Rwanda Trade Portal

Agrochemicals

Preliminary registration

Agrochemical registration

Registration of Agrochemicals is done by RICA.

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Agrochemical business operator license

All businesses trading in any chemical or material used for agricultural purposes, must be licensed by the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA).

View procedure

Agrochemical premises registration

In order to trade in any chemical or material used for agricultural purposes, the business owner must first register their premises with the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA).

View procedure

Cereals

Cereals importation permit

Import of plant & plant materials is regulated by the Rwanda Inspectorate Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) that issues a Plant Import Permit (PIP) per consignment, which ascertains that the consignment has met the requirements outlined on the permit as per the type of species, and ensure that foreign injurious pests and diseases which are non-existent in Rwanda are not introduced or spread when importing plant material into the country. The Import Permit is valid for six (6) months from the date of issue. For more information on how to obtain the PIP, click the link

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Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Goods value

Choose customs regime

Full procedure view - for first time trader

Full procedure for the import of cereals

This procedure sequentially compiles the permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner importing a consignment of cereals of more than Rwf 500,000 of value, for the first time into Rwanda, via Rusumo One Stop Border Post.

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Animal products

Permits

Import permit for animal products

The importer should obtain an import permit or make certain that existing permits are valid and provide for the entry of the desired material.

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Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Goods value

Clearance of animal products at Poids Lourds border (simplified declaration)

Dutiable goods with customs value not exceeding Frw 500,000 may be cleared using simplified declaration. Customs simplified declaration is registered and assessed by Customs officers in order to facilitate small cross border traders declaring small consignments at the borders, bus terminals or post offices.

View procedure

Clearance of animal products at Rusizi I border (simplified declaration)

Dutiable goods with customs value not exceeding Frw 500,000 may be cleared using simplified declaration. Customs simplified declaration is registered and assessed by Customs officers in order to facilitate small cross border traders declaring small consignments at the borders, bus terminals or post offices.

View procedure

Clearance of animal products at Poids Lourds border

Customs declaration is registered and assessed by a clearing agent appointed by the importer of goods. The clearing agency and/or trader are liable for all information declared on customs declaration.

View procedure

Goods value

Choose customs regime

Full procedure view - for first time trader

Full procedure for the import of animal products

This procedure sequentially compiles the permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner importing a consignment of animal products of more than Rwf 500,000 of value, for the first time into Rwanda, via Gikondo Inland Customs Office.

View procedure

Cattle

Permits

Obtain RAB non objection

Prior to submitting application for import permit, cattle importers must obtain a "No objection" statement from the Rwanda Agriculture Board.

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Obtain import permit

An import permit for cattle is issued by the Rwanda Agriculture Board, per consignment. The consignment must be accompanied by an international health certificate from the country of export.

View procedure

Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Goods value

Clearance of cattle at Poids Lourds border (simplified declaration)

Dutiable goods with customs value not exceeding Frw 500,000 may be cleared using simplified declaration. Customs simplified declaration is registered and assessed by Customs officers in order to facilitate small cross border traders declaring small consignments at the borders, bus terminals or post offices.

View procedure

Clearance of cattle at Rusizi I border (simplified declaration)

Dutiable goods with customs value not exceeding Frw 500,000 may be cleared using simplified declaration. Customs simplified declaration is registered and assessed by Customs officers in order to facilitate small cross border traders declaring small consignments at the borders, bus terminals or post offices.

View procedure

Clearance of cattle at Poids Lourds border

Customs declaration is registered and assessed by a clearing agent appointed by the importer of goods. The clearing agency and/or trader are liable for all information declared on customs declaration.

View procedure

Goods value

Full procedure view - for first time trader

Full procedure for the import of cattle

This procedure sequentially compiles the permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner importing a consignment of cattle of more than Rwf 500,000 of value, for the first time into Rwanda, via Gikondo Inland Customs Office.

View procedure

Coffee - roasted

Preliminary registration

Register premises

Premises destined to the manufacture, storing, sale, packaging, distribution and supply of food products must be registered with Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority.

View procedure

Dogs and cats

Permits

Obtain import permit

An import permit for dogs and cats is issued by the Rwanda Agriculture Board, per consignment. The consignment must be accompanied by a vaccination certificate from the country of export.

View procedure

Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Goods value

Clearance of dogs and cats at Poids Lourds border (simplified declaration)

Dutiable goods with customs value not exceeding Frw 500,000 may be cleared using simplified declaration. Customs simplified declaration is registered and assessed by Customs officers in order to facilitate small cross border traders declaring small consignments at the borders, bus terminals or post offices.

View procedure

Clearance of dogs and cats at Rusizi I border (simplified declaration)

Dutiable goods with customs value not exceeding Frw 500,000 may be cleared using simplified declaration. Customs simplified declaration is registered and assessed by Customs officers in order to facilitate small cross border traders declaring small consignments at the borders, bus terminals or post offices.

View procedure

Clearance of dogs and cats at Poids Lourds border

Customs declaration is registered and assessed by a clearing agent appointed by the importer of goods. The clearing agency and/or trader are liable for all information declared on customs declaration.

View procedure

Goods value

Full procedure view - for first time trader

Full procedure for the import of dogs and cats

This procedure sequentially compiles the permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner importing a consignment of dogs or cats of more than Rwf 500,000 of value, for the first time into Rwanda, via Gikondo Inland Customs Office.

View procedure

Electronics (computers, phones, TVs, etc.)

Permits

Type approval

Type approval or certificate of conformity is a granted by Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) to a product that meets a minimum set of regulatory, technical and safety requirements.

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Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Goods value

Choose customs regime

Fruit juices

Permits

Import license

Prior to importation of processed food products into Rwanda, and for each consignment, the importer must obtain an import license from Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority.

View procedure

Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Goods value

Choose customs regime

Full procedure view - for first time trader

Full procedure for the import of fruit juices

This procedure sequentially compiles the permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner importing a consignment of fruit juices of more than Rwf 500,000 of value, for the first time into Rwanda, via Gikondo Inland Customs Office.

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General

Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Goods value

Simplified customs clearance procedure for import at Rusumo border

Dutiable goods with customs value not exceeding Frw 500,000 may be cleared using simplified declaration. Customs simplified declaration is registered and assessed by Customs officers in order to facilitate small cross border traders declaring small consignments at the borders, bus terminals or post offices.

View procedure

Customs clearance procedure for import at Rusumo border

Customs declaration is registered and assessed by a clearing agent appointed by the importer of goods. The clearing agency and/or trader are liable for all information declared on customs declaration.

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Clearance of electronics at Rusumo border

Customs declaration is registered and assessed by a clearing agent appointed by the importer of goods. The clearing agency and/or trader are liable for all information declared on customs declaration.

View procedure

Goods value

Juices and sodas

Preliminary registration

Register premises

Premises destined to the manufacture, storing, sale, packaging, distribution and supply of food products must be registered with Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority.

View procedure

Live fish

Permits

Obtain import permit

An import permit for fish is issued by the Rwanda Agriculture Board, per consignment. The consignment must be accompanied by an international health certificate from the country of export.

View procedure

Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Goods value

Clearance of fish at Cyanika border (simplified declaration)

Dutiable goods with customs value not exceeding Frw 500,000 may be cleared using simplified declaration. Customs simplified declaration is registered and assessed by Customs officers in order to facilitate small cross border traders declaring small consignments at the borders, bus terminals or post offices.

View procedure

Clearance of fish at Nemba border (simplified declaration)

Dutiable goods with customs value not exceeding Frw 500,000 may be cleared using simplified declaration. Customs simplified declaration is registered and assessed by Customs officers in order to facilitate small cross border traders declaring small consignments at the borders, bus terminals or post offices.

View procedure

Clearance of fish at Cyanika border

Customs declaration is registered and assessed by a clearing agent appointed by the importer of goods. The clearing agency and/or trader are liable for all information declared on customs declaration.

View procedure

Goods value

Clearance of fish at Poids Lourds border (simplified declaration)

Dutiable goods with customs value not exceeding Frw 500,000 may be cleared using simplified declaration. Customs simplified declaration is registered and assessed by Customs officers in order to facilitate small cross border traders declaring small consignments at the borders, bus terminals or post offices.

View procedure

Clearance of fish at Rusizi I border (simplified declaration)

Dutiable goods with customs value not exceeding Frw 500,000 may be cleared using simplified declaration. Customs simplified declaration is registered and assessed by Customs officers in order to facilitate small cross border traders declaring small consignments at the borders, bus terminals or post offices.

View procedure

Clearance of fish at Poids Lourds border

Customs declaration is registered and assessed by a clearing agent appointed by the importer of goods. The clearing agency and/or trader are liable for all information declared on customs declaration.

View procedure

Goods value

Choose customs regime

Full procedure view - for first time trader

Full procedure for the import of fish

This procedure sequentially compiles the permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner importing a consignment of fish of more than Rwf 500,000 of value, for the first time into Rwanda, via Gikondo Inland Customs Office.

View procedure

Macadamia nuts - processed

Preliminary registration

Register premises

Premises destined to the manufacture, storing, sale, packaging, distribution and supply of food products must be registered with Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority.

View procedure

Medical equipment

Preliminary registration

Knowledge assessment for pharmacist or pharmacy technician

Prior to registering with the National Pharmacy Council, each pharmacist and pharmacist technician must sit for a knowledge assessment by the Council and pass at a score of at least 70% for written exam and 70% for the interview. Examinations are conducted twice a year, in February and September. The schedule is advertised 10 days prior to the written exam date.

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Pharmacist or pharmacy technician registration with National Pharmacy Council

In order to practice their profession, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians must possess a license to practice by the National Pharmacy Council. The license is valid for one year renewable on application.

View procedure

Pharmaceutical wholesale license

A pharmaceutical wholesale license is issued by Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority to establishments dealing with human medicine or medical equipment.

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Registration of a medical device

A company intending to manufacture, import or export a medical device must apply for a registration certificate issued by Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority. A separate application must be submitted for each medical device.

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Permits

Import visa

A visa in terms of import control is a stamp marked on the applicant's proforma invoice by national authorities of the country to indicate that the applicant's import documents have been verified and medicines detailed on the proforma invoice have been granted permission to enter the country.

View procedure

Obtain import license

An import license is a certificated import permit addressed to the importer after complying with the import requirements. It confirms the list of imported products and helps to clear them from customs.

View procedure

Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Goods value

Choose customs regime

Full procedure view - for first time trader

Full procedure for the import of medical equipment

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner importing a consignment of medical equipment of more than Rwf 500,000 of value, for the first time into Rwanda, via Gatuna border.

View procedure

Mineral water

Permits

Import license

Prior to importation of processed food products into Rwanda, and for each consignment, the importer must obtain an import license from Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority.

View procedure

Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Goods value

Choose customs regime

Full procedure view - for first time trader

Full procedure for the import of mineral water

This procedure sequentially compiles the permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner importing a consignment of mineral water of more than Rwf 500,000 of value, for the first time into Rwanda, via Gikondo Inland Customs Office.

View procedure

Motor vehicles

Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Full procedure view - for first time trader

Full procedure for the import of motor vehicles

This procedure sequentially compiles clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner importing a consignment of motor vehicles of more than Rwf 500,000 of value, for the first time into Rwanda, via Gikondo Inland Customs Office.

View procedure

Pharmaceutical products

Preliminary registration

Knowledge assessment for pharmacist or pharmacy technician

Prior to registering with the National Pharmacy Council, each pharmacist and pharmacist technician must sit for a knowledge assessment by the Council and pass at a score of at least 70% for written exam and 70% for the interview. Examinations are conducted twice a year, in February and September. The schedule is advertised 10 days prior to the written exam date.

View procedure

Pharmacist or pharmacy technician registration with National Pharmacy Council

In order to practice their profession, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians must possess a license to practice by the National Pharmacy Council. The license is valid for one year renewable on application.

View procedure

Pharmaceutical wholesale license

A pharmaceutical wholesale license is issued by Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority to establishments dealing with human medicine or medical equipment.

View procedure

Registration of a human medicinal product

A company intending to manufacture, import or export a human medicinal product must apply for a certificate of medical product registration, issued by Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority. A separate application must be submitted for each medicinal product with different active ingredients, strengths, and dosage forms, site of manufacture or proprietary names.

View procedure

Permits

Import visa

A visa in terms of import control is a stamp marked on the applicant's proforma invoice by national authorities of the country to indicate that the applicant's import documents have been verified and medicines detailed on the proforma invoice have been granted permission to enter the country.

View procedure

Obtain import license

An import license is a certificated import permit addressed to the importer after complying with the import requirements. It confirms the list of imported products and helps to clear them from customs.

View procedure

Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Goods value

Choose customs regime

Full procedure view - for first time trader

Full procedure for the import of pharmaceutical products

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner importing a consignment of pharmaceutical products of more than Rwf 500,000 of value, for the first time into Rwanda, via Gatuna border.

View procedure

Plants and plant products

Permits

Plant importation permit

Import of plant & plant materials is regulated by the Rwanda Inspectorate Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) that issues a Plant Import Permit (PIP) per consignment, which ascertains that the consignment has met the requirements outlined on the permit as per the type of species, and ensure that foreign injurious pests and diseases which are non-existent in Rwanda are not introduced or spread when importing plant material into the country. The Import Permit is valid for six (6) months from the date of issue. For more information on how to obtain the PIP, click the link

View procedure

Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Goods value

Choose customs regime

Full procedure view - for first time trader

Full procedure for the import of plants and plant products

This procedure sequentially compiles the permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner importing a consignment of plants and plant products of more than Rwf 500,000 of value, for the first time into Rwanda, via Gikondo Inland Customs Office.

View procedure

Poultry

Permits

Obtain import permit

An import permit for poutry is issued by the Rwanda Agriculture Board, per consignment. The consignment must be accompanied by an international health certificate from the country of export.

View procedure

Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Goods value

Clearance of poultry at Poids Lourds border (simplified declaration)

Dutiable goods with customs value not exceeding Frw 500,000 may be cleared using simplified declaration. Customs simplified declaration is registered and assessed by Customs officers in order to facilitate small cross border traders declaring small consignments at the borders, bus terminals or post offices.

View procedure

Clearance of poultry at Rusizi I border (simplified declaration)

Dutiable goods with customs value not exceeding Frw 500,000 may be cleared using simplified declaration. Customs simplified declaration is registered and assessed by Customs officers in order to facilitate small cross border traders declaring small consignments at the borders, bus terminals or post offices.

View procedure

Clearance of poultry at Poids Lourds border

Customs declaration is registered and assessed by a clearing agent appointed by the importer of goods. The clearing agency and/or trader are liable for all information declared on customs declaration.

View procedure

Goods value

Full procedure view - for first time trader

Full procedure for the import of poultry

This procedure sequentially compiles the permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner importing a consignment of poultry of more than Rwf 500,000 of value, for the first time into Rwanda, via Gikondo Inland Customs Office.

View procedure

Milk and milk products

Preliminary registration

Register premises

Premises destined to the manufacture, storing, sale, packaging, distribution and supply of food products must be registered with Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority.

View procedure

Permits

Import license

Prior to importation of processed food products into Rwanda, and for each consignment, the importer must obtain an import license from Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority.

View procedure

Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Goods value

Choose customs regime

Full procedure view - for first time trader

Full procedure for the import of processed milk and milk products

This procedure sequentially compiles the permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner importing a consignment of milk and milk products of more than Rwf 500,000 of value, for the first time into Rwanda, via Gikondo Inland Customs Office.

View procedure

Processed food products

Preliminary registration

Register premises

Premises destined to the manufacture, storing, sale, packaging, distribution and supply of food products must be registered with Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority.

View procedure

Permits

Import license

Prior to importation of processed food products into Rwanda, and for each consignment, the importer must obtain an import license from Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority.

View procedure

Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Goods value

Choose customs regime

Full procedure view - for first time trader

Full procedure for the import of processed food products

This procedure sequentially compiles the permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner importing a consignment of processed products of more than Rwf 500,000 of value, for the first time into Rwanda, via Gikondo Inland Customs Office.

View procedure

Processed non food products

Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Full procedure view - for first time trader

Full procedure for the import of processed non food products

This procedure sequentially compiles the permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner importing a consignment of processed non food products of more than Rwf 500,000 of value, for the first time into Rwanda, via Gikondo Inland Customs Office.

View procedure

Spare parts

Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Goods value

Full procedure view - for first time trader

Full procedure for the import of spare parts

This procedure sequentially compiles clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner importing a consignment of spare parts of more than Rwf 500,000 of value, for the first time into Rwanda, via Gatuna border.

View procedure

Spices - processed

Preliminary registration

Register premises

Premises destined to the manufacture, storing, sale, packaging, distribution and supply of food products must be registered with Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority.

View procedure

Stationaries

Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Goods value

Full procedure view - for first time trader

Full procedure for the import of stationaries

This procedure sequentially compiles clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner importing a consignment of stationaries of more than Rwf 500,000 of value, for the first time into Rwanda, via Gatuna border.

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Textile - second hand

Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Goods value

Full procedure view - for first time trader

Full procedure for the import of textile - second hand

This procedure sequentially compiles clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner importing a consignment of textile, which is second hand, of more than Rwf 500,000 of value, for the first time into Rwanda, via Gatuna border.

View procedure

Wines and liquors

Preliminary registration

Register premises

Premises destined to the manufacture, storing, sale, packaging, distribution and supply of food products must be registered with Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority.

View procedure

Permits

Import license

Prior to importation of processed food products into Rwanda, and for each consignment, the importer must obtain an import license from Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority.

View procedure

Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Goods value

Choose customs regime

Full procedure view - for first time trader

Full procedure for the import of wines and liquors

This procedure sequentially compiles the permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner importing a consignment of wines and liquors of more than Rwf 500,000 of value, for the first time into Rwanda, via Gikondo Inland Customs Office.

View procedure

Agrochemical product (Fertilizer)

Permits

View procedure

Preliminary registration

Agrochemical registration

Registration of Agrochemicals is done by RICA.

View procedure

Agrochemical business operator license

All businesses trading in any chemical or material used for agricultural purposes, must be licensed by the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA).

View procedure

Agrochemical premises registration

In order to trade in any chemical or material used for agricultural purposes, the business owner must first register their premises with the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA).

View procedure

Choose entry / exit point

Olive oil

Preliminary registration

Register premises

Premises destined to the manufacture, storing, sale, packaging, distribution and supply of food products must be registered with Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority.

View procedure

Permits

Import license

Prior to importation of processed food products into Rwanda, and for each consignment, the importer must obtain an import license from Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority.

View procedure

Clearance

Choose entry / exit point

Goods value