Question 1

How do I send a parcel from Belgium to the DRC?

Accepted Answer

Start by estimating the cost with the calculator above: enter the weight and dimensions, then compare express, cargo and sea freight for a Brussels → Kinshasa or Lubumbashi shipment.

Next, prepare sturdy packaging and a clear description of the contents, useful for DRC customs. We collect your parcel at the depot or by pickup, then ship it by air or sea depending on the option chosen, with tracking all the way to its destination.

To prepare everything without missing a step, read our guide: Sending a parcel from Belgium to the Congo (DRC)

Question 2

How is the price of a shipment to Kinshasa or Lubumbashi calculated?

Accepted Answer

The price of a Belgium → DRC parcel depends on the transport mode, the actual weight and the volumetric weight.

Question 3

Does the price depend on weight or volume?

Accepted Answer

Both. For express and cargo freight alike, the actual weight (what the scale reads) is always billed at the mode's base rate. We then compare it with the volumetric weight (the bulk): if the volumetric weight exceeds the actual weight, the difference is billed at €5.50/kg on top of the actual weight.

Volumetric weight is calculated with the formula L × W × H (cm) ÷ 6,000. A light but bulky parcel, such as a box of clothes, therefore pays its actual weight plus a surcharge for its bulk.

Question 4

What is volumetric weight?

Accepted Answer

A bulky but light parcel takes up room on the aircraft: this calculation prices that space. If the volumetric weight exceeds the actual weight, the difference is billed at €5.50/kg on top of the actual weight.

Question 5

How do I calculate a parcel's volume in cubic metres?

Accepted Answer

To get the volume in cubic metres (m³), multiply length, width and height expressed in metres. In centimetres, calculate L × W × H then divide by 1,000,000: a 60 × 40 × 40 cm box is thus 0.096 m³.

Volume is used to price sea freight (per m³) and to determine volumetric weight for air freight. For a full step-by-step, read our guide: Calculating a parcel's volumetric weight

Question 6

What is the difference between shipping by air and by sea?

Accepted Answer

Air freight is fast: ideal for urgent shipments, small and medium parcels and valuable goods, it is measured in days. Sea freight is far more economical by volume — perfect for large shipments, pallets and containers — but it is measured in weeks.

In short, air prioritises speed and sea prioritises price for large volumes. To choose based on your goods, read our guide: Air or sea freight: which to choose

Question 7

When should I choose air freight?

Accepted Answer

Choose air freight when time matters most: urgent shipments, documents, samples, small and medium parcels, high-value goods. Express covers 0.1 to 200 kg (€18/kg, €18 minimum) and cargo up to 500 kg (€16/kg).

Beyond these limits, or for a very large volume, sea freight is generally more suitable and more economical.

Question 8

When should I choose sea freight?

Accepted Answer

Sea freight is the right choice for large volumes, house moves, pallets and container shipments, when timing is not critical. It is billed per cubic metre: €750/m³, and €725/m³ from 5 m³.

It is the most economical way to move large quantities of goods between Belgium and the DRC. Goods arrive via the port of Matadi, then we forward them to Kinshasa or Lubumbashi.

Question 9

Can I send several parcels or small parcels together?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The calculator takes several parcels: add one line per parcel, each with its own dimensions and weight — the weight, volume and price are calculated over all the lines. The €5 handling fee is charged only once per shipment, not per parcel.

Grouping several small parcels into one shipment (consolidation) often lowers the cost per kilo or per m³. For a very large or unusual shipment, ask us for a quote and we'll optimise the whole shipment.

Question 10

Can bulky goods be shipped?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bulky goods usually travel by sea freight, billed per m³, which stays economical even for large volumes. Enter the weight and dimensions in the calculator for a first estimate.

For a large volume (beyond the online limits) or a special item, the simplest is to: request a free quote

Question 11

Can I send a pallet to the DRC, and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we ship pallets from Belgium to the DRC, most often by sea freight. For an estimate, enter the pallet's weight and dimensions in the calculator: the volume is worked out automatically and the sea rate applies per cubic metre.

Depending on size and volume, we arrange the shipment as consolidation (you only pay for the space used) or as a dedicated load. For one or more pallets of palletised goods, it's best to: request a free quote

Question 12

Can I ship in a container (consolidation or full container)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For large volumes, shipping by sea container is the most economical option. With consolidation you only pay for the space your goods take up in the container, without renting a whole container; depending on the volume we also offer a dedicated container.

The container travels by ship to the port of Matadi, then we arrange road transport to Kinshasa or Lubumbashi. To understand consolidation and how it works, discover: our forwarding and consolidation service

Question 13

What are the customs fees and under-customs fees?

Accepted Answer

They are two separate things. The "under-customs fees" on Luna's side are a €125 administrative fee that applies only to under-customs shipments; they are then added to the €5 handling fee. A standard shipment pays none.

Import duties and taxes in the DRC are set by Congolese customs according to the nature and value of the goods; they are paid on arrival and are not included in the transport price. To understand who pays what (transport, customs, VAT) depending on the Incoterm, read our guide: Incoterms, DAP vs DDP and shipping costs

Question 14

What are the transit times for air or sea shipments?

Accepted Answer

As a rule, air freight is measured in days and sea freight in weeks, but the exact time depends on the chosen mode, the period and customs formalities. Sea freight transits via the port of Matadi before the final leg to Kinshasa or Lubumbashi.

We confirm the precise transit time for your shipment at booking or with your quote, so you get reliable information rather than a rough estimate.

Question 15

Do you deliver to Kinshasa and Lubumbashi?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our online rates cover Brussels → Kinshasa and Brussels → Lubumbashi, by express, cargo and sea freight. Pick the destination city in the calculator: the estimate matches the route you select.

Question 16

Can I ship to another city in the DRC?

Accepted Answer

Our online rates cover Brussels → Kinshasa and Brussels → Lubumbashi. For another destination in DR Congo or another origin, shipping is still possible but the rate is set case by case.

Select "Other destination" in the calculator, or: request a tailored quote

Question 17

Do you also ship from the DRC to Belgium?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on quote. This direction has no online price yet. Describe your needs in the "Additional details" field of the quote form on the Pricing page: open the quote form

Question 18

How do I get a shipping quote?

Accepted Answer

For a Belgium → DRC freight quote, start with the calculator: for a Brussels → Kinshasa or Lubumbashi shipment within the rate card, the price shows immediately. For a special case (large volume, pallet, container, another city, specific goods), a quote request opens a conversation with our team, who reply within one business day.

You can start a request directly from a calculator result, or: request a free quote

Work out the price of your shipment to Kinshasa or Lubumbashi

How a freight price is built

Three modes, three uses

Frequently asked questions