Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormLiquid (Ready-to-Feed / Liquid Concentrate)
Industry PositionInfant Nutrition Product (Breast-milk Substitute)
Market
Liquid infant formula (a breast-milk substitute) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is primarily supplied through imports under HS 190110 “preparations for infant use.” In 2023, DRC imports for HS 190110 were reported at about USD 14.9 million (US$ thousand basis), with France, Mexico, Ghana, Denmark, and the United States among the leading suppliers. The DRC applies a Code Congolais de Commercialisation des Substituts du Lait Maternel (adopted in 2006) that restricts promotion and, from 30 January 2025, indicates breast-milk substitutes are to be sold only in pharmacies. Market access is strongly shaped by pre-shipment verification (BIVAC) and by OCC conformity and labeling control routed through the GUICE single-window workflow, making documentation and label readiness central to trade continuity.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RolePublic-health sensitive infant nutrition category with restricted marketing and regulated retail channel emphasis (pharmacies).
Market GrowthMixed (recent two-year trade snapshot (2022–2023))import value increased from 2022 to 2023 for HS 190110, but longer trend not assessed here
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with DRC pre-shipment verification and OCC conformity/label controls (including French labeling, date/lot traceability, and declared conformity) can lead to an AV refusal (ARA), detention, and potential refoulement or destruction of the consignment, effectively blocking market entry.Run a pre-shipment compliance checklist aligned to OCC labeling expectations and BIVAC documentary requirements; ensure AV/ARA is correctly issued and integrated into the GUICE dossier (FXI) before shipment and arrival.
Marketing Compliance MediumBreast-milk substitutes in DRC are subject to CCCSLM restrictions on promotion/advertising and inappropriate commercial practices; channel discipline is heightened by the pharmacy-only sales indication from 30 January 2025. Non-compliant marketing (especially involving health facilities/health workers) can trigger enforcement action and reputational damage.Adopt a WHO Code/CCCSLM-aligned marketing policy (no inducements, no health-facility promotion), train distributors/pharmacies, and document compliant information provision on labels and materials.
Food Safety MediumLiquid infant formula is a high-sensitivity product for vulnerable consumers; heat abuse, damaged packaging, or expired stock can trigger OCC action including consignment, refusal, and destruction, and can cause severe public health consequences.Use robust secondary packaging, protect pallets from heat/sun during inland legs, enforce FEFO/expiry management, and keep QC documentation available for OCC review.
Logistics MediumClearance workflows rely on GUICE dossier integrity and sequencing (bank validation of DIB, COD with BIVAC, AV/ARA integration). Process or document mismatches can cause clearance delays that erode remaining shelf life and raise non-compliance risk at inspection points.Align importer, forwarder, and inspection-agent timelines; verify GUICE dossier references (FXI + transport document linkage) and confirm AV/ARA availability before vessel arrival/land border presentation.
Labor & Social- Ethical marketing risk: infant formula and related products are subject to WHO Code principles and DRC’s CCCSLM (adopted 2006), restricting promotion/advertising and inappropriate commercial practices for breast-milk substitutes.
- Channel restriction and compliance sensitivity: DRC indicates breast-milk substitutes are to be sold only in pharmacies from 30 January 2025, requiring strict distributor and sales-channel discipline.
FAQ
Where can breast-milk substitutes (including infant formula) be sold in the DRC?DRC guidance referenced by UNICEF states that, from 30 January 2025, breast-milk substitutes will be sold only in pharmacies.
What are the key label expectations for imported products in the DRC relevant to liquid infant formula?Trade guidance indicates labels must be in French and include the product name, country of origin, quantity, manufacturing or expiration date, and the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor. OCC communications also emphasize clear date marking and traceability elements (including lot identification) to avoid refusal or destruction.
What are the main documentary steps that can affect import clearance timing for infant formula-type products in the DRC?Imports may require BIVAC pre-shipment verification in coordination with OCC and DGDA, and GUICE is used to manage pre-clearance and host the AV/ARA documents in the shipment dossier used for documentary control at arrival.