OECD flags gaps in Congo’s exchange-of-information framework

The Global Forum identified areas needing improvement in the availability of legal and beneficial ownership information for relevant entities and arrangements, competent authorities’ access powers, Congo’s exchange-of-information network, and safeguards for incoming information and case files.^[1]

Legal framework only

This is a Phase 1 peer review of the legal and regulatory framework, not an overall assessment of implementation in practice. Congo joined the Global Forum in 2022 and has limited practical exchange-of-information experience. The OECD says the Phase 2 review of practical implementation should start by the fourth quarter of 2029.^[1][2]

Exchange of information on request concerns foreseeably relevant information supplied between tax authorities following a request. It is distinct from automatic exchange of financial-account information. The Global Forum monitors both standards, but the Congo report is expressly limited to the exchange-on-request standard.^[1][2]

Practical significance for groups

For multinational groups with Congolese entities, investments or operations, the report is a transparency and tax-administration signal rather than a new filing trigger. Tax teams should keep ownership and entity records accessible and maintain a process for handling lawful authority requests. Those are prudent readiness steps, not new duties announced by the review. The sources identify no change to tax rates, returns, filing deadlines or automatic-reporting requirements. Groups should monitor future Congolese legislation and the Phase 2 process for changes to the legal framework or its practical operation.^[1][2]