Loading certificate for DRC now mandatory

SHIPPERS TO the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will now have to get a compulsory loading certificate – the FERI (Fiche Electronique a l’Importation) – issued for each bill of lading (BoL) before they can get their shipments into that country. The Italian-based company, Frabemar – in cooperation with its worldwide agents network – has been appointed to issue the FERI in all countries outside the DRC. For regional shippers, Mitchell Cotts Maritime – representing the Congolese Shippers' Council in SA, Namibia, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe – will be responsible for issuing the certificates. “Basically,” said Mitchell Cotts Maritime GM Nigel Sargent, “this FERI is the same type of certificate as the CNCA for Angola and the ECTN required for certain other West African countries. “Shippers should note that they are responsible for acquiring these certificates – and that no cargo will be allowed into the DRC without them.”