A Guide for South African Exporters: Shipping Milk Powder to Congo Brazzaville

Milk powder is classified as a sensitive product in the Republic of Congo and is subject to specific import regulations. South Africa, as one of Africa’s largest dairy producers, actively participates in regional trade, including exports of milk powder to several African countries. In 2024, South Africa exported dairy products worth US$4.22 million to Congo Brazzaville, with milk powder forming a significant share of these shipments.   

Compliance with the Republic of Congo’s regulations is crucial, especially for sensitive products like milk powder. These products are consumed by vulnerable populations, including children, and any compromise in quality or safety can have serious health implications. Strict adherence to standards ensures consumer safety, protects the reputation of exporters, and helps avoid costly shipment rejections or delays at the border.   

Milk powder is listed as a sensitive product and hence can only be certified under Route A, which involves strict food safety controls and compliance with applicable standards.   

General implications/requirements for issuing a valid COC for Milk Powder export to Congo: 

1. All shipments of milk powder with a total FOB value of ≥ 1,000,000 CFA Francs (≈ EUR 1,500) require a valid Certificate of Conformity (COC) for customs clearance.   
2. Issuing Body such Cotecna, notified by the Congolese authorities (ACONOQ), must be responsible for conformity assessment process. 
3. Validity of COC is 3 months (renewable upon request).   
4. Every shipment must be individually certified under Route A 
5. Milk powder must have at least 75% remaining shelf life upon arrival in Congo.   

Route A Certification Process   

As highlighted before, milk powder can only be certified under Route A, designed for sensitive and high-risk products as follows: 

1. Document Submission: 

• Completed Request for Certification (RFC) 
• Proforma or final invoice   
• Conformity documents (test reports, product certificates if available) 
• Product datasheet/specification, intended use, brand/model 
• Import Declaration Form (DI Number)   

2. Inspection & Testing: 

• Cotecna inspects the shipment and may conduct laboratory tests to ensure compliance.   

3. Assessment & Issuance: 

• A Certificate of Conformity or a Non-Conformity Report is issued within 3 working days after all conformity assessment reports and the final invoice are received.   

Responsibilities of Exporters and Importers   

• Exporters: Responsible for ensuring products meet Congolese standards and for bearing all costs associated with obtaining the COC.  
• Importers: Must inform suppliers of the mandatory verification program and ensure shipments are accompanied by a valid COC.   

How can Cotecna help? 

Cotecna is the authorized service provider notified by ACONOQ to implement the PCEC (Programme Congolais Évaluation de la Conformité) for regulated imports, including milk powder. Cotecna plays a central role in helping exporters from South Africa meet the requirements for shipping milk powder to Congo Brazzaville. 

Cotecna conducts conformity assessments to verify that milk powder shipments comply with the applicable Congolese standards, technical regulations, and safety requirements as well as arranging for shipment inspections, sampling, and laboratory testing (if required) to confirm product safety and quality before export. 

Cotecna’s team also reviews all submitted documentation, including test reports, product datasheets, invoices, and import declaration forms, to ensure completeness and compliance.  

By working with Cotecna, exporters can ensure their milk powder shipments meet all legal and safety requirements, minimizing the risk of delays, rejections, or penalties at Congolese borders. 

Need more help? Contact us now. 

About Cotecna

For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.