Congo
B/L Print Requirements
Mandatory text on Ocean B/L
- • BESC / URN Number, 6-digit HS Code, and consignee NIU mandatory on Ocean B/L and manifest.
- • Ocean freight must be prepaid.
BESC URN number and consignee NIU must appear on the final B/L and manifest. For transit cargo to Central African Republic or DR Congo (via Brazzaville), the transit clause ("In transit to [Destination] via Port of Pointe-Noire") must appear in the goods description.
Inspection & Certificates
Pre-loading inspection & filing
- • BESC must be validated via CCC portal prior to vessel departure.
- • Mandatory pre-shipment Certificate of Conformity issued by Cotecna (ACONOQ) prior to loading for regulated commodities.
- • Electronic import title domiciled via commercial bank and processed through GUOT single window.
Cargo & Standards
Labeling, vehicles & packaging
- • Passenger vehicles: maximum 10 years from manufacture
- • Commercial vehicles (trucks, buses): maximum 15 years from manufacture
- • Right-hand-drive vehicles are strictly prohibited.
- • French product labeling mandatory on all consumer goods.
- • Official Veterinary Health Certificate mandatory for all imported meat and poultry products.
- • Used passenger motor vehicles (under 10 seats) cannot exceed 10 years; heavy trucks and large buses permitted up to 15 years.
- • ISPM 15 wood packaging compliance strictly enforced at Port of Pointe-Noire.
- • ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp required on all wooden packaging.
Shipper & Consignee
Where this destination differs from standard practice
- • Foreign consignees are not accepted — a locally-registered entity must be named.
Consignee must be a registered Congolese legal entity with an active NIU. "To Order" B/Ls are permitted provided the Notify Party is the registered local buyer or licensed transit forwarder with full physical address in Pointe-Noire or Brazzaville, active phone, and NIU stated on the B/L. PO Box only is rejected.
Non-Compliance Risk at Destination
Cargo arriving at Port of Pointe-Noire without a validated BESC triggers mandatory issuance of a destination BIC with a 100% fine on certificate fees plus demurrage. Non-certified regulated goods face destination Cotecna sampling holds.
Compliance Timeline for Congo
Follow this 3-step sequence from container stuffing through to port clearance.
Before Container Loading
- ✓ Complete pre-shipment inspection (PVoC / CoC) via Cotecna (ACONOQ) before cargo is stuffed.
- ✓ Verify vehicle age against the applicable statutory limit (10 yrs passenger / 15 yrs commercial).
- ✓ Confirm vehicle is NOT right-hand drive before booking.
- ✓ Confirm consignee is a locally-registered entity — foreign consignees are not accepted at this destination.
- ✓ Verify ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp on all wooden crates, dunnage, and pallets.
Prior to Sailing
- ✓ Inscribe validated BESC certificate number onto the Ocean B/L text and carrier manifest. (CCC (Conseil Congolais des Chargeurs))
- ✓ Ensure exact consignee Tax ID / Registration Code and 6-digit HS Code are printed on B/L.
- ✓ Submit SOLAS Verified Gross Mass (VGM) to loading terminal before yard cutoff.
Port Clearance at Destination
- ✓ Submit validated BESC electronic tracking note to destination customs authority.
- ✓ Present original Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to destination standards inspectors.
- ✓ Collect Delivery Order (DO) upon completing Release verification.
Download Compliance Guide for Congo (PDF)
Generate a practical, print-ready compliance document complete with statutory B/L clauses, ECTN certificate agencies, vehicle age ceilings, and station phone contacts.