Search

3.65. The export duty for timber varies according to its grade and degree of processing. In the case of rough wood taken from natural forests it is 10% of free on truck (f.o.t.) value for okoume, afrormosia and ebony and 9% for other varieties. In the case of processed wood: 4% for green lumber and reconstituted wood; 1.5% for dry sawn timber; 0.5% for sliced veneer, plywood, panels, glulam and other; 1% for rotary cut veneer; and 0% for flooring, mouldings, doors and windows, furniture parts and other finished products. In the case of processed wood from planted forests: 1.5% for eucalyptus bundles; 1% for green lumber; and 0.5% for eucalyptus poles, eucalyptus wood chips, and dry sawn timber.

3.66. However, all exports of rough wood beyond the 85/15 quota remain subject to an additional tax of 30% of the f.o.t. value. Moreover, for all rough wood exports the road fund collects CFAF 75/m3.

3.67. ()... there is a 15% surtax on rough wood exported above the quota of 85% of the production of each forestry company , and a contribution to the road fund assessed on timber for export or in transit. The tax base is the f.o.b. value.

3.69. According to the Forestry Code, only finished or semi finished processed wood products and rough wood of heavy and hardwood species, the machining of which involves a specific technology, may be exported. In practice, however, forestry companies must not export more than 15% of their respective total production volume of rough wood. That limit is often exceeded, resulting in a surtax. The surtax on rough wood exports in volumes exceeding 15%, but less than 50%, of annual production, is 15% of the f.o.b. value, according to the quality of the variety concerned, in all tax zones. For rough wood exports in volumes exceeding 50% of annual production, the surtax is 20% of that f.o.b. value, according to the quality of the variety, in all tax zones.

4.24. The management of fisheries resources falls under the remit of the Ministry responsible for fisheries and aquaculture, which defines the policy governing the sector and oversees its implementation. The work of the Ministry is supported by other departments with responsibilities and tasks that are closely linked to the management and development of fisheries and aquaculture, specifically, the Ministry of Scientific Research and Technological Innovation, the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure, and the Ministry of Forestry Economics, Sustainable Development and the Environment. (...).

4.27. The Government also seeks to improve aquaculture, in particular fish farming. Aquaculture production should supplement inland and marine fisheries production. The Government is relying on aquaculture development to ensure the sustainability of the country's fisheries resources.

4.29. Quotas are allocated per vessel or per canoe at the beginning of each calendar year and at the request of the shipowner (in the case of industrial fisheries) or the artisan fisher (in the case of small scale fisheries). Prices are set after the relevant tax has been calculated: either the industrial fishing licence tax or the small scale professional fishing permit tax.

4.30. Marine fishing requires an annual fishing licence granted by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture. The licence is subject to the payment of fees depending on the vessel's autonomy. A fishing licence is an administrative document indicating a vessel's allocated quota. It is issued by the marine fisheries authority following technical visits to the vessel and full payment of the fishing licence tax. There are no costs attributable to the fishing licence; the fee for the industrial fishing quota covers the costs of the fishing licence.

4.33. According to the authorities, the existing legal framework for marine fishing does not fully meet the management needs of national fisheries, nor is it consistent with international regulations that cover fishing related activities on the high seas, the management of shared and straddling fish stocks, and illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing. The authorities recommend drafting a new law.

4.35. According to the authorities, the fisheries subsector in Congo is facing a rise in demand, resulting in increased pressure on resources and a need for stronger conservation measures, such as protection for "sensitive" habitats. Congo has taken certain technical measures to promote sustainable fisheries, including reinforcing the regulatory framework [127], establishing two types of fishing zone and introducing sea patrols.
[127] Decree No. 2009-33 of 6 February 2009 laying down provisions on the mesh-size of nets and maritime fishing gear; Regulation on Access to Fishing by Law; Decree No. 2011-695 of 21 November 2011 establishing an observation centre for fishing vessels and craft.