Exporters out of or through Zambia into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) can obtain the necessary FERI certification within two hours if their paperwork is in order, according to Dornay Swartz, chief FERI administrator at Africa Union Cargo Namibia (AUCN).
All imports into the DRC require Fische Electronique de Renseignement à I'importation (FERI) certification before the goods enter the country. They have to be presented at all points of entry, by air, road or sea.
AUCN is the principal agent for issuing FERI certificates in Southern Africa. “We understand that delays in the supply chain are costly, so our team is available seven days a week to guide clients through the application process in order to minimise the risk of stoppages and penalties.”
The Walvis Bay office supports freight forwarders and cargo owners moving freight from any port in the southern African region to the DRC.“We also have information leaf lets clearly outlining all the required documentation,” says Swartz. AUCN has set up a dedicated FERI office in Walvis Bay to handle FERI certification.It is open seven days a week, from eight in the morning till eight at night, according to Clive Smith, CEO of AUCN. “It is led by our chief FERI administrator, and we allocate dedicated account managers to clients with regular shipments, providing personalised support to avoid delays and or penalties for cargo on arrival at DRC borders.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has been a huge challenge in transport and logistics matters over the past four to five months and our goal is to ensure that all essential cargo reaches its destination as efficiently as possible,” says Smith. AUCN is a sister company of Africa Union Cargo, which is the investor and operator of the Zambia Dry Port inside the Port of Walvis Bay.