleum ope rations, each 
of its members must provide a commitment from their parent company guaranteeing the member's 
proper fulfilment of the obligations linked to the prospecting permit or mining title and the petroleum 
contract (Articles 18 and 19).  
4.66.  State participation in upstream petroleum activities consists of holding a participating interest 
in petroleum contracts via the SNPC and, if required, direct ownership of shares in oil companies. 
The national company, or companies, together where applicable, ho ld a mandatory non -transferable 
participating interest of minimum 15 % in all petroleum contracts. However, except where the SNPC 
acts as an operator, the contribution obligations linked to the mandatory minimum participation 
above shall be borne entirely b y the other members of the contractor, in proportion to their 
respective participating interests, until the date of publication of the decree awarding the operating 
permit for the area of operation concerned.  
4.67.  The Code stipulates that the members of the con tractor are required to register in the Trade 
and Personal Property Credit Register and to complete any other formalities linked to this 
registration, in accordance with applicable law in the Republic of the Congo. During exploration, the 
operator is autho rized to open a branch in Congo under the conditions laid down in the regulations 
in force in order to conduct petroleum operations. However, during exploitation, the operator must 
be a company incorporated under Congolese law with its registered office in  the territory of the 
Republic of the Congo (Article 20).  
4.68.  The petroleum contract sets out the conditions under which the contractor must carry out 
petroleum operations within the areas covered by the mining titles to which the contract refers. 
These includ e conditions for carrying out petroleum operations, and methods and conditions relating 
to remuneration of the contractor, the distribution of production under production -sharing contracts, 
remuneration of the contractor for petroleum operations, remunerat ion of the contractor under 
service contracts, the accounting procedure and the contractor's local content commitments. 
(Articles 73 -80). 
4.69.  The new Code establishes mechanisms for boosting hydrocarbon prospection, exploration and 
exploitation activities, wit h a view to evaluating hydrocarbon resources and ensuring the balanced 
distribution of petroleum revenue. The Law also establishes the principles that will from now on 
govern the refining, transport/storage and distribution of petroleum products. The marke ting 
segment of petroleum products remains liberalized, but the State plays a role via supply contracts 
and price regulation. These new provisions offer business opportunities in terms of subcontracting, 
private investment and public -private partnerships.  
 
139 Under production sharing, the contractor is the party contracting with the State, composed of one or 
more legal persons, including the national company and any legal person who is a beneficiary of a regular 
transfer of a participating interest in a mining title. Under a service contract, the contracting party is one or 
more legal persons with which the State has signed a service contract.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 192 - 
  4.70.  Petroleum companies are eligible for a special VAT -exempt regime for goods (whether 
imported or of national origin)140 and for services and works provided by subcontractors working 
directly in petroleum activities.141 Petroleum companies must give priority t o local personnel when 
recruiting and to Congolese suppliers for services. Companies engaged in prospecting, exploration, 
exploitation and transport are subject to corporation tax142 and a mining royalty proportional to 
output. This proportional mining roya lty is set at 15 % for liquid hydrocarbons, 5 % for natural gas, 
12% for permits in hard -to-access areas and those located at water depths of more than 500 metres, 
or requiring the use of excessively costly technologies.143 
4.71.  Only duly authorized persons may ex port petroleum products and engage in their transit and 
re-export. Exports of crude hydrocarbons are exempt from all duties and taxes. However, exports 
of refined hydrocarbons are subject to payment of a number of duties and taxes ( Section  3). 
According to  the authorities, the export of oil is not possible in the downstream petroleum sector.  
4.72.  As part of the reforms introduced in the hydrocarbons sector, the Government has established 
a regulatory body known as the Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (A RAP)144, which is 
responsible for ensuring the proper implementation of mechanisms to stabilize the supply and 
regularize the distribution of petroleum products on the national market, overseeing the 
accumulation and management of strategic stocks and secur ity stocks, ensuring the proper 
implementation of mechanisms to stabilize the price of petroleum products on the national market 
by means of a fund, and monitoring compliance with regulations, terms and conditions and standards 
applicable to downstream pet roleum sector activities. Transparent management of the financial 
resources earned from the petroleum industry in Congo and its improvement are one of the 
cornerstones of state action.  
4.73.  For downstream activities, the SNPC is responsible for marketing the St ate's share of 
petroleum under production -sharing agreements. Responsibility for distributing and marketing 
petroleum products has also been given to Totalenergies Congo S.A. (formerly Total/Fina/Elf), 
Chevron/Texaco, Afric', and the Puma Energy/X -Oil (PEX ) consortium.145 The Société Congolaise de 
Logistique (SCLOG), set up in July  2002, is responsible for the storage and mass transport of finished 
petroleum products within Congo.146 Gas and liquefied petroleum (LPG) assets were sold to the joint 
venture FAAK I/SNPC in October  2001 and the sale of SNPC shares to Congolese operators should 
take place in the near future; the lubricant manufacturing plant (UFALU) has been privatized and 
repurchased by SOLUPAC, a subsidiary of the SAPRO Group.  
4.74.  The company Congolais e de raffinage (CORAF) manages the only refinery; it has nominal 
capacity to handle 1,200,000 tonnes/year.147 CORAF's technical facilities comprise six basic 
production units including a topping and conversion plant alongside utility units (storage and boil ers) 
and off -site units (pipes, wharves). Its output of butane, premium grade petrol, white spirit, jet fuel, 
gas oil and light fuel oil covers all Congo's needs, estimated to be around 530,000 tonnes of crude 
annually; the remainder of its output is expor ted.148 All of its production is transported to the SCLOG 
storage facilities, where it is stored for provision to approved marketers for distribution and 
marketing. The Government is in the process of modernizing its infrastructure.  
4.75.  The ceiling price of pet roleum products marketed and consumed on the domestic market is 
regulated by Order No.  9195/MH/MCAC/MFB of 9  October  2018 revising the prices of finished liquid 
 
140 Decree No. 2001 -522 of 19 October 2001.  
141 Law No. 3 -2000 of 1 February 2000. Subcon tracting in the petroleum sector requires approval by the 
Minister responsible for hydrocarbons and payment of an annual fee amounting to CFAF 1.5 million (Order 
No. 1214 of 19 March 2001).  
142 For companies legally established in Congo, the rate is 38% on p rofits. In the case of companies that 
"operate intermittently or are in a precarious situation", the rate is 35% on 22% of the turnover (Article  126ter 
of the General Tax Code).  
143 Article 159 of Law No. 28 -2016 of 12 October 2016 enacting the Hydrocarbons Code.  
144 Law No. 31 -2006 of 12 October establishing the Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.  
145 Decree No. 2002 -260 of 1 August 2002.  
146 SCLOG comprises the following companies: TotalEnergies Congo S.A.: 50%; PEX consortium 
(Puma/X -Oil): 25 %, i.e. 12.5% each; SNAT consortium (AOGC/SNPC -D): 25%, i.e. 15% AOGC and 10% 
SNPC -D. 
147 Interview avec M. Nestor Mawandza, Directeur Général de la CORAF . Viewed at: 
http://www.winne.com . 
148 Articles 9 and 10 of Law No. 6 -2001 of 19 October 2001 organizing refining, import, export, transit 
and re -export activities.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 193 - 
  petroleum products covered by the price structure, and Order No.  9194/MH/MCAC/MFB of 
9 October  2018 revising butane gas prices covered by the price structure. The pricing procedures 
for finished petroleum products are established by Decree No.  2005-699 of 30  December  2005 
determining the classification and pricing methodology for petroleum products.  However, the price 
structure itself is established by Joint Order of the Minister responsible for hydrocarbons, the Minister 
responsible for trade and the Minister responsible for finance, whether or not the product is part of 
CORAF's output or imported, and takes into account global prices. The factors taken into account by 
the Technical Committee for the sector downstream of petroleum activities when determining the 
price of petroleum products include the profitability of the following: logistics compani es authorized 
to engage in storage and mass transport (SCLOG), approved refining companies (CORAF and any 
other company to be set up in the subsector), authorized distribution and marketing companies 
(Total/Fina/Elf, Chevron/Texaco and the Puma Energy/X -Oil (PEX) consortium, Afric', 
SNPC  Distribution), and approved transport companies (SCLOG and small private transporters). 
Profit margins are determined annually by negotiation with the companies concerned. The ceiling 
price takes into account the 10 % custom s duty on imported petroleum products (8 % on imported 
staple products), value added tax (18 % of the import price), and the VAT charged on each service 
provided.149 The consumer price is based on the distribution mark -up determined on the basis of the 
simple average of import prices (converted from United States dollars into CFA francs) and the price 
of the product delivered by CORAF. The distribution mark -up (at the  pump) is updated in line with 
any significant variation in the components of the price structure. The ceiling price for the sale of 
petroleum products to the end consumer is therefore determined and updated quarterly on the first 
of the month in a joint o rder issued by the Ministers responsible for hydrocarbons, finance and trade, 
on the basis of the components of the price structure.150 
4.76.  The Government may subsidize the price of petroleum products in order to promote domestic 
industry.151 Butane gas, the bas ic energy used to prepare food, and kerosene, used for lighting in 
villages, are subsidized by the State.  
4.77.  Congo signed the Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in 2004.152 However, 
Congo stopped publishing its reports at the end of 2017. Th e resumption of drafting and publication 
of these reports would help improve the transparency of petroleum accounting and reconcile the 
State's petroleum revenues with production levels.  
4.2.3   Electricity  
4.78.  Congo has vast potential as regards hydroelectricity, gas  and petroleum, yet people's access 
to various forms of energy (electricity, oil and gas) is very poor. According to the results of the 
Congolese Household Survey, in urban areas, the most common form of lighting is oil lamps (70.1 %) 
followed by electricity (27 %). In rural areas, oil lamps are the principal source of lighting (97 %). 
Around 70 % of poor people use wood fuel for cooking compared to 44.1 % of average income 
households.  
4.79.  The authorities intend to increase national power capacity to aroun d 1,400 MW by 2022. 
Mining enterprises in the process of being set up are showing high demand for electricity. With the 
liberalization of the sector that followed the adoption of the Electricity Code (Law No.  14-2003 of 
10 April 2003) new generating plants  were set up, including: Imboulou – 120 MW, the Djeno power 
plant (CED) – 50 MW, the Congo power plant (CEC) – 484 MW, and the Brazzaville power plant 
(CTB) – 32.25 MW. Various feasibility studies are also underway, namely: Sounda 800 – 1,000 MW, 
Chollet ( Dja) – 600 MW, Mourala – 101 MW, and the Djoué power plant – 50 MW.  
4.80.  Despite supply from these new companies, Congo's electricity deficit persists. Output levels 
remain low and the country faces serious load shedding problems (Table 4.5). Current production  is 
affected by problems with extra -high voltage electricity transmission and low - and medium -voltage 
 
149 Decree No. 2001 -522 of 19 October 2001 determines the applicability of VAT in the petroleum 
subsector. With the exception of the consumption required for the exploration, development, production, 
transport, storage and marketing of crude hydrocarbons, petroleum products are subject to VAT when they are 
put up for sale on the domestic market.  
150 See, for example, Order No. 4268  of 26 May 2006.  
151 For example, Article 28 of the Establishment Agreement between the Republic of the Congo and the 
company SARIS Congo, 24 March 2005, grants this company a concessional VAT rate on hydrocarbons 
corresponding to 35% of the taxable value.  
152 Viewed at: http://www.itie -congo.net . WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 194 - 
  distribution. The Government, via the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, has drawn up 
two large-scale projects for the rehabilitation of the distribu tion network in Brazzaville and 
Pointe -Noire that are awaiting adequate funding. Moreover, despite its near monopoly on 
distribution, the company Énergie Électrique du Congo (E2C), which was created based on the former 
Société Nationale d'Électricité (SNE)  by Decree No.  2018-295 of 7  August  2018 authorizing the 
creation of a public limited company for the management of public electricity assets, is struggling to 
fulfil its statutory remit, causing many power cuts (around 150 per year).  
4.81.  Facilities are mainta ined and repaired on an ad hoc  basis and only in response to emergencies; 
the equipment is obsolete or inoperative. Most industrial users have to employ standby generators 
to protect themselves from the frequent interruptions in supply and to avoid serious  production 
losses, a factor that increases their production costs.  
4.82.  The legal framework for the energy industry continues to be provided by Law No.  14-2003 of 
10 April 2003 enacting the Electricity Code. Other laws and their implementing texts have also be en 
issued. These include Law No.  015-2003 establishing the National Rural Electricity Agency (ANER), 
Law No.  016-2003 of 10  April 2003 establishing the Electricity Regulatory Agency (ARSEL), and Law 
No. 017-2003 of 10  April 2003 establishing the Electricit y Development Fund (FDSE).153 
Table 4.5 Electricity generation in Congo in 2018 and 2019 per plant  
(MWh)  
Power plant  Installed capacity  Location  Production  Description  
2018  2019  
Moukoukoulou  (4x18.5) or 74  Bouenza  449,043  413,487  Hydropower  
Djoué (not in operation)  (2x7.5) or 15  Brazzaville  .. .. To be restored 
(hydro)  
Djeno power plant 
(CED)  (2x25) or 50  Pointe -Noire  .. .. Gas/fuel  
BZV thermal power 
plant (CTB)  (10x3.259) or 32.25  Brazzaville  3,011  0.388  Fuel/diesel  
Imboulou  (4x30) or 120  Léfini  645,305  433,103  Hydropower  
Congo power plant 
(CEC)  (2x157)+170 or 484  Pointe -Noire  1,719,226  2,115,266  Gas (Ipp)  
Liouesso  (3x6.4) or 19.2  Ouesso  25,657  25,762  Hydropower  
Total 651.5      
.. Not available.  
Source:  Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Congo.  
4.83.  There are three main operators in the Congolese electricity sector: (i) Énergie Électrique du 
Congo (E2C), the long -standing operator responsible for electricity transmission, distribution and 
marketing, which also has four hydropower plants, three of which are currently in operation 
(Moukoukoulou, Imboulou, Liouesso) and one which is out of service (Djoué); (ii) Congo power plant 
(CEC), an open -cycle gas -fired pow er plant based in Pointe -Noire, and an independent producer in 
which the Congolese State has an 80 % stake, with the remaining 20 % granted as a concession to 
the company ENI Congo; and (iii) Aksa -Congo, concession holder for the Djeno power plant since 
2021. 
4.84.  Taking into account Congo's energy balance, the country is an exporter and importer of energy 
via the interconnection between Lingwala (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Mbouono 
(Republic of the Congo). In view of the energy deficit which affected th e country in the 1990s, an 
electricity supply contract to supply the city of Brazzaville was signed between the two electricity 
companies. Since the construction of the Imboulou power plant, the city of Brazzaville has been 
supplied with energy from this p lant. To maintain the interconnection, energy exchanges take place 
between the two networks, which justifies the status of importer and exporter. Congo thus imported 
27,996 MWh and 23,331 MWh in 2018 and 2019 respectively. It exported 25,606 MWh and 
44,030  MWh in 2018 and 2019 respectively.  
 
153 The role of the Electricity Development Fund (FDSE) is to secure financing for the construction of 
electricity production, transmission and  distribution facilities throughout national territory.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 195 - 
  4.85.  The selling prices of electricity are determined by government decree following a proposal by 
the Electricity Regulatory Agency.154 These prices are the same throughout Congo. The current price 
scale dates back to 1994.155 The import and export of electricity require a permit issued by the 
Ministry responsible for electricity, following consultation with the Electricity Regulatory Agency. 
Electricity imports are subject to the CET rate of 10 % and VAT (18 %). 
4.2.4   Water  
4.86.  The countr y has an estimated population of 5  million, 35 % of which lives in a rural 
environment. The national rate of access to a basic drinking water supply is 68 %. Actions planned 
under the 2018 -22 PND aim to increase the rate of access to drinking water to 90 %. 
4.87.  Law No.  13-2003 of 10  April 2003 on the Water Code determines the requirements for 
engaging in activities in the subsector and those governing the entry of new producers.156 The 
country also has a regulatory framework for rural water engineering. This takes the form of Law 
No. 38-2008 of 31  December  2008 establishing the National Rural Water Engineering Agency. The 
Water Regulatory Authority (ORSE) is responsible for regulating, overseeing and monitoring the 
activities of water services operators in Congo. It s terms of reference, approved under Decree 
No. 2008-66 of 3  April 2008, determine its composition and its rules of operation.  
4.88.  The National Water Supply Company (SNDE) has been privatized, becoming the Congolaise 
des Eaux (LCDE), a public limited company c reated by decree with capital of CFAF  100,000,000 
divided into 1,000 shares of CFAF  100,000. The LCDE has a monopoly on the means of production 
and the supply of drinking water, and on waste water sanitation works. Article 58 of the Water Code 
determines t he selling price of water to users throughout national territory. For operators, the prices 
are set by state regulation after consultation with ORSE. Order No.  680 of 29  March  1994 on the 
revaluation of the selling price per cubic metre of water sets the p rice at CFAF  130/m3 for 
households, at the rates of CFAF  6,000/month for subscribers with meters and CFAF  11,200 for fixed 
price subscribers.  
4.3  Manufacturing  
4.89.  Since Congo's last TPR, neither the structure nor the regulatory framework of its 
manufacturing sect or has undergone any significant changes. Congo's manufacturing sector is fairly 
modest, representing less than 5 % of GDP ( Section 1) and is essentially made up of agri -food 
companies (e.g. the sugar company, bakeries and cake manufacturers, and dairy, mineral water, 
tobacco and beverage industries), companies manufacturing packaging, paints and aluminium 
articles, cement works, companies processing wood into articles or furniture, and the 
petroleum -based chemical industry.157 Like the economy as a  whole, the manufacturing sector has 
long been disadvantaged by the socio -political crisis that the country experienced in the 1990s. 
Processing units have been cut off from their sources of supply, as a result of which they have been 
unable to operate at full capacity.  
4.90.  The sector is characterized by a structural imbalance which hinders the expansion of other 
upstream and downstream activities of the subsectors. The sector's poor performance is explained 
in part by its high dependence on imports of foreign capital goods (70 %-90%), a limited and 
undiversified production base, poor integration of industrial units in their subsector and in other 
sectors of the national economy, frequent power cuts and high financing costs.158 
4.91.  Congo has never had a formal industr ial policy - it has always referred to its "policy paper on 
the industrialization of Congo", which is now supplemented by the "National Industrialization 
Strategy" drawn up by the Government. Congolese industry is therefore neither modernized nor 
 
154 This authority was created by Law No. 16 -2003 of 10 April 2003. The price of electricity is: 
CFAF 49.08/kWh, plus VAT at 18% and a surcharge of CFAF 2/kWh.  
155 Order No. 681 of 19 March 1994. Low -voltage electricity costs CFAF 49.08/kWh, plus VAT at 18% 
and a surcharge of CFAF 2/kWh.  
156 Law No. 13 -2003 of 10 April 2003.  
157 Viewed at: http://www.congo -site.biz/v1x/ebiz/annu_cat.php?id=18 . 
158 Republic of the Congo, Office of the President of the Republic: Lettre de politique d'industriali sation 
du Congo , Brazzaville.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 196 - 
  diversifi ed, and continues to face all of the above -mentioned difficulties. Support structures have 
been created in order to revive the sector, but these have not yet produced results.  
4.92.  The need for industrial policy based on the processing of local inputs has been highlighted by 
the authorities. The approach taken by the authorities is that of so -called "structuring" industries 
intended to create synergies around other industries upstream and downstream in the subsectors. 
The authorities intend to develop these in t he country's various departments in the form of industrial 
parks and free zones, on the basis of the assets and specificities of each one. With regard to the 
National Industrialization Strategy, the main elements of national trade policy can be summed up 
as: reserving and developing areas in which industry can set up; promoting and supporting industries 
via direct and indirect state aid; dissemination of technical progress in industrial enterprises, and 
institutions tailored to the development requirements of industry.  
4.93.  The principal trade measures applied to the sector consist of protective rates that vary 
somewhat irregularly from one industry to another. Imported manufactures are also subject to 
internal taxes such as VAT and, in some instances, excise dut y (Section 3). The highest rate of 
taxation applies to beverages (85 %), as a result of the CEMAC CET rate of 30 %, the excise duty of 
24% and VAT of 18 %, among other charges.  
4.94.  The simple average of CET rates applied in the manufacturing sector (ISIC definiti on) is 
18.4%, with a large number of imported manufactures subject to a 30 % rate and also to other 
import duties and taxes ( Common Report, Section 3). This CET structure does not encourage 
investment in agri -food industries because the relatively strong pr otection afforded to agricultural 
raw materials makes those materials relatively high cost. In addition, the high level of effective 
protection given to the majority of industries, with the exception of those specializing in timber, 
articles of wood and no n-metallic mineral products ( Common Report, Section 3), affects the 
competitiveness of the Congolese manufactures concerned on foreign markets. Furthermore, the 
tariff structure does not support the objective of promoting exports of processed wood or 
non-metallic mineral products. According to the authorities, two new mills have been set up, 
prompting the Congolese government to remove quantitative import restrictions on flour and cap 
customs duties on flour at 30 %.159 
4.4  Services  
4.4.1   Telecommunication services  
4.95.  Table 4.6 provides key telecommunication indicators for Congo in 2020. Table 4.7 shows the 
average price for different types of service in 2021.  
Table 4.6 Key telecommunication indic ators, 2020  
Indicator  Data  
Population covered by a mobile -cellular network  88% 
Population covered by at least a 3G mobile network  87% 
Population covered by at least a 4G mobile network  85% 
Individuals owning a mobile phone  .. 
Households with Internet access at home  1% 
Households with a computer at home  4% 
Mobile -cellular subscriptions per 100 inhabitants  95 
Fixed -telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants  0 
Active mobile -broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants  16 
Fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants  0 
International bandwidth per Internet user (kbits/s)  14 
Individuals using the Internet, total  9% 
Average Internet traffic per fixed broadband subscription (MB)  .. 
Average Internet traffic per mobile broadband subscription (MB)  2,065  
.. Not available.  
Source:  ITU Digital Development Dashboard.  
 
159 2019 Budget  Law. WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 197 - 
  Table 4.7 Average price for different types of service, 2021  
Type of service  Price  
(% of gross national 
income (GNI) per capita)  
Fixed broadband basket  30.9%  
Data-only mobile broadband basket  12.4%  
Mobile data and voice high -consumption basket  15.6%  
Mobile data and voice low -consumption basket  6.7%  
Mobile cellular low -usage basket  6.5%  
Source:  ITU Digital Development Dashboard.  
4.96.  There are two mobile phone operators in Congo: Airtel (33 % market share), subsidiary of an 
Indian company, and MTN (67 % market share), subsidiary of a South African group.  
4.97.  
 Congo Telecom, owned by the State, is the country's only provider 
of fixed telephony ser vices, meaning that is has a de facto  monopoly over those services. Congo 
Telecom provides ADSL fixed broadband access, while several Internet service providers  offer fixed 
wireless access . Congo Telecom also offers fibre -optic Internet services.  
4.98.  
. With Chinese assistance, the Government has now launched several 
fibre-optic backbone projects. The national telecommunications coverage project (PCN ) is intended 
to extend connectivity throughout the country, using the national electric company's existing 
fibre-optic network for some segments. As part of the "Central African Backbone" project, Congo's 
fibre-optic network was connected in a first phase  with that of Gabon (with World Bank financing), 
and in a second phase with that of Cameroon (with financing from the African Development Bank). 
Work has begun on a third phase to connect Congo with the Central African Republic, also with 
financing from th e African Development Bank.  
4.99.  The Ministry of Postal Services and Telecommunications is responsible for formulating policies 
for this sector, while it is regulated by the Postal and Electronic Communications Regulatory Agency 
(ARPCE), established in 2009. AR PCE also manages domain names and pilots various fibre -optic 
projects. Domain names are co -managed by ARPCE and the Digital Economy Development Agency 
(Law No.  69-2022 of 16  August  2022 establishing the Digital Economy Development Agency). The 
latter is al so responsible for implementing the national digital economy development strategy. The 
Ministry in charge of public works manages the PCN, for national fibre -optic coverage . 
4.100.   
ARPCE Decision No.  079 of 22  June 2015 setti ng the price ceilings for 
off-net voice and SMS telephone communications provided by the dominant operators, Airtel and 
MTN; Decree No.  2015-242 establishing the modalities for regulating the prices of electronic 
communication services; Decree No.  2015-244 establishing the modalities for managing the national 
numbering plan and the conditions for the use of numbering resources; and Law No.  33-2015 of 
31 December  2015 amending the rates and taxes levied on electronic communications traffic.  
4.101.   
 : cable television, data, fixed 
wireless broadband, international mobile telephony (3G, 4G), international gateways, Internet 
services, leased lines, wireless local loop, mobile satellite services, paging, very smal l aperture 
terminals (VSAT) and digital subscriber lines (DSL).  
4.102.   
 long-distance 
domestic fixed traffic, fixed -satellite services, fixed international services and fixed local service s. 
4.4.2   Postal and express services  
4.103.   The Ministry of Postal Services, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy is responsible 
for policy in this sector. It regulates the postal sector through the ARPCE, established by Law 
No. 11-2009 of 25  November  2009, for w hich the implementing legislation are under preparation.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 198 - 
  4.104.   The designated operator, the Congo Postal and Savings Company (SOPECO), was born of 
the dismantlement and corporatization of the former National Office of Postal Services and 
Telecommunications, in J uly 2001. SOPECO is a financially autonomous industrial and commercial 
corporation. The Congolese State is its only shareholder.  
4.105.   Law No.  10-2009 of 25  November  2009 regulating the postal sector establishes the principle 
of separation between operational an d regulatory activities, and delineates the services reserved to 
the public operator so that it can cover the cost of the universal postal service . These "reserved 
services" currently consist of the collection, sorting, transport and distribution of mail w eighing up 
to 2 kg and of parcels up to 20 kg.  
4.106.   
 SOPECO competes with private operators, particularly, since 1987, 
in the high value -added express segment. Private and express mail operators were able to establish 
themselves in Con go as of that date without authorization, thanks to a legal vacuum. SOPECO sets 
its rates based on its operating costs and submits them for approval to the Ministry of Postal Services 
and Telecommunications. SOPECO employs two categories of staff – civil s ervants and contract 
workers – but all wages are set by collective agreement negotiated between SOPECO and the unions. 
SOPECO is intended to be self -financing but was recapitalized by the Government under ongoing 
postal reforms.  
4.4.3   Transport services  
4.4.3.1   Land tra nsport  
4.4.3.1.1   Road transport  
4.107.   Congo's road network extends over 23,234 km, 3,111 km of which are paved. Climate 
conditions make their maintenance particularly difficult. The period under review saw the completion 
of a programme to asphalt two of the country's main  roads: RN1 from Pointe -Noire to Brazzaville 
(548 km) and RN2 from Brazzaville to Ouesso (820 km). The third main artery, RN3 from Ouesso to 
Enyelle -Betou is well -maintained but still not asphalted, and thus impassable during the rainy 
season. A 1,400 km -long transnational road, "corridor 13", connecting Cameroon, the Republic of 
the Congo and the Central African Republic, financed by the African Development Bank, is under 
construction and was due to be completed in 2021. Various other road projects were en visaged, but 
their implementation has mostly been suspended owing to the financial crisis. The needs identified 
by Central African countries to strengthen trade within the ECAAS zone have led to the formulation 
of 184 projects as part of the Consensual Mas ter Plan on Transport in Central Africa (PDCT -AC). 
4.108.   The country's road transport operators vary in size. The largest operators, including foreign 
companies such as Bolloré Africa Logistics (recently acquired by the Italian/Swiss ship -owner MSC), 
are concent rated in Brazzaville and Pointe -Noire.  
4.109.   Congo's road transport regime, established in 2011, did not change during the period under 
review. Exercise of the profession requires an authorization from the Ministry of Transport. The 
sector is open to foreign -owned enterprises, with cabotage open to foreign -registered hauliers. 
Traffic on the country's largest road, RN1 from Brazzaville to Pointe -Noire, has been increasing 
significantly in recent years: from 371,208 vehicles/day in 2020, to 421,117 vehicles/day in  2021 
and to 449,201 vehicles/day (estimated) in 2022. Data on tonne -kilometres during this period are 
not available.  
4.4.3.1.2   Railway transport  
4.110.   
 886 km.  The first main 
line connects Pointe -Noire and  Brazzaville and is used for both goods and passengers. A branch line 
connecting Bilinga and Dolisie is used for passenger traffic only. The second main line, connecting 
with the first, runs northward to the Gabonese border. No modernization project is cur rently planned 
for this network.  
4.111.   
 (CFCO), a financially autonomous 
public corporation the legal structure of which dates from 2000. CFCO subcontracts its maintenance 
work to independent contractors through t enders.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 199 - 
  4.4.3.1.3   River transport  
4.112.   Congo's inland waterways, totalling 2,187 km in length, consist essentially of the Congo and 
Oubangui Rivers and their tributaries. Except for the Congo River, these waterways are navigable in 
the rainy season only. The country's in land ports are managed by a parastatal company, the 
Autonomous Port of Brazzaville and Secondary Ports (PABPS). However, the cranes at the Brazzaville 
are managed by a private company, Terminaux des Bassins du Congo (TBC). Originally granted as 
a concessio n to a public -private partnership, subsequently acquired by the Bolloré Group in 2017, 
TBC carries out all handling and stevedoring operations along the 
Brazzaville/Pointe -Noire/Kinshasa/Bangui strategic corridors. Cargo and passenger traffic is carried 
by private operators using barges, pushboats and smaller vessels called "whaling boats".  
4.4.3.1.4   Maritime transport and port services  
4.113.   A 27-year concession for the Pointe -Noire Autonomous Port (PAPN), the country's only 
maritime port, was granted to the French Bolloré Group in 2008. Container port throughput there 
was 580,000 twenty -foot equivalent units (TEU) in 2018.160 A vast rehabilitation, expansion and 
modernization programme has been initiated for the infrastructure of the PAPN, consisting notably 
of: 
• widening and deepening (to -16 m) the access channels and turning basin;  
• extending the outer seawall by 500 m;  
• rebuilding Wharf D (700 m with foundation at -15 m);  
• developing reclaimed land (32 ha for Wharf G and 6 ha for Wharf D);  
• acquiring 6 ship -to-shore ga ntry cranes and 32 yard gantry cranes for the container 
terminal; and  
• creating a 4.5 ha container loading and unloading area with dedicated access by road 
(1,000 m) and rail.  
4.114.   The concessionaire has injected some CFAF  262 billion (over EUR  400 million) into  the 
container terminal over the last 10 years. The PAPN can now accommodate 400 m -long vessels 
carrying up to 14,000 containers. Container port throughput increased from 322,000 TEU in 2009 
to 921,000 TEU in 2019 . Since 2009, productivity per vessel has r isen from 15 to 60 movements 
per hour; and large vessel berthing capacity has increased from 2,400  TEU to more than 8,000 TEU. 
The average time required for the largest ships has fallen from three days to 24 hours, ending the 
long waits for incoming contai ner ships. Overall, average port loading/unloading performance has 
improved from 7 to 13 containers/hour, and the current target is 25 containers/hour within 10 years. 
PAPN's annual turnover rose from CFAF  27 billion in  2009 to CFAF  41 billion in 2018.  
4.115.   As of 2020, Congo had a national -flagged fleet of 11 merchant vessels with a total capacity 
of 6,100 deadweight tonnes, (less than 0.01 % of world tonnage capacity). These vessels included a 
tanker and two general cargo ships, but no container ships or bulk carriers. Congo also had 
ownership of a much larger foreign -flagged fleet (241,000  deadweight tonnes) in the same year.  
4.116.   Auxiliary marit ime services are open to foreign enterprises provided they partner with 
Congolese national interests, in proportions determined by order of the Minister of Transport.  
4.4.3.2   Air transport services  
4.117.   The review period saw the construction of a new terminal and a new  runway at the 
Brazzaville airport and a new terminal at Pointe -Noire. Congo has three international airports 
(Brazzaville, Pointe -Noire and Ollombo), all owned by the State and managed by AERCO under a 
25-year concession, signed in 2011. Ownership of AERC O is divided into a 55 % share held by the 
 
160 UNCTAD. Maritime Profile: Congo. Viewed at: 
https://unctadstat.unctad.org/CountryProfile/MaritimeProfile/en -GB/178/index.html . WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 200 - 
  pan-African company, SEGAP, and the French operator, Egis, and a 15 % share held by the Congolese 
State, with the remaining 30 % held by two private Congolese shareholders. As Tables  4.8-4.11, on 
aircraft movements, and passenger, freight and mail traffic, show air traffic declined during the 
review period, reaching its lowest level in 2020, during the COVID -19 pandemic.  
Table 4.8 Aircraft movements, 2015 -21 
Year  2015  2016 2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Aircraft movements  37,886  31,350  25,808  21,107  19,634  10,617  15,747  
Variation (%)  0.0%  -17.3%  -17.7%  -18.2%  -7.0%  -45.9%  48.3%  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
Table 4.9 Passenger traffic, 2015 -21 
Year  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Passengers  2,303,454  1,733,591  1,415,012  1,069,690  1,025,123  515,929  859,794  
Variation (%)  0.0%  -24.7%  -18.4%  -24.4%  -4.2%  -49.7%  66.6%  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
Table 4.10 Freight traffic, 2015 -21 
Year  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Freight (tonnes)  26,826  20,065  12,545  11,004  10,741  8,068  11,073  
Variation (%)  0.0%  -25.2%  -37.5%  -12.3%  -2.4%  -24.9%  37.2%  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
Table 4.11 Mail traffic, 2015 -21 
Year  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Mail (tonnes)  49 56 71 43 37 40 6 
Variation (%)  0.0%  14.3%  26.8%  -39.4%  -14.0%  8.1%  -85.0%  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
4.118.   The Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA) provides air 
navigation and meteorology services 
 CEMAC countries, including Congo. Ground handling 
services are provided by Congo Handling, a subsidiary of the French Euro pe Handling Group. 
Self-handling is authorized for national companies only, pursuant to Decree No.  2010-826 of 
31 December  2010 establishing the conditions for providing ground handling services. Mutual 
assistance agreements between airlines, on the other hand, are not authorized.  
4.119.   Table 4.12 contains information on Congo's bilateral air services agreements with countries 
that are not members of CEMAC, provided according to the WTO's Quasar methodology.161 
Table 4.12 Air Services Agreements, 2022  Partner  
Date  
Entry into  
force  
5th 
7th 
Cabotage 
Cooperative 
arrangements 
Designation 
Withholding 
Tariffs 
Capacity 
Statistics 
ALI 
Burkina Faso  17.07.1984   Y N N N M SOEC  DA PD Y 10.0 
Algeria  08.04.1973   Y N N N M SOEC  DA PD Y 10.0 
Burundi  20.10.1980   N N N N M SOEC  n.a. PD Y 4.0 
Democratic 
Republic of the 
Congo  28.05.1979   N N N N M SOEC  n.a. PD Y 4.0 
Denmark  27.02.1967   Y N N N S SOEC  DA PD Y 6.0 
France  02.05.1962   Y N N N M SOEC  DA PD Y 10.0 
Germany  30.10.1962   N N N N S n.a. n.a. n.a. N 1.0 
Ghana  21.05.1964   Y N N N M SOEC  DA PD Y 10.0 
Guinea  19.02.1983   Y N N N S SOEC  DA PD Y 6.0 
 
161 For more information on this methodology see WTO document S/C/W/270/Add.1 of 
30 November  2006.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 201 - 
  
Partner  
Date  
Entry into  
force  
5th 
7th 
Cabotage 
Cooperative 
arrangements 
Designation 
Withholding 
Tariffs 
Capacity 
Statistics 
ALI 
Democratic 
People's Republic 
of Korea  29.05.1978   N N N N S n.a. n.a. PD N 1.0 
Mali 10.03.1964   Y N N N M SOEC  DA OR N 13.0 
Netherlands  03.02.1969   Y N N N S SOEC  DA PD Y 6.0 
Nigeria  02.2018             
Portugal  03.07.1979   N N N N S SOEC  DA PD Y 0.0 
Romania  21.07.1978   Y N N N S SOEC  DA PD Y 6.0 
Russian 
Federation  28.09.1964   Y N N N S SOEC  DA PD N 7.0 
Sao Tome and 
Principe  20.07.1984   N N N N M SOEC  n.a. PD Y 4.0 
Spain  08.01.1986   N N N N S SOEC  DA PD Y 0.0 
Sweden  27.02.1967   Y N N N S SOEC  DA PD Y 6.0 
Switzerland  24.10.1964   Y N N N S SOEC  DA B1 Y 10.0 
United States  12.2018             
Morocco              
Kenya              
Togo             
Mauritania              
Ethiopia              
Equatorial Guinea              
Côte d'Ivoire              
Angola              
n.a. Not applicable . 
Note:  "5th" = fifth freedom rights; "7th" = seventh freedom rights; "Cabotage" = domestic traffic; "ALI" = 
Air Liberalization Index.  
 "Y" = yes; "N" = no; "S" = single designation; "M" = multiple designation; "FP" = free pricing; "DA" 
= dual ap proval; "PD" = pre -determination; "FD" = free determination; "SOEC" = substantial 
ownership and effective control; "OR" = "other restrictive"; "B1" = Bermuda 1.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat, according to information provided by the Congolese authorities.  
4.120.   The network created by these bilateral agreements, plus the plurilateral Libreville Treaty 
covering all the CEMAC countries, is used only partially. As far as Congolese air services are 
concerned, Trans Air Congo, a private company, provides s ervice to Gabon. Canadian Airways Congo 
(the majority shareholder of which is a Congolese national) provides domestic flights only. Airlines 
based in its bilateral partners, and providing services to Congo, include Air France, Air Côte d'Ivoire, 
Royal Air Maroc, Asky (Togo), TAAG (Angola), Ceiba (Equatorial Guinea), Ethiopian, Afrijet (Gabon), 
Transair (Senegal), Rwandair (Rwanda) and Mauritania Airlines. Implementation of the 
Yamoussoukro Decision, which seeks to liberalize intra -African air traffic, would  allow many African 
airlines to serve the Congolese market.  
4.4.4   Tourism services  
4.121.   Table 4.13 provides the principal indicators for Congo's tourism sector between 2012 and 
2018. Data for 2019 -21 are virtually unavailable, owing to COVID -19. 
Table 4.13 Tourism, 2012 -18 
 
2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  
Inbound tourism        
  
Arrivals ('000)  259 345 229 224 213 151 158 
Overnight visitors (tourists)  256 343 226 220 211 149 156 
Same -day visitors (excursionists)  3 2 3 4 2 2 2 
By region        
  
Africa  149 262 143 138 145 84 88 
Americas  10 10 8 6 4 4 5 
East Asia and the Pacific  20 25 22 13 11 9 10 
Europe  76 46 52 63 50 50 52 
Middle East  3 1 3 3 2 1 1 
South Asia  2 2 2 2 1 2 2 
By main purpose of trip        
  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 202 - 
   
2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  
Personal purposes  159 221 171 168 163 108 85 
Holidays, leisure  100 141 89 90 75 59 64 
Other personal reasons  59 80 82 78 88 49 21 
Business and professional 
purposes  100 124 58 56 50 43 73 
By mode of transport        
  
Air 136 150 151 163 133 97 96 
River 123 195 78 61 80 53 62 
Expenditure (USD  million)  68 52 57 47 43 .. .. 
% of exports of goods and services  0.7  0.6  0.6  0.9  0.9  .. .. 
Travel  63 52 55 46 41 .. .. 
Passenger transport  5 0.4 2 1 2 .. .. 
Outbound tourism        
  
Departures ('000)  161 180 .. .. .. .. .. 
Expenditure (USD  million)  308 360 435 557 457 .. .. 
% of imports of goods and services  4.4 5.0 4.8 5.9 6.3 .. .. 
Travel  173 204 257 324 251 .. .. 
Passenger transport  135 156 178 233 206 .. .. 
Tourism industries        
  
Number of establishments  1,573  2,008  2,165  2,558  2,250  1,894  1,631  
Visitor accommodation  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
of which "hotels and similar 
establishments"  987 1,270  1,381  1,629  1,343  1,152  976 
Restaurants and bars  534 680 718 848 815 663 584 
Passenger transport  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
Travel agencies and other 
reservation service activities  52 58 66 81 92 79 71 
Other tourism subsectors  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
Visitor accommodation in hotels 
and similar establishments        
  
Number of establishments  987 1,270  1,381  1,629  1,343  1,152  976 
Number of rooms  12,427  14,583  15,644  18,588  15,585  11,778  10,196  
Number of bed -places  24,854  29,166  31,288  37,176  31,170  23,556  20,205  
Memo:        
  
Room occupancy rate (%)  30.6 24.0 23.0 28.3 17.3 10.0 14.3 
Average length of stay (nights)  2.7 2.5 2.9 3.9 2.8 2.3 2.6 
Available capacity (bed -places per 
1,000 inhabitants)  5.4 6.1 6.4 7.4 6.1 0.3 0.2 
Employment        
  
Number of employees per 
tourism subsector ('000)  .. 22 25 27 27 11 8 
Visitor accommodation services 
(hotels and similar establishments)  .. 7 9 9 9 7 4 
Restaurants and bars  .. 15 16 17 17 4 3 
Passenger transport  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
Travel agencies and other 
reservation  service activities  .. 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.3 
Other tourism industries  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
.. Not available.  
Source:  World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics (2015 and 2019 editions) and 
Compendium of Tourism Statistics (2018 and 2019 editions).  
4.122.   As Table 4.13 illustrates, inbound tourist flows declined throughout the period under review. 
Two thirds of those flows came from the African continent, far exceeding those from Europe, and 
only half were attributable to tourism per se . Air and river traff ic reflect the relatively short distance 
travelled by most visitors to the country. Visitor expenditure was similarly limited during the review 
period, well below that registered by outbound Congolese tourists.  
4.123.   The number and capacity of hotel and restaura nt establishments grew during part of the 
period, only to recede again later, to their initial levels. Tourism employment also declined. Both of 
these trends appear to be strongly correlation with volatile performance of the oil sector.  
4.124.   
  Ministry of Cultural, Tourism, Artistic and Leisure 
Industries. The Congolese Agency for Wildlife and Protected Areas, created in 2012, has been 
operational since 2016. The most recent regulatory development was the adoption of three laws on WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 203 - 
  25 November  2019. The first established the Congolese Tourism Engineering Company (SCIT), 
charged with implementing public policies in the area of the development of tourism and tourist 
facilities; the second introduced a Single Window for Tourism (GUT)  to support and assist investors 
and operators in the tourism and hotel sectors; and the third provided for renovation of the Office 
of Tourism Promotion (OPIT) and its transformation into a commercial public institution responsible 
for developing and prom oting the brand "Destination Congo".  
4.125.   
 , 
the opening of a hotel or restaurant by either a Congolese or foreign national requires an operating 
approval from the tourism minist ry. The same ministry must also provide prior authorization or a 
license for a travel agency or tour guide to undertake a commercial tourism activity. The granting 
of authorizations, approvals and licenses is subject to specifications duly approved by the tourism 
ministry, including obligations incumbent on the operator in carrying out the activity concerned.  
4.4.5   Financial services  
4.4.5.1   Banking and micro -finance services  
4.126.   The Central African Banking Commission (COBAC) is responsible for the regulation and 
supervision  of banking activity.  
4.127.   As of year -end 2021 the Congolese banking system consisted of 10 operating credit 
institutions. As measured by deposits, the largest banks were BGFI Bank (16.80 %), Banque Postale 
du Congo (16.78 %), Ecobank (10.85 %) and Crédit du Congo  (CDC) (10.75 %). In terms of credit to 
the economy, the largest banks were BGFI Bank (26.59 %), Banque Postale du Congo (10.21 %) and 
Ecobank (10.07 %). Regarding the distribution of bank capital by country of origin, a majority of the 
shares in all banks ope rating on national territory were held by Congolese nationals, followed by 
Moroccan nationals.  
4.128.   Table 4.14 provides banking system indicators for Congo for 2015 -21. 
Table 4.14 Banking system indicators for Cong o, 2015 -21 
(Ratios and rates in  %; amounts in CFAF  million)  
 2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Operating expense ratio  
(general expenses + 
depreciation charges)/net 
banking income  54.3 59.8 59.2 58.3 66.8 56.2 44.1 
Return on equity  
(net income/total equity)  11.6 7.1 6.5 5.12 1.19 5.09 15.59  
Net profit margin  
(net result/net banking 
income)  20.4 14.5 13.7 10.35  2.42 10.24  27.05  
Gross non -performing 
loans ratio  
(gross non -performing loans 
/gross total loans)  6.7 8.5 16.6 .. 28.14  21.71  17.24  
Provisioning rate  
(provisions for 
non-performing loans/gross 
non-performing loans)  41.3 38.6 35.8 36.69  35.90  53.04  64.20  
Net banking income (NBI)  173,902  158,027  155,693  146,359  142,332  140,998  170,135  
Net income or loss  35,539  22,845  21,344  15,149  3,454  14,451  46,031  
Source:  Central African Banking Commission.  
4.129.   
  a higher 
level of financial intermediation (credits to the economy and customer deposits).  
4.130.   In its Country Report No.  23/89 of May  2023, the IMF observed the following:  
i. Non-performing loans (NPLs) have been around 17 % over the past year as the impact 
of the economic contraction brought on by the pandemic in 2020 were outweighed by WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 204 - 
  the benefits from domestic arrears' payments. These payments along with reduced 
government borrowing from the banking system (due to large oil revenues) has freed 
liquidity, suppo rting private sector credit growth (5 % in August  2022). The capital 
adequacy ratio reached 24 % at end -April 2022, reflecting improved risk -weighted 
assets and positive credit and deposit trends. Restructuring plans are still being 
considered for two small weak banks. Banking system developments will need to be 
closely monitored as the pandemic -related relaxation of prudential measures are 
unwound.  
4.131.   Financial inclusion has improved: the share of adults with an account at a formal financial 
institution rose fr om 23 % in 2017 to 49 % in 2021, well above the average for sub -Saharan Africa.  
4.132.   Despite a slowdown in the micro -finance sector in 2021, it plays a significant role in the 
Congolese population's access to banking services with 67 micro -finance establishments – 22 
independent institutions and 45 belonging to a network called Mutuelles Congolaises d'Épargne et 
de Crédit (MUCODEC) . There are also 24 mutual savings and loan funds (CMEC) spread over 5 of 
Congo's 12 departments (Cuvette -Ouest, Plateaux, Bouenza, Lék oumou and Niari).  
4.133.   These are government -recognized funds established for various public projects (PRODER I, 
PRODER II, PADEF) with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). 
The micro -finance sector employs 1,626 agents. As of year-end 2021, micro -finance institutions held 
deposits totalling CFAF  184,591  billion (of which, CFAF  164,681 was held by MUCODEC 
establishments), and had CFAF  116,658  billion outstanding credit (of which CFAF  102,186  billion 
was with MUCODEC establishmen ts). The micro -finance sector is subject to regulatory provisions 
issued by the monetary authority (the Ministry responsible for currency and credit - DGIFN), and 
supervision by COBAC and the Bank of Central African States (BEAC).  
4.4.5.2   Insurance services  
4.134.   Eight insurance companies operate in Congo, of which six are non -life insurers and two are 
life insurers (one Congolese company and one foreign). Of the eight companies, three are nationally 
owned and five are foreign owned. A list of these eight companies, show ing the nationality of their 
majority shareholders, is provided in Table 4.15.  
Table 4.15 Insurance companies operating in Congo  
Ranking  Insurers  Nationality of majority shareholder  
 NON-LIFE INSURERS   
1 Assurances et Réassurances du Congo (ARC)  Congolese State  
2 Assurances Générales du Congo (AGC)  Congolese  
3 Africaine des Assurances du Congo (AAC)  Beninese  
4 Saham Assurances Congo  Ivorian  
5 Sunu Assurances du Congo  Franco -Senegalese  
6 Nouvelle Société Interafricaine d 'Assurances 
(NSIA) Congo  Ivorian  
 LIFE INSURERS  
7 Assurances Générales du Congo Vie (AGC 
Vie) Congolese  
8 Nouvelle Société Interafricaine d 'Assurances 
vie Congo (NSIA Vie)  Ivorian  
Source:  information provided by the authorities . 
4.135.   The volume of premiums collected by these companies rose from CFAF  62.8 billion in 2020 
to CFAF  70.5 billion in 2021, an increase of 12.21 %. That increase took the insurance penetration 
rate (premiums collected as a percentage of GDP) to 5.63 % and insurance density (premiums per 
capita) to USD  18.79.  
4.136.   As described in the Common Report, Congo's insurance sector is regulated and supervised 
by the Inter -African Conference on Insurance Markets (CIMA), compri sing the member States of 
CEMAC and the West African Monetary Union (WAMU).  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 205 - 
  5  APPENDIX TABLES  
Table A1. 1 Structure of exports, 2012 -21 
(USD million and %)  
  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
World (USD 
million)  7,437.9 10,453.1 8,673.4 8,623.0 7,900.6 8,252.0 11,155.0 5,575.9 4,893.1 2,362.2 
 
(Percentage share ) 
Total primary 
products  79.9 76.8 47.7 32.6 21.7 50.0 85.6 91.6 82.9 74.8 
Agriculture  1.0 1.1 1.5 1.3 2.2 3.1 2.4 6.1 7.0 15.0 
Food products  0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.4 0.4 0.8 
Agricultural raw 
materials  0.8 0.9 1.3 1.1 1.9 2.8 2.2 5.7 6.6 14.2 
2475 - Wood of 
non-coniferous 
species , in the 
rough or roughly 
squared  0.8 0.6 0.7 0.6 1.2 2.2 1.5 3.4 3.7 7.1 
2484 - Wood of 
non-coniferous 
species , sawn or 
chipped 
lengthwise  0.0 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.6 0.6 2.2 2.8 6.9 
Extractive industries  78.9 75.7 46.2 31.3 19.5 46.8 83.1 85.5 75.9 59.7 
Ores and other 
minerals  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 
Non-ferrous metals  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.2 0.9 1.5 0.8 4.6 
6821 - Copper , 
refined and 
unrefined  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.2 0.9 1.5 0.8 3.3 
6861 - Zinc and 
zinc alloys, 
unwrought  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.3 
Fuels 78.9 75.7 46.2 31.3 19.5 44.6 82.2 83.9 75.1 55.1 
3330 - Crude oils 
of petroleum and 
bituminous 
minerals  77.7 73.3 45.7 31.0 19.3 44.2 81.7 79.1 70.5 45.4 
3421 –Propane , 
liquefied 0.6 0.7 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.3 
Manufactures  20.1 23.2 52.3 67.4 78.3 50.0 14.4 8.4 17.0 25.1 
Iron and steel  0.1 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.1 1.0 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 
Chemicals  0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 
Other semi-
manufactures  0.7 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.8 0.7 0.5 0.6 0.5 1.4 
6911 - Structures 
and parts of 
structures  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.6 
Machinery and 
transport equipment  18.7 22.6 51.4 66.6 76.8 47.6 13.4 7.1 15.9 22.9 
Power -generating 
machinery  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.3 
Other non-electrical 
machinery  0.9 0.6 0.7 0.8 1.8 1.1 0.8 1.2 0.8 2.2 
7239 - Parts 
n.e.s., of 
machinery of 723  0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.5 
Office machines 
and 
telecommunicatio n
s equipment  0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 
Other electrical 
machinery  0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
Automotive 
products  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 4.8 
7812 - Motor 
vehicles for the 
transport of 
persons, n.e.s . 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 4.7 
Other transport 
equipment  17.5 21.8 50.5 65.4 74.6 45.8 12.3 5.4 14.9 15.3 
7935 -Light 
vessels, fire -8.2 10.0 25.7 21.3 48.0 27.5 5.7 2.3 10.3 7.2 WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 206 - 
    2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
floats , dredgers, 
floating cranes, 
and other vessels  
7932 - Ships and 
boats  8.5 10.5 22.7 42.0 24.9 15.1 6.2 2.7 3.3 6.2 
7937 - Tugs and 
pusher craft  0.5 1.1 1.8 2.0 1.2 1.9 0.3 0.1 0.6 0.8 
7923 - Aeroplanes 
and other aircraft, 
mechanically -
propelled  0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.5 
7921 - Helicopters  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 
Textiles  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 
Clothing  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 
Other consumer 
goods  0.5 0.2 0.4 0.4 0.6 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.5 
Other  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations , based on data from the United Nations Statistics Divisio n (UNSD ) 
Comtrade database (SITC , Rev. 3).  
  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 207 - 
  Table A1. 2 Structure of imports , 2012 -21 
(USD million and % ) 
  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
World  (USD million ) 7,348.
6 8,371.6 10,098.9 10,549.7 11,270.3 4,560.3 3,485.6 2,242.4 1,908.3 2,351.5 
 
(Percentage share ) 
Total primary 
products  7.8 9.0 7.9 10.4 6.0 18.4 21.1 31.0 37.5 38.3 
Agriculture  6.4 7.1 6.5 5.3 4.2 14.3 16.1 26.2 32.7 33.1 
Food products  6.1 6.9 6.2 5.1 4.0 13.8 15.5 25.0 31.3 31.7 
0123 - Meat and 
edible offal of 
poultry, fresh, 
chilled or frozen  0.8 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.6 2.5 3.2 4.9 6.3 6.9 
0412 - Other wheat 
(including spelt) and 
meslin, unmilled  0.3 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.2 0.8 1.1 2.1 2.8 4.1 
4222 - Palm oil and 
its fractions  0.4 0.5 0.2 0.2 0.2 1.0 1.2 2.0 3.1 2.4 
0342 - Fish, frozen  0.2 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.2 1.0 1.1 1.7 2.2 2.2 
0989 - Food 
preparations, n.e.s.  0.6 0.6 0.6 0.4 0.4 0.7 1.2 1.7 2.4 2.0 
0351 - Fish, dried, 
salted or in brine, 
but not smoked  0.3 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.5 0.8 1.6 1.6 1.8 
0423 - Rice, semi -
milled, whether or 
not polished, glazed, 
parboiled or 
converted  0.5 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.9 0.8 1.5 1.7 1.7 
Agricultural raw 
materials  0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.5 0.6 1.2 1.4 1.4 
Extractive i ndustries  1.4 1.9 1.4 5.1 1.8 4.1 5.0 4.8 4.7 5.2 
Ores and other 
minerals  0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.5 
Non-ferrous metals  0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.6 0.4 0.4 
Fuels 1.1 1.6 1.1 4.8 1.6 3.4 4.3 3.6 3.6 4.3 
Manufactures  92.0 90.9 92.0 89.5 93.9 81.5 78.7 68.7 62.1 59.4 
Iron and steel  2.3 2.1 3.0 4.4 1.4 4.8 4.2 3.6 3.0 2.7 
Chemicals  3.2 3.1 2.9 2.9 2.1 4.9 7.3 11.2 12.2 16.5 
5989 - Chemical 
products and 
preparations, n.e.s.  0.4 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.2 0.5 0.6 1.0 0.6 2.9 
5429 - 
Medicaments, n. e.s. 1.0 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.6 1.2 1.6 2.5 3.0 2.9 
5542 - Organic 
surface -active 
agents  0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 1.3 1.7 1.9 2.5 
Other semi -
manufactures  4.2 4.7 5.0 5.8 5.4 8.0 5.9 7.1 6.3 5.7 
Machinery and 
transport equipment  76.8 78.0 78.2 73.3 82.4 59.9 56.8 40.6 35.1 28.0 
Power -generating 
machinery  1.0 0.8 0.7 0.8 0.6 1.0 1.8 2.2 1.6 1.1 
Other non -electrical 
machinery  8.4 6.0 6.3 6.6 4.9 8.3 11.4 11.2 9.0 7.3 
Office machines and 
telecommunications 
equipment  0.7 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.6 1.5 1.4 2.4 2.7 1.6 
Other electrical 
machinery  1.5 2.2 1.6 2.1 2.2 2.7 2.5 3.5 2.6 2.5 
Automotive products  2.9 3.2 2.9 2.2 0.9 4.3 2.4 3.0 3.7 4.5 
7812 - Motor 
vehicles for the 
transport of 
persons, n.e.s . 1.3 1.4 1.4 0.8 0.4 2.7 0.7 1.4 1.7 2.9 
Other transport 
equipment  62.2 65.3 65.9 60.9 73.2 42.2 37.4 18.2 15.4 11.0 
7935 - Light vessels, 
fire-floats, dredgers, 
floating cranes, and 
other vessels  22.2 26.2 39.8 28.3 50.6 18.9 16.5 1.1 4.4 5.0 
7932 - Ships and 
boats  38.1 34.0 23.6 28.3 21.0 20.7 19.2 15.4 7.2 4.4 
Textiles  0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.7 0.4 1.2 1.0 0.9 
Clothing  0.3 0.2 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.5 
Other consumer goods  5.0 2.6 2.5 2.6 2.2 2.9 3.7 4.6 4.1 5.1 
Other  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.5 2.3 WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 208 - 
  Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations , based on data from the UNSD Comtrade database (SITC , Rev. 3).  
  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 209 - 
  Table A1. 3 Destination of exports, 2012 -20 
(USD million and %)  
  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
World (USD million)  7,437.9  10,453.1  8,673.4  8,623.0  7,900.6  8,252.0  11,155.0  5,575.9  4,893.1  2,362.2   
(Percentage share)  
America  7.5 7.9 4.1 6.4 1.3 5.3 3.7 3.4 5.1 0.7 
United States  6.1 5.1 2.9 2.7 1.2 3.4 2.2 3.3 2.9 0.6 
Other America  1.3 2.8 1.2 3.7 0.1 1.9 1.5 0.2 2.2 0.1 
Europe  40.5 17.3 14.7 24.3 37.8 23.7 12.5 12.0 15.4 8.6 
EU-27 38.7 12.7 13.3 22.5 36.5 18.4 11.5 10.6 12.8 6.4 
Belgium 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.6 0.6 1.9 
France  12.5 5.2 3.1 0.9 1.5 1.4 1.2 0.7 0.8 1.7 
Italy 2.0 0.7 4.0 3.8 4.6 4.0 6.6 1.3 0.4 0.9 
Netherlands  14.2 3.1 0.5 0.7 0.6 0.7 0.8 4.1 0.6 0.7 
Spain  3.6 2.4 3.0 10.6 28.5 11.2 1.9 2.6 8.6 0.5 
EFTA 0.2 0.0 0.2 1.5 0.3 0.3 0.8 0.1 0.7 0.6 
Norway 0.2 0.0 0.1 1.4 0.2 0.3 0.8 0.1 0.1 0.6 
Other Europe  1.5 4.7 1.3 0.4 1.0 5.0 0.2 1.3 1.9 1.6 
United Kingdom  1.5 3.9 1.3 0.2 1.0 1.2 0.2 1.3 1.8 1.4 
Commonwealth of 
Independent States 
(CIS)a 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Africa 18.6 17.7 32.9 39.8 33.3 21.9 11.6 5.5 10.6 30.5 
Côte d'Ivoire  0.6 0.9 0.7 0.5 1.4 0.7 0.6 0.2 0.0 8.6 
Togo 0.1 0.0 0.1 10.9 0.0 0.1 0.8 0.1 1.9 7.5 
Camero on 0.9 2.1 3.4 1.5 3.6 5.1 1.6 1.2 0.5 5.4 
Gabon  2.3 1.2 8.2 4.9 8.3 1.4 3.5 1.2 4.6 4.0 
Angola  5.0 8.5 12.0 10.4 10.7 6.3 2.4 1.3 1.4 2.2 
South Africa  0.3 0.4 1.2 0.7 1.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.3 
Central African 
Republic  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.4 
Middle East  0.2 0.1 0.4 0.1 1.1 1.0 0.9 1.2 0.1 3.2 
United Arab 
Emirates  0.1 0.1 0.4 0.0 1.1 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.1 3.1 
Asia 33.3 56.9 39.0 20.8 13.6 42.5 71.0 77.7 68.7 57.0 
China 21.5 40.4 23.3 16.0 11.7 36.3 62.7 59.8 63.8 45.8 
Japan 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 
Other  Asia 11.8 16.5 15.8 4.9 1.9 6.2 8.3 17.9 5.0 10.9 
India 1.9 0.0 0.8 1.4 0.0 0.6 0.9 13.2 2.3 3.1 
Australi a 5.6 7.8 7.9 1.2 1.3 2.9 1.3 2.0 0.3 2.9 
Singapo re 0.6 0.9 5.3 0.7 0.0 2.0 4.1 0.6 0.5 2.3 
Viet Nam  0.0 0.0 0.1 0.8 0.0 0.4 0.2 0.3 0.7 0.8 
Malaysia 2.9 2.8 0.5 0.7 0.0 0.3 0.9 1.1 0.6 0.7 
Other  0.0 0.0 8.8 8.5 13.0 5.6 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.0 
Memo:            
CEMAC ( WTO 
Members ) 3.2 3.3 11.6 6.5 11.9 6.6 5.2 2.5 5.3 9.8 
EU-28 40.2 16.5 14.6 22.6 37.5 19.7 11.7 11.9 14.6 7.8 
a Commonwealth of Independent States, including certain associate and former member States . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations , based on data from the UNSD Comtrade database.  
 
  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 210 - 
  Table A1. 4 Origin of imports, 2012 -20 
(USD million and %)  
  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
World (USD million)  7,348.6  8,371.6  10,098.9  10,549.7  11,270.3  4,560.3  3,485.6  2,242.4  1,908.3  2,351.5   
(Percentage share)  
America 9.2 6.6 19.2 13.7 18.3 5.7 4.4 7.5 10.1 9.4 
United States  2.5 2.1 3.9 7.4 9.5 2.8 2.9 4.9 6.7 4.2 
Other America  6.8 4.6 15.2 6.3 8.8 2.9 1.5 2.6 3.4 5.2 
Brazil 6.2 3.4 0.7 0.7 0.3 0.5 0.8 1.1 1.7 3.2 
Argentin a 0.4 0.5 0.2 0.4 0.1 0.4 0.4 0.7 0.9 1.3 
Europe  23.4 28.8 46.8 33.2 35.1 35.2 36.3 41.6 37.9 35.4 
EU-27 21.5 26.3 31.0 21.9 18.4 24.9 29.0 36.7 33.4 30.8 
France  8.2 9.1 6.3 6.3 6.0 7.9 11.5 15.0 14.5 12.5 
Belgium 4.9 4.7 0.8 0.9 0.9 8.1 6.5 10.3 7.4 9.0 
Italy 3.5 2.3 3.5 3.8 1.8 3.7 5.7 4.1 2.6 2.2 
Germany  0.3 0.8 1.6 2.2 1.5 0.7 0.7 1.3 1.5 1.8 
Netherlands  0.8 2.3 11.5 1.5 0.8 2.4 0.7 1.3 1.2 1.7 
EFTA 0.3 0.4 11.4 6.3 8.0 7.4 4.8 1.2 1.0 0.9 
Other Europe  1.6 2.1 4.4 4.9 8.7 2.9 2.6 3.7 3.5 3.7 
Türkiye  0.8 0.5 0.7 1.1 1.3 1.1 1.3 2.2 2.2 2.4 
Commonwealth of 
Independent States  
(CIS)a 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.6 0.7 1.7 2.9 4.4 
Russian Federation  0.0 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.6 0.7 1.7 2.8 4.4 
Africa 52.9 51.8 5.0 7.2 2.8 32.8 28.6 26.3 15.7 19.6 
Namibi a 2.0 1.6 0.1 0.0 0.0 8.8 2.2 3.5 1.0 3.7 
Democratic Republic 
of the  Congo  0.5 2.5 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.5 1.0 0.1 0.2 2.5 
Gabon  12.0 12.2 1.9 0.1 0.1 3.0 6.9 2.3 1.0 2.2 
South Africa  2.5 0.7 0.6 0.9 0.2 0.7 2.5 1.6 1.8 1.7 
Angola  25.6 15.1 0.2 4.1 0.2 7.1 4.8 6.1 1.6 1.3 
Camero on 2.8 2.2 0.3 0.3 0.2 1.7 2.9 3.6 1.1 1.2 
Mozambique  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.0 0.0 1.1 
Nigeria 3.0 2.6 0.0 0.1 0.1 2.6 1.1 0.8 1.2 1.0 
Middle East  1.7 1.3 1.8 1.7 0.6 1.1 1.7 3.7 2.6 3.5 
United Arab 
Emirates  1.4 1.0 1.5 1.5 0.5 0.9 1.2 3.3 2.0 2.8 
Asia 12.7 11.4 27.0 44.0 43.0 14.4 26.2 19.3 30.8 27.7 
China 4.3 5.0 7.9 10.0 8.2 7.8 13.7 11.4 18.7 19.6 
Japan 0.1 0.1 1.5 3.7 4.8 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.1 
Other  Asia 8.2 6.3 17.6 30.3 30.0 6.5 12.4 7.8 11.6 8.0 
India 0.7 0.7 2.0 1.2 1.1 1.4 1.3 2.0 2.7 3.3 
Indon esia 0.3 0.2 2.9 1.7 3.3 0.9 1.2 1.7 3.4 2.1 
Other  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.2 2.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Memo:            
CEMAC ( WTO 
Members ) 14.8 14.4 2.1 0.3 0.3 4.8 9.7 5.9 2.1 3.4 
EU-28 22.2 27.7 32.7 24.2 22.7 26.5 30.1 37.8 34.3 31.6 
 
a Commonwealth of Independent States, including certain associate and former member States.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data from the UNSD Comtrade database . 
  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 211 - 
  Table A3. 1 Mandatory International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standards 
(technical regulations) in the Congo  
The international standards that have been adopted and made mandatory (technical regulations) 
are: 
IEC Standards  
No. Congo lese reference  Title of the Standard  
01 NCGO IEC 60051 -1 Direct acting indicating analogue electrical measuring instruments and 
their accessories - Part 1: Definitions and general requirements common 
to all parts  
02 NCGO IEC 60064  Tungsten filament lamps for domestic and similar general lighting 
purposes - Performance requirements  
03 NCGO IEC 60269 -1 Low-voltage fuses - Part 1: General requirements  
04 NCGO IEC 60269 -2 Low-voltage fuses - Part 2: Supplementary requirements for fuses for 
use by authorized persons (fuses mainly for industrial application) - 
Examples of standardized systems of fuses A to K  
05 NCGO IEC 60282 -1 High-voltage fuses - Part 1: Current -limiting fuses  
06 NCGO IEC 60335 -1 Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 1: General 
requirements  
07 NCGO IEC 60335 -2-14 Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2 -14: 
Particular requirements for kitchen machines  
08 NCGO IEC 60335 -2-3 Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2 -3: Particular 
requirements for electric irons  
09 NCGO IEC 60335 -2-30 Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2 -30: 
Particular requirements for room heaters  
10 NCGO IEC 6033 5-2-36 Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2 -36: 
Particular requirements for commercial electric cooking ranges, ovens, 
hobs and hob elements  
11 NCGO IEC 60335 -2-4 Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-4: Particular 
requirements for spin extractors  
12 NCGO IEC 60335 -2-40 Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2 -40: 
Particular requirements for electrical heat pumps, air -conditioners and 
dehumidifiers  
13 NCGO IEC 60335 -2-43 Househo ld and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2 -43: 
Particular clothes dryers and towel rails  
14 NCGO IEC 60335 -2-5 Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2 -5: Particular 
requirements for dishwashers  
15 NCGO IEC 60335 -2-7 Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2 -7: Particular 
requirements for washing machines  
16 NCGO IEC 60335 -2-8 Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2 -8: Particular 
requirements for shavers, hair clippe rs and similar appliances  
17 NCGO IEC 60335 -2-80 Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2 -80: 
Particular requirements for fans  
18 NCGO IEC 60335 -2-9 Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2 -9: Particular 
requirem ents for grills, toasters and similar portable cooking appliances  
19 NCGO IEC 60432 -1 Incandescent lamps - Safety specifications - Part 1: Tungsten filament 
lamps for domestic and similar general lighting purposes  
20 NCGO IEC 60432 -2 Incandescent lamps - Safety specifications - Part 2: Tungsten halogen 
lamps for domestic and similar general lighting purposes  
21 NCGO IEC 60598 -1 Luminaires - Part 1: General requirements and tests  
22 NCGO IEC 60669 -1 Switches for household and similar fixed-electrical installations - Part 1: 
General requirements  
23 NCGO IEC 60669 -2-6 Switches for household and similar fixed electrical installations - Part 2 -
6: Particular requirements - Fireman's switches for exterior and interior 
signs and luminaires  
24 NCGO IEC 60745 -1 Hand-held motor -operated electric tools - Safety - Part 1: General 
requirements  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 212 - 
  No. Congo lese reference  Title of the Standard  
25 NCGO IEC 60745 -2-2 Hand-held motor -operated electric tools - Safety - Part 2 -2: Particular 
requirements for screwdrivers and impact wrenches  
26 NCGO I EC 60745 -2-3 Hand-held motor -operated electric tools - Safety - Part 2 -3: Particular 
requirements for grinders, polishers and disk -type sanders  
27 NCGO IEC 60906 -1 IEC system of plugs and socket -outlets for household and similar 
purposes - Part 1: Plugs a nd socket -outlets 16 A 250 V a.c.  
28 NCGO IEC 60947 -1 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 1: General rules  
29 NCGO IEC 60947 -2 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -Part 2: Circuit -breakers  
30 NCGO IEC 60947 -3 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 3: Switches, 
disconnectors, switch -disconnectors and fuse -combination units  
31 NCGO IEC 60950 -1 Information technology equipment - Safety - Part 1: General 
requirements  
32 NCGO IEC 60968  Self-ballasted fluorescent lamps for general lighting services - Safety 
requirements  
33 NCGO IEC 60969  Self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamps for general lighting services - 
Performance requirements  
34 NCGO IEC 61010 -1 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, 
and laboratory use - Part 1: General requirements  
35 NCGO IEC 61029 -1 Safety of transportable motor -operated electric tools - Part 1: General 
requirements  
36 NCGO IEC 61029 -2-12 Safety of transportable motor -operated electric tools - Part 2 -12: 
Particular requirements for threading machines  
37 NCGO IEC 61050  Transformers for tubular discharge lamps having a no -load output 
voltage exceeding 1000 V (generally called neon -transformers). General 
and safety requirements  
38 NCGO IEC 6155 8-1 Safety of transformers, reactors, power supply units and combinations 
thereof - Part 1: General requirements and tests  
39 NCGO IEC 61936 -1 Power installations exceeding 1 kV AC - Part 1: Common rules  
40 NCGO IEC 62552 -1 Household refrigerating appliances - Characteristics and test methods - 
Part 1: General requirements  
41 NCGO IEC 62552 -2 Household refrigerating appliances - Characteristics and test methods - 
Part 2: Performance requirements  
42 NCGO IEC 62552 -3 Household refriger ating appliances - Characteristics and test methods - 
Part 3: Energy consumption and volume  
 
Codex Standards  
No. Codex reference  Congo lese reference  Title of the Standard  
1 CXS 3 -1981 NCGO CXS 3 -1981 Standard for Canned Salmon  
2 CODEX STAN 36-1981 NCGO CODEX STAN 36 -1981 Standard for Quick Frozen Finfish, 
Uneviscerated and Eviscerated  
3 CODEX STAN 38 -1981 NCGO CODEX STAN 38 -1981 Standard for Edible Fungi and Fungus 
Products  
4 CODEX STAN 33 -1981 NCGO CODEX STAN 33 -1981 Standard for Olive Oils and Olive Pomace 
Oils 
5 CODEX STAN 52 -1981 NCGO CODEX STAN 52 -1981 Standard for Quick Frozen Strawberries  
6 CODEX STAN 57 -1981 NCGO CODEX STAN 57 -1981 Standard for Processed Tomato 
Concentrates  
7 CODEX STAN 42 -1981 NCGO CODEX STAN 42-1981 Standard for Canned Pineapple  
8 CODEX STAN 67 -1981 NCGO CODEX STAN 67 -1981 Standard for Raisins  
9 CODEX STAN 75 -1981 NCGO CODEX STAN 75 -1981 Standard for Quick Frozen Peaches  
10 CXS 78 -1981 NCGO CXS 78 -1981 Standard for Canned Fruit Cocktail  
11 CODEX STAN 97 -1981 NCGO CODEX STAN 97 -1981 Standard for Cooked Cured Pork Shoulder  
12 CODEX STAN 111  NCGO CODEX STAN 111  Standard for Quick Frozen Cauliflower  
13 CODEX STAN 104  NCGO CODEX STAN 104  Standard for Quick Frozen Leek  
14 CODEX STAN 112 -1981 NCGO CODEX STAN 112 -1981 Standard for Quick Frozen Brussel 
Sprouts  
15 CODEX STAN 41 -1981 NCGO CODEX STAN 41 -1981 Standard for Quick Frozen Peas  
16 CODEX STAN 114 -1981 NCGO CODEX STAN 114 -1981 Standard for Quick Frozen French Fried 
Potatoes  
17 CODEX STAN 117 -1981 NCGO CODEX STAN 117 -1981 Standard for  Bouillons and Consommés  
18 CODEX STAN 154 -1985 NCGO CODEX STAN 154 -1985 Codex Standard for Whole Maize (Corn) 
Meal 
19 CODEX STAN 18  NCGO CODEX STAN 18  Standard for Canned Sweet Corn  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 213 - 
  No. Codex reference  Congo lese reference  Title of the Standard  
20 CXS 115 -1981 NCGO CXS 115 -1981 Standard for Pickled Cucumbers  
(Cucumber Pickles)  
21 CODEX STAN 116  NCGO CODEX STAN 116  Codex Standard for Canned Carrots  
22 CODEX STAN 177 -1991 NCGO CODEX STAN 177 -1991 Standard for Desiccated Coconut  
23 CODEX STAN 61 NCGO CODEX STAN 61  Codex Standard for Canned Pears  
24 CODEX STAN 68  NCGO CODEX STAN 68  Codex Standard for Canned Mandarin 
Oranges  
25 CODEX STAN 160  NCGO CODEX STAN 160  Codex Standard for Mango Chutney  
26 CODEX STAN 132  NCGO CODEX STAN 132  Codex Standard for Quick Frozen Whole 
Kernel Corn  
27 CODEX STAN 199  NCGO CODEX STAN 199  Codex Standard for Wheat and Durum 
Wheat  
28 CODEX STAN 201  NCGO CODEX STAN 201  Codex Standard for Oats  
29 CODEX STAN 163 -1987,  
Rév. 1 -2001 NCGO CODEX STAN 163 - 1987, 
Rév. 1 -2001 Standard for Wheat Protein Products 
Including Wheat Gluten  
30 CODEX STAN 176 -1989 NCGO CODEX STAN 176 -1989 Standard for Edible Cassava Flour  
31 CODEX STAN 16  NCGO CODEX STAN 16  Codex Standard for Canned Green Beans 
and Wax Beans  
32 CODEX STAN 13  NCGO CODEX STAN 13  Standard for Preserved Tomatoes  
33 CODEX STAN 133  NCGO CODEX STAN 133  Codex Standard for Quick Frozen Corn -
on-the-Cob 
34 CODEX STAN 56  NCGO CODEX STAN 56  Codex Standard for Canned Asparagus  
35 CODEX STAN 118  NCGO CODEX STAN 118  Codex Standard for Foods for Special 
Dietary Use for Persons Intolerant to 
Gluten  
36 CODEX STAN 81  NCGO CODEX STAN 81  Codex Standard for Canned Mature 
Processed Peas  
37 CODEX STAN 55  NCGO CODEX STAN 55  Codex Standard for Canned Mushrooms  
38 CODEX STAN 77  NCGO CODEX STAN 77  Codex Standard for Quick Frozen Spinach  
39 CODEX STAN 140  NCGO CODEX STAN 140  Codex Standard for Quick Frozen Carrots  
40 CODEX STAN 144  NCGO CODEX STAN 144  Codex Standard for Canned Palmito  
(heart of palm ) 
41 CODEX STAN 225 -2001 NCGO CODEX STAN 225 -2001 Standard for Asparagus  
42 CODEX STAN 219  NCGO CODEX STAN 219  Codex Standard for Grapefruits  
43 CODEX STAN 183  NCGO CODEX STAN 183  Codex Standard for Papaya  
44 CODEX STAN 184  NCGO CODEX STAN 184  Codex Standard for Mangoes  
45 CODEX STAN 187  NCGO CODEX STAN 187  Codex Standard for Carambola  
46 CODEX STAN 197  NCGO CODEX STAN 197  Codex Standard for Avocado  
47 CODEX STAN 204  NCGO CODEX STAN 204  Codex Standard for Mangosteens  
48 CODEX STAN 205  NCGO CODEX STAN 205  Codex Standard for Bananas  
49 CODEX STAN 214  NCGO CODEX STAN 214  Codex Standard for Pummelos  
50 CODEX STAN 215  NCGO CODEX STAN 215  Codex Standard for Guavas  
51 CODEX STAN 245  NCGO CODEX STAN 245  Codex Standard for Oranges  
52 CODEX STAN 70  NCGO CODEX STAN 70  Standard for Canned Tuna and Bonito  
53 CODEX STAN 12 -1981 NCGO CODEX STAN 12 -1981 Codex Standard for Honey  
54 CODEX STAN A -4 NCGO CODEX STAN A -4 Standard for Sweetened Condensed Milks  
55 CODEX STAN 92  NCGO CODEX STAN 92  Standard for Certain Vegetables  
56 CODEX STAN 171  NCGO CODEX STAN 171  Standard for Certain Pulses  
57 CODEX STAN 212 -1999 NCGO CODEX STAN 212 - 1999 Codex Standard for Sugars  
58 CODEX STAN 165  NCGO CODEX STAN 165  Standard for Quick Frozen Blocks of Fish 
Fillets, Minced Fish Flesh and Mixtures of 
Fillets and Minced Fish Flesh  
59 CODEX STAN 166  NCGO CODEX STAN 166  Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Sticks 
(Fish Fingers), Fish Portions and Fish 
Fillets - Breaded or in Batter  
60 CODEX STAN 190  NCGO CODEX STAN 190  General Standard for Quick Frozen Fish 
Fillets  
61 CODEX STAN 153 -1985 NCGO CODEX STAN 153 -1985 Codex Standard for Maize (Corn)  
62 CODEX STAN 198 -1995 NCGO CODEX STAN 198 -1995 Codex Standard for Rice  
63 CODEX STAN 169  NCGO CODEX STAN 169 Codex Standard for Whole and 
Decorticated Pearl Millet Grains  
64 CODEX STAN 172  NCGO CODEX STAN 172  Codex Standard for Sorghum Grains  
65 CODEX STAN 155  NCGO CODEX STAN 155  Codex Standard for Degermed Maize 
(Corn) Meal and Maize (Corn) Grits  
66 CODEX STAN 200  NCGO CODEX STAN 200  Codex Standard for Peanuts  
67 CODEX STAN 32  NCGO CODEX STAN 32  Codex Standard for  Margarine  
68 CODEX STAN 210  NCGO CODEX STAN 210  Standard for Named Vegetable Oils  
69 CODEX STAN 143  NCGO CODEX STAN 143  Standard for Dates  
70 CODEX STAN 202  NCGO CODEX STAN 202  Standard for  Couscous  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 214 - 
  No. Codex reference  Congo lese reference  Title of the Standard  
71 CODEX STAN 150 -1985 NCGO CODEX STAN 150 -1985 Codex Standard for Food Grade Salt  
72 CODEX STAN 159  NCGO CODEX STAN 159  Standard for Canned Mangoes  
73 CODEX STAN 37 -1981 NCGO CODEX STAN 37 -1981 Standard for Canned Shrimps or Prawns  
74 CODEX STAN 88 -1993 NCGO CODEX STAN 88 -1993 Standard for Corned Beef  
75 CODEX STAN 89  NCGO CODEX STAN 89  Standard for Luncheon Meat  
76 CODEX STAN 90  NCGO CODEX STAN 90  Standard for Canned Crab Meat 
77 CODEX STAN 94  NCGO CODEX STAN 94  Standard for Canned Sardines and 
Sardine -Type Products  
78 CODEX STAN 96  NCGO CODEX STAN 96  Standard for Cooked Cured Ham  
79 CODEX STAN 110  NCGO CODEX STAN 110  Standard for Quick Frozen Broccoli  
80 CODEX STAN 189 NCGO CODEX STAN 189  Standard for Dried Shark Fins  
81 CODEX STAN 130  NCGO CODEX STAN 130  Standard for Dried Apricots  
82 CODEX STAN 146  NCGO CODEX STAN 146  General Standard for the Labelling of and 
Claims for Prepackaged Foods for Special 
Dietary Uses  
83 CODEX STAN 188  NCGO CODEX STAN 188  Standard for Baby Corn  
84 CODEX STAN 147  NCGO CODEX STAN 147  Standard for Cocoa Butter Confectionary  
85 CODEX STAN 64  NCGO CODEX STAN 64  Standard for Concentrated Orange Juice 
Preserved Exclusively by P hysical Means  
86 CXS 99 -1981 NCGO CXS 99 -1981 Standard for Canned Tropical Fruit Salad  
87 CXS 17 -1981 NCGO CXS 17 -1981 Standard for Canned Applesauce  
88 CODEX STAN 80  NCGO CODEX STAN 80  Individual Codex Standard for Citrus  
Marmalade  
89 CODEX STAN 79  NCGO CODEX STAN 79  Codex Standard for J ams ( Fruit 
Preserves) and Jellies 
90 CODEX STAN 247 -2005 NCGO CODEX STAN 247 -2005 General Standard for Fruit Juices and 
Nectars  
91 CODEX STAN C -11 NCGO CODEX STAN C -11 International Individual Codex Standard 
for Cottage Cheese including  Creamed 
Cottage Cheese  
92 CODEX STAN C -31 NCGO CODEX STAN C -31 International Individual Codex Standard 
for Cream Cheese  
93 CODEX STAN C -35 NCGO CODEX STAN C -35 International Individual Codex Standard 
for Extra Hard Grating Cheese  
94 CODEX STAN C -33 NCGO CODEX STAN C -33 International Individual Codex Standard  
for Camembert  
95 CODEX STAN A -1 NCGO CODEX STAN A -1 Standard for Butter  
96 CODEX STAN A -2 NCGO CODEX STAN A -2 Codex Standard for Milkfat Products  
97 CODEX STAN A -6 NCGO CODEX STAN A -6 Codex General Standard for Cheese  
98 CODEX STAN A -7 NCGO CODEX STAN A -7 Standard for Whey Cheeses  
99 CODEX STAN 208  NCGO CODEX STAN 208  Codex Standard for Cheeses in Brine  
100 CODEX STAN 206  NCGO CODEX STAN 206  Codex General Standard for the Use of 
Dairy Terms  
101 CODEX STAN 209  NCGO CODEX STAN 209  Codex Standard for Powdered Milk  
102 CODEX STAN A -8a NCGO CODEX A -8a Codex General Standard for Process (ed) 
Cheese and Spreadable Process (ed) 
Cheese  
103 CODEX STAN A -8b NCGO CODEX STAN A -8b Codex General Standard for Named 
Variety Processed Spreadable Cheese  
104 CODEX STAN A -8c CODEX STAN A -8c Codex Standard for Process(ed) Cheese 
Preparations  
105 CODEX STAN A -9 CODEX STAN A -9 Codex Standard for Cream and Prepared 
Creams  
106 CODEX STAN A -15 CODEX STAN A -15 Codex Standard for Whey Powders  
107 CODEX STAN 243 -2003 NCGO CODEX STAN 243 -2003 Codex Standard for Fermented Milks  
108 CODEX STAN 174  NCGO CODEX STAN 174  Codex Standard for Vegetable Protein 
Products  
109 CODEX STAN 175 -1989 NCGO CODEX STAN 175 -1989 General Standard for Soy Protein 
Products  
110 CODEX STAN 218 -1999 NCGO CODEX STAN 218 -1999 Standard for Ginger  
111 CODEX STAN 19  NCGO CODEX STAN 19  Codex Standard for Edible Fats and Oils 
not Covered by Individual Standards  
112 CODEX STAN 211 -1999 NCGO CODEX STAN 211 -1999 Standard for Named Animal Fats  
113 CODEX STAN 86  NCGO CODEX STAN 86  Codex Standard for Cocoa Butter  
114 CODEX STAN 141 -1983 NCGO CODEX STAN 141 -1983 Standard for Cocoa (Cacao) Mass 
(Cocoa/Chocolate Liquor) and Cocoa 
Cake 
115 CODEX STAN 106 -1983 NCGO CODEX STAN 106 - 1983,  General Standard for Irradiated Foods  
116 CODEX STAN 182  NCGO CODEX STAN 182  Codex Standard for Pineapple  WT/TPR/S/445 • Congo , Republic of the  
- 215 - 
  No. Codex reference  Congo lese reference  Title of the Standard  
117 CODEX STAN 107  NCGO CODEX STAN 107  Codex General Standard for the Labelling 
of Food Additives when sold as such  
118 CODEX STAN 181  NCGO CODEX STAN 181  Standard for Formula Foods for Use in 
Weight Control Diets  
119 CODEX STAN 180  NCGO CODEX STAN 180  Codex Standard for Labelling of and 
Claims for Foods for Special Medical 
Purposes  
120 CODEX STAN 74 -191 NCGO CODEX STAN 74 -191 Codex Standard for Processed Cereal -
Based Foods for Infants and Young 
Children  
121 CODEX STAN 203  NCGO CODEX STAN 203  Codex Standard for Formula Foods for 
Use in Very Low Energy Diets for Weight 
Reduction  
122 CODEX STAN 300 -2010 NCGO CODEX STAN 300 -2010 Standard for Bitter Cassava  
123 CXS 319 -2015 NCGO CXS 319-2015 Standard for Certain Canned Fruits  
124 CXS 322R -2015 NCGO CXS 322R -2015 Regional Standard for Non -Fermented 
Soybean Products  
125 CXS 325R -2017 NCGO CXS 325R -2017 Regional Standard for Unrefined Shea 
Butter  
126 CXS 330 -2018 NCGO CXS 330-2018 Standard for Aubergines  
127 CODEX STAN 307 -2011 NCGO CODEX STAN 307 -2011 Standard for Chilli Peppers  
128 CODEX STAN 238 -2003 NCGO CODEX STAN 238 - 2003 Standard for Sweet Cassava  
129 CODEX STAN 243 -2003 NCGO CODEX STAN 243 -2003 Codex Standard for Fermented Milks  
130 CODEX STAN 311 - 2013 NCGO CODEX STAN 311 - 2013 Standard for Smoked Fish, Smoke -
Flavoured Fish and Smoke -Dried Fish  
131 CODEX STAN 206 -1999 NCGO CODEX STAN 206 -1999 General Standard for the Use of Dairy 
Terms  
132 CODEX STAN 192 -1995 NCGO STAN 192 -1995 General Standard for Food Additives  
133 CODEX STAN 53 -1981 NCGO CODEX STAN 53 -1981 Standard for Special Dietary Foods with 
Low-Sodium Content (Including Salt 
Substitutes)  
134 CODEX STAN 229 -1993, 
Rev.1 -2003 NCGO CODEX STAN 229 -1993 
Rev.1 -2003 Analysis of Pesticide Residues: 
Recommended Methods  
135 CODEX STAN 193 -1995 NCGO CODEX STAN 193 -1995 Codex General Standard for 
Contaminants and Toxins in Foods  
136 CAC/RCP 13  NCGO CAC/RCP 13  Recommended International Code of 
Hygienic Practice for Processed Meat and 
Poultry Products  
137 CAC/RCP 5  NCGO CAC/RCP 5  Recommended International Code of 
Hygienic Practice for Dehydrated Fruits 
and Vegetables including Edible Fungi  
138 CODEX STAN CAC/RCP 
21 NCGO CA C/RCP 21  Recommended International Code of 
Hygienic Practice for Foods for Infants 
and Children  
139 CAC/GL 22 -1997 Rev.1 - 
1999 NCGO CAC/GL 22 -1997 
Rev.1 -1999 Revised Regional Guidelines for the 
Design of Control Measures for Street -
Vended Foods in Africa  
140 CAC/RCP 44-1995, 
AMD.1 -2004 NCGO CAC/CRP 44 -1995, 
AMD.1 -2004 Recommended International Code of 
Practice for the Packaging and Transport 
of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables  
141 CAC/RCP 1-1969, R ev.4- 
2003 NCGO CAC/CRP 1 -1969,  
Rev.4-2003 Recommended International Code of 
Practice - General Principles of Food 
Hygiene  
142 CAC/GL 31 -1999 NCGO CAC/GL 31 -1999 Codex Guidelines for the Sensory 
Evaluation of Fish and Shellfish in 
Laboratories  
143 CAC/RCP 28-1983 NCGO CAC/CRP 28 -1983 Recommended International Code of 
Practice for Crabs  
144 CAC/RCP 23-1979, 
Rev.26- 1993 NCGO CAC/CRP 23 -1979,  
Rev. 26-1993 Recommended International Code of 
Hygienic Practice for Low -Acid and 
Acidified Low -Acid Canned Foods  
145 CAC/GL 16 -1993 NCGO CAC/CRP  16-1993 Guidelines for the Establishment of a 
Regulatory Programme for Control of 
Veterinary Drug Residues in Foods  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.