The Minister of Foreign Trade, Julien Paluku Kahongya, suspends for a period of 12 months the importation of beers and soft drinks throughout the territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

 

The measure emanates from its order temporarily suspending the importation of beers and soft drinks, signed on June 26 and made public this Thursday, July 18, 2024. The Minister of Foreign Trade warns that products imported in violation of the provisions of this order will be returned or destroyed at the offender's expense.

However, it promises exemptions to economic operators in the event of a supply need in areas where consumers have difficult access to local products.

Another decree published that same Thursday also prohibits the importation, for a period of 12 months, of gray cements and clinkers, this time in the West and South-East part of the DRC. However, the two orders do not affect any imports carried out in accordance with trade agreements.

The Secretary General of Trade, the General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA), the Congolese Control Office (OCC), the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) and the Directorate of the National Border Hygiene Program (PNHF) are responsible for ensuring the application of these orders.

Julien Paluku motivates his decision by the desire to reduce the import bill, protect local industry and increase its performance as well as fight against import fraud which still persists at border posts in the DRC.