The Republic of Congo has introduced temporary tax relief measures on key food and consumer goods as part of efforts to combat rising living costs and improve access to essential products.
In Circular No. 0138-MFBPP/CAB, signed on February 5, 2026, Minister of Finance, Budget and Public Portfolio Christian Yoka announced the reclassification of selected intermediate and consumer goods as essential goods. The measure takes immediate effect and will remain in force until December 31, 2026.
Under the new policy, designated products will benefit from a reduced customs duty rate of 5 percent. Depending on the product category, imports will also qualify for either a full exemption from value-added tax (VAT) or a reduced VAT rate of 5 percent.
Products eligible for the relief measures include meat and edible offal, frozen sea fish, salted fish, wheat, maize, refined palm oil, milk, rice, and salt. The government stated that the fiscal incentives are intended to ease pressure on household budgets and help stabilize the prices of essential commodities.
To safeguard domestic supply, the circular also prohibits the export and re-export of the listed goods during the relief period. Authorities said the restriction is designed to ensure that the benefits of the tax reductions remain available to consumers within the country.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader response to inflationary pressures and increasing costs of living, reflecting a temporary fiscal policy intervention aimed at maintaining affordability and food security across the Republic of Congo.