Key facts for DR Congo
Christmas and New Year are the main year-end occasions for business gifts.
How companies in DR Congo give year-end gifts
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is predominantly Christian, and Christmas and the New Year are widely celebrated. In Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, companies in mining, telecoms, banking and services commonly give staff year-end gifts or food hampers and send greetings and gifts to clients and partners. French is the language of business and should be used on cards. Relationships are important, and gifts delivered in person with a signed card are appreciated. US dollars are widely used alongside the Congolese franc. Logistics are a serious constraint: customs clearance can be slow, and the eastern provinces are affected by conflict, so many firms deliver through local staff. Public officials may be subject to rules on accepting gifts. Quality branded items and curated boxes are well received by senior contacts.
Gift occasions in DR Congo
Christmas
main year-end occasion for gifts to staff, clients and partners
New Year
New Year greetings (voeux) are customary and can be sent through January
Good practice
- Write cards in French
- Order early: international courier transit plus customs clearance can take one to two weeks or more
- Add a printed card in the main business language with a personal line
- Favor heat-stable items (tea, plush, baubles, branded keepsakes) if delivery is outside air-conditioned premises
Avoid
- Don't ship chocolate without heat protection
- Don't send gifts to public officials without checking their internal rules
Design and wording
Christmas wording and imagery are appropriate for most recipients; neutral 'Season's Greetings' suits international or mixed teams.
Delivery to DR Congo
Ships from Poland by international courier; import duties and local VAT or sales taxes are normally charged on arrival and can be quoted in advance, and customs clearance adds time. Customs clearance can be slow; courier coverage is concentrated in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, and conflict affects the eastern provinces. December is hot, so chocolate needs heat-protected packaging and fast transit, or non-chocolate items are the safer choice.
Planning dates for DR Congo
| Order personalized stock advent calendars by | 6 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|
| Order Christmas hampers by | 13 Nov 2026 |
| Fully custom calendars for 2027 — order between | 01.2027 – 08.2027 |
Indicative planning dates; exact dates are confirmed in your proposal.
Recommended formats for DR Congo
Christmas hampers
Corporate Christmas hampers with your logo on the box, ribbon or card, composed to your budget band and delivered to one office or to individual home…
Tea & coffee calendars
A tea or coffee advent calendar with your logo is a measured, practical gift for clients and colleagues who prefer to avoid sweets.
Christmas plush
Plush is made in our own workshop in Biała Podlaska, Poland: ready Christmas teddies with your embroidered logo, and custom plush mascots based on…
Baubles with logo
Most promotional items are discarded within weeks.
Chocolate advent calendars
Twenty-four chocolates and your brand on the front from 1 to 24 December.
Chocolate Santas
A chocolate Santa with your logo is an economical way to send seasonal greetings to a long list of recipients: at events, at reception desks, in…
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas a public holiday in DR Congo?
Yes. 25 Dec is a public holiday, as is 1 Jan.
Can we send chocolate gifts to DR Congo?
Usually yes, as a gift shipment by courier, but import duties and taxes may apply and customs can request product details. Heat is the main risk in December, so we recommend heat-protected packaging or tea and plush alternatives.
Can you deliver to the DR Congo?
Delivery to Kinshasa and Lubumbashi is generally possible by courier; other areas are limited. We confirm availability and costs before you order.