HOW TO EXPORT COPPER FROM DRC
A practical walkthrough for copper exporters in DRC — from securing the export permit to receiving buyer payment. Built from real shipments through Lubumbashi → Kasumbalesa → Dar es Salaam / Beira / Durban.
1. Confirm mining title and royalty
Active mining licence with Ministère des Mines, Direction Générale des Douanes et Accises (DGDA), ARSP (Cobalt monitoring). Royalty: Copper 3.5 %, cobalt 10 % (strategic mineral), gold 3.5 %, lithium 10 %.
2. Lock the buyer contract
Fixed payable %, TC/RC, freight basis (FOB/CIF), payment terms (sight LC strongly preferred for first shipment), assay arbitration clause.
3. Independent assay and weighing
Engage SGS / Bureau Veritas / ALS for sampling, moisture and assay. Insist on umpire clause in the contract.
4. Documents
Compile the full document pack:
- Permis d'Exploitation (PE)
- Bordereau d'exportation (Ministry of Mines)
- Quitus fiscal (DGI)
- DGDA SAD declaration
- CEEC validation for 3T minerals (tin/tantalum/tungsten) + gold
- ARSP authorisation for cobalt
- Independent assay (CTCPM)
- Bill of Lading / CMR
5. Logistics
Route via Lubumbashi → Kasumbalesa → Dar es Salaam / Beira / Durban; Kinshasa N'Djili airport for precious. Use a bonded transporter for cross-border, and an experienced clearing agent at the exit point.
6. Common mistakes to avoid
Real-world traps that delay or block shipments:
- No ARSP authorisation for cobalt hydroxide → cargo blocked at Kasumbalesa
- Mislabelling cobalt as copper concentrate to dodge 10 % royalty (criminal)
- Missing CEEC certificate for 3T → cargo rejected EU/US under Dodd-Frank/EU Regulation 2017/821
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for every copper shipment?
In DRC, yes — each shipment needs an export permit reference tied to the mining licence, even under a long-term offtake.
What payment terms should I demand?
First-time buyer: 90–100 % sight LC against shipping documents. Repeat buyers: 80 % provisional on shipment, 20 % final on umpire assay.