What is DR Congo FERI?
The FERI (Fiche Électronique de Renseignement à l'Importation) is the mandatory import tracking certificate that must accompany all cargo destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo through the ports of Matadi and Boma. It is issued under the authority of OGEFREM (Office de Gestion du Fret Multimodal), the DRC's public freight-management body based in Kinshasa. The FERI reconciles the Bill of Lading, freight and cargo values from origin through transit to final import, and works alongside the importer's FXI licence. Cargo arriving without a validated FERI faces heavy penalties, clearance delays and possible inability to release the goods until the certificate and taxes are settled.
Official FERI Validation Procedure
According to the customs regulations of DR Congo, every cargo shipment purchased from abroad and transported for commercial, business, diplomatic, or personal purposes requires a validated Loading Certificate:
- ▪The shipper or freight forwarder opens the FERI file before shipment and validates it before the cargo reaches the DRC.
- ▪Prepare the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Freight Invoice, Packing List and the Customs Declaration (BOE / CE20).
- ▪Our compliance desk validates the freight and cargo data against OGEFREM requirements and the importer's FXI number.
- ▪OGEFREM issues the FERI number, which must accompany the shipment for clearance at Matadi or Boma.
- ▪Validate in good time — surface freight and late filings attract severe OGEFREM penalties before the cargo can be cleared.
Waiver Regulations & Q&A
What is the FERI certificate for DR Congo?
FERI stands for Fiche Électronique de Renseignement à l'Importation. It is the mandatory OGEFREM import tracking document required for all cargo shipped to the DRC via Matadi and Boma.
Who issues the FERI in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
The FERI is issued under OGEFREM (Office de Gestion du Fret Multimodal), the DRC's public freight-management authority headquartered in Kinshasa.
Which documents are required for a DRC FERI?
Typically the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Freight Invoice, Packing List and the Customs Declaration (BOE / CE20). The FERI also links to the importer's FXI licence number.
Is FERI the same as an ECTN for DR Congo?
Yes. FERI is the DRC's national form of the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN); both describe the same compulsory import tracking certificate.
What happens if cargo reaches the DRC without a FERI?
Cargo without a validated FERI faces heavy OGEFREM penalties and clearance delays at Matadi or Boma, and may not be released until the certificate and related taxes are settled.