Congo: sanctions and trade risk

No elevated indicator

As of 7 November 2026, the screened UN, EU, UK, Swiss and US sanctions lists contain 1 company, organisation, vessel or aircraft linked to Congo.Lists last checked 2026-11-07 21:01 UTC.

Logistics profile: ports, airports, customs, documents, holidays, news ↓

No elevated country indicator for Congo in the route rules Sanctioni uses. That is not a clearance: goods may still be export-controlled, and parties in Congo may still be on a list.

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On the sanctions lists

1 entries on the official lists name Congo — as nationality, address, registration or flag. That links them to the country; it says nothing about other companies there. The same company can appear on several lists and is then counted once per list. Individuals are not included — Sanctioni does not process them.

List	Entries	Companies & organisations	Vessels	Aircraft
US OFAC — Specially Designated Nationals (SDN)	1	1	—	—

Latest changes

No new listings or removals naming Congo recorded yet.

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Logistics profile

Congo: logistics and trade

Oil exporter; Pointe-Noire, the Atlantic gateway, serves as a hub for Central Africa (transit toward the DR Congo and the Central African Republic)

The Republic of the Congo (ISO code: CG) is located in Central Africa and borders Gabon, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Angola (Enclave Cabinda), and the Atlantic Ocean. Politically, it is a presidential republic with a centralized government system. The climate is predominantly tropical with wet rainy seasons and high temperatures, especially in the coastal and rainforest areas. Economically, the country is heavily dependent on oil, timber, and minerals, which make up the majority of exports. Foreign trade focuses on oil and raw material exports, while the supply of machinery, consumer goods, and food is largely import-dependent. Logistically, the Port of Pointe-Noire plays a central role in international trade and regional transit functions. The national currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF), which is used in several Central African countries. Transport infrastructure and port facilities are crucial for connecting to international markets and stabilizing supply chains. Despite limited diversification, Congo-Brazzaville is an important regional player in raw material exports. Investments in transport and logistics could further enhance economic competitiveness.

Capital: Brazzaville
Population: 6,100,000
Area: 342,000 km²
Currency: CFA Franc (BEAC) (XAF)
Continent: Africa
Region: Central Africa / CEMAC
Economic area: CEMAC / AfCFTA
Religions: Christianity
Access to the sea: Yes

Transport modes Sea · Rail · Road · Air

Current situation: Status 2026: expansion of the Port of Pointe-Noire (new deep-water platform, commissioning planned for around 2027). Pointe-Noire remains the central gateway; the CFCO railway connects the coast and Brazzaville.
Seasonal conditions: Tropical climate with pronounced rainy seasons (roughly October–December and March–May); heavy rainfall can affect roads and river navigation on the Congo.

Main cargo airports

Antonio Agostinho-Neto International AirportPNR
Antonio Agostinho-Neto International (PNR/FCPP), Pointe-Noire: cargo handling by Congo Handling, offshore oil logistics, deep-water port and CFCO rail links.
Maya-Maya AirportBZV
Maya-Maya Brazzaville (BZV): Congo's largest airport, 3,300 m runway, Cargolux freight via Cargolink, Congo River link, key Central Africa cargo point.

Road corridors

Pointe-Noire–Dolisie–Brazzaville (National Route 1)
Brazzaville–Ouesso (toward Cameroon/CAR)

Rail corridors

Chemin de Fer Congo-Océan (CFCO): Pointe-Noire–Brazzaville (approx. 510 km)

Inland ports

Brazzaville (Congo River, connection to Kinshasa)
Oyo / Ollombo (river logistics)

Main trade lanes

Congo–China
Congo–EU (France/Belgium)
Congo–USA
Transit DR Congo / Central Africa

Customs and import

Customs authority Direction Générale des Douanes et des Droits Indirects (DGDDI)Official website ↗

Import customs system: Electronic clearance via SYDONIA World (ASYCUDA) at the DGDDI. Tariff classification under the CEMAC Common External Tariff (5/10/20/30 percent) plus CEMAC and AU integration levies.
Export customs system: Export processing is also handled via SYDONIA World at the DGDDI. Oil and timber exports are subject to additional controls and permits.
Import VAT: Import VAT standard rate 18 percent (with surcharge approximately 18,9 percent); reduced rate 10 percent for certain local goods and 5 percent for petroleum products/lubricants. Collection by the DGDDI.
Proofs of origin and trade agreements: Certificate of origin required; preferential rules of origin apply within the CEMAC customs union. The Republic of the Congo is an AfCFTA member; preferences require the corresponding proof of origin.
Restricted and prohibited goods: Restrictions and prohibitions apply, among others, to weapons, hazardous waste and certain used goods; medicines and food are subject to conformity and licensing requirements.

Typical import documents

Commercial invoice (French)
Packing list
Bill of lading / air waybill
Import declaration
Certificate of origin
Conformity/inspection certificates (depending on goods)

Typical export documents

Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of lading / air waybill
Export declaration (SYDONIA)
Certificate of origin
Permits for oil/timber

Logistics conditions

Customs complexity: High
Customs delays: High
Port congestion: Medium
Dangerous goods relevance: Medium to high
Pharma and cold chain relevance: Low to medium
E-commerce relevance: Low

Trade

Top import partners

China France Belgium Netherlands United States

Top export partners

China United States France

Top import goods

Machinery
Vehicles
Foodstuffs
Chemicals
Consumer goods

Top export goods

Crude oil
Timber
Natural gas
Sugar
Agricultural products

Typical cargo

Crude oil
Natural gas
Timber
Manganese
Machinery and vehicles (import)
Food and consumer goods (import)

Logistics questions

Which port is the main gateway of the Republic of the Congo?

The Atlantic deepwater port of Pointe-Noire handles around 70 percent of foreign trade and has a modern container operation with the Congo Terminal. Brazzaville serves as a river port on the Congo.

What is the import VAT rate in the Republic of the Congo?

The standard rate is 18 percent (around 18.9 percent with surcharge). Reduced rates of 10 percent for certain local goods and 5 percent for petroleum products and lubricants may apply. Collected by the DGDDI.

Which customs system does the Republic of the Congo use?

The Direction Générale des Douanes et des Droits Indirects (DGDDI) processes imports and exports electronically through SYDONIA World (ASYCUDA). Tariffs follow the CEMAC Common External Tariff.

What import duties apply?

The CEMAC Common External Tariff applies with rates of 5, 10, 20 and 30 percent on the CIF value, plus a CEMAC integration levy and an AU integration contribution, among others.

What transport link exists between the coast and the capital?

The Chemin de Fer Congo-Océan (CFCO) railway links Pointe-Noire with Brazzaville over around 510 km. The Route Nationale 1 runs in parallel; Brazzaville is also connected to Kinshasa via the Congo River.

What does the Republic of the Congo mainly export?

Mainly crude oil, which accounts for most export revenue, complemented by natural gas, timber and manganese. The main trading partner is China.

Full logistics profile on Freight Academy ↗