SDS Requirements for The Congo

Compliance for both the Republic of the Congo (RoC) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) requires a robust GHS-compliant SDS, primarily in French, to support strict import and registration procedures.

1. Format and System (GHS Foundation)

• Mandatory Format: The SDS must strictly adhere to the internationally recognized 16-Section GHS Format. This is the standard expected by customs, environment, and commerce authorities in both nations for technical assessment and risk evaluation.

• Compliance with Conventions: Both countries are parties to major international chemical conventions (Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm). The SDS must clearly confirm that the product complies with any international restrictions or prior informed consent procedures, documented in Section 15 (Regulatory Information).

• Best Practice Classification: The SDS must include accurate GHS classification (pictograms, signal words, hazard/precautionary statements) in Section 2.

2. Language Requirement (French Mandate)

• Official Language: The official language for government and business in both the RoC and the DRC is French (Français).

• SDS Language: The SDS must be provided in French to meet regulatory requirements, facilitate customs clearance, and ensure worker safety training is compliant with local labor laws.

• Recommendation: English may be provided as a supplementary technical document for international trade partners.

3. Regulatory and Documentation Focus

🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

• Import License (LIB): Hazardous chemicals require an Import License (Licence d'Importation des Biens - LIB) obtained from a Congolese commercial bank. The SDS is essential supporting documentation for this process.

• Pre-Shipment Inspection: Imports over $2,500 require a pre-shipment inspection by agencies like Bureau Veritas (BIVAC) to obtain a Certificate of Validation (Attestation de Vérification - AV). The SDS data supports this inspection process.

• Environmental Protection Act (EPA): DRC law specifies heavy penalties for operators who import, use, or discharge toxic chemicals in violation of the EPA, underscoring the critical need for an accurate SDS.

🇨🇬 Republic of the Congo (RoC)

• Similar to the DRC, the RoC requires permits for the import and use of hazardous chemicals, with the SDS serving as the primary source of hazard information for all government agencies involved in the approval process.