Shipping to and from Rwanda

Limark in Rwanda

Connecting Rwanda across Africa and beyond

Limark’s established presence in Rwanda is dedicated to helping businesses navigate the unique trade landscape of this dynamic East African nation. Our deep expertise in regional logistics ensures efficient cargo movement across borders, connecting Rwanda to vital regional and global markets.

With a robust network spanning over 40 African countries, Limark offers tailored solutions for your Rwandan shipments. Whether you’re exporting Rwanda’s renowned coffee, tea, or minerals, or importing essential goods and equipment, we provide end-to-end logistics services to optimize your supply chain, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency.

Import regulations

Importing goods to Rwanda requires navigating specific procedures and documentation. Here’s a breakdown of the essential requirements:

Regulations and restrictions

Product Categories requiring import licenses/permits

Food and agricultural products:

All food and agricultural imports require a phytosanitary certificate issued by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).
Specific products like meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and plants may require additional permits or certificates from the RAB or the Ministry of Health.
Strict adherence to sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards is essential.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices:

The Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) regulates the import of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
Import permits and product registration are mandatory.
Medicines must comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Medical devices must meet relevant technical standards and be registered with the FDA.

Chemicals and Hazardous Materials:

The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) oversees the import of chemicals and hazardous materials.
Import permits are required, and detailed safety data sheets (SDS) must be submitted.
Proper packaging, labeling, and handling procedures are crucial.

Vehicles and Spare Parts:

The Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) regulates the import of vehicles and spare parts.
Import duties and taxes are based on the vehicle’s age, engine capacity, and value.
Certain types of vehicles may be prohibited or restricted based on environmental or safety concerns.

Other Regulated Products:

Additional import licenses or permits may be required for specific products like telecommunication equipment, weapons, ammunition, explosives, and radio communication equipment.
Consult the relevant ministries or agencies for specific requirements.

Prohibited and restricted imports

Prohibited

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
Pornographic and obscene materials
Counterfeit and pirated goods
Hazardous waste
Toxic chemicals not approved by REMA
Ozone-depleting substances
Used refrigerators and freezers
Used tires
Right-hand drive vehicles (except for special purposes)

Restricted

Live animals and animal products (require health certificates)
Plants and plant products (require phytosanitary certificates)
Firearms and ammunition (require special permits)
Explosives (require special permits)
Radioactive materials (require special permits)

Relevant agencies

Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA): Responsible for customs administration and enforcement of import regulations.
Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB): Regulates food and agricultural imports.
Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (FDA): Regulates pharmaceutical and medical device imports.
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA): Regulates the import of chemicals and hazardous materials.
Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM): Oversees trade policies and promotes industrial development.
Rwanda Standards Board (RSB): Responsible for setting and enforcing standards for imported goods.

Demurrage and detention

Free Time

Typically, 7 days for general cargo and 14 days for containerized cargo after discharge.
Varies depending on the shipping line and port.

Demurrage charges

Applied when the free time is exceeded.
Calculated per container, per day.
Rates vary depending on the shipping line, container size, and time elapsed.

Detention charges

Applied when the container is held beyond the agreed-upon time for return to the shipping line after being picked up from the port.
Separate from demurrage charges.
Rates vary depending on the shipping line and container size.

Storage Limitations

Port terminals have limited storage capacity.
Containers not cleared within the allowed time may be moved to an off-dock depot at the importer’s expense.

Calculation Methods

Demurrage and detention charges are calculated based on calendar days, including weekends and public holidays.

Required import documentation

Commercial Invoice

Detailed description of goods (including HS codes)
Quantity, weight, and value of goods (in USD or RWF)
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms)
Payment terms
Consignee and consignor details

Packing List

Detailed list of all items in each package
Description, quantity, weight, and dimensions of each item
Package markings and numbers

Bill of Lading/Airway Bill

Evidence of the contract of carriage between the shipper and carrier
Details of the shipment, including the consignee, consignor, and port of loading/discharge

Certificate of Origin

Declares the origin of the goods
May be required for preferential tariff treatment under trade agreements (e.g., COMESA, EAC)

Import Declaration Form (IDF)

Submitted electronically through the Rwanda Electronic Single Window (RESW) system.
Requires detailed information about the shipment and importer.

Import Permit/License (for regulated goods)

Issued by the relevant government agency.

Other certificates

Phytosanitary certificate (for plants and plant products)
Health certificate (for animals and animal products)
Certificate of analysis (for chemicals and food products)
CITES permit (for endangered species)
Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSI) for certain goods.

Import licenses and permits

Import licenses and permits

Identify the Regulating Agency:
Determine the specific ministry or agency responsible for your goods based on the product category.
Gather Required Documents:
- Proforma invoice or commercial contract
- Technical specifications and data sheets (if applicable)
- Certificates of origin, analysis, quality, etc.
- Business registration documents (for companies)
- Taxpayer identification number (TIN)
- Any additional documentation specific to the product or agency
Submit Application:
- Complete the import permit application form.
- Submit the application along with required documents and fees to the relevant agency through the RESW system.
Processing and Approval:
- The application will be reviewed and processed by the agency.
- Processing times vary but can take several days or weeks.
- If approved, the import permit/license will be issued electronically through RESW.
Validity and Renewal:
- Validity periods vary depending on the product and agency.
- Renewal procedures typically involve submitting a new application with updated documents before the expiry date.
Costs:
- Import permit fees vary depending on the product and agency.
- Additional costs may include inspection fees, testing fees, and administrative charges.

Customs clearance procedures

Pre-arrival processing:
- Importer or their agent lodges the import declaration (IDF) through the RESW system.
- Customs performs a risk assessment to determine the need for inspection.
Arrival and Unloading:
- Vessel or aircraft arrives at the port or airport.
- Cargo is unloaded and placed in customs control.
Document Verification and Duty Assessment:
- Customs verifies the submitted documents.
- Import duties, taxes, and fees are calculated based on the HS code, value, and origin of the goods.
Payment of Duties and Taxes:
- Importer or their agent pays the assessed amount.
Inspection (if required):
- Customs may select shipments for physical inspection based on risk assessment.
Release of Goods:
- If the shipment complies with all regulations and requirements, and duties/taxes are paid, customs releases the goods.

Port/Terminal operations

Major Seaports

Rwanda is a landlocked country, so imports are typically routed through the ports of Mombasa (Kenya) or Dar es Salaam (Tanzania).

Air Cargo Hubs

Kigali International Airport (KGL): The main airport for air cargo imports.

Cut-off dates

Vary depending on the shipping line and destination.
Confirm with your shipping agent or freight forwarder well in advance.

Documentation Requirements at Terminals:

Ensure all required documents are submitted electronically through RESW before the shipment arrives.
Original documents may be required for verification at the terminal.

Container Pickup/Drop-off and Storage:

Coordinate with your shipping agent or freight forwarder for container pickup and drop-off procedures at the port of entry.
Be aware of free time limitations and potential demurrage/detention charges.

Disclaimer: This information is based on the latest available data and may be subject to change. Always consult with relevant authorities and experts for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Export regulations

Get a detailed guide that provides an in-depth look into every aspect of the export process to ensure your goods are shipped efficiently and in compliance with all legal standards.

Regulations and restrictions

Product categories requiring export licenses/permits

Minerals:

Rwanda is a significant exporter of minerals like tin, tantalum, and tungsten. Exporting these minerals requires a license from the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum, and Gas Board (RMB).
Exporters must comply with traceability requirements to prevent the trade of conflict minerals.

Coffee and tea:

Coffee and tea are major agricultural exports of Rwanda. Exporting these commodities requires a license from the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).
Exporters must meet specific quality standards and adhere to sustainable production practices.

Horticultural Products (Flowers, Fruits, Vegetables):

Exporting horticultural products requires a phytosanitary certificate from the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).
Additional permits may be required depending on the destination country’s requirements.

Live Animals and Animal Products

Exporting live animals and animal products, such as meat and dairy, requires a health certificate from the RAB.
Specific permits may be necessary for certain animal species or products.

Other Regulated Products

Export licenses or permits may be required for other products like scrap metal, timber, and wildlife products.
Consult the relevant government agencies for specific requirements.

Prohibited or restricted for export

Prohibited

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
Pornographic and obscene materials
Counterfeit and pirated goods
Hazardous waste (Basel Convention)
Ozone-depleting substances (Montreal Protocol)
Weapons and ammunition (unless authorized)

Restricted

Endangered species and products (CITES permits required)
Live animals and animal products without proper health certificates
Plants and plant products without phytosanitary certificates
Unprocessed minerals (to promote local value addition)
Rough diamonds (Kimberley Process Certification Scheme applies)

Customs and documentation requirements

Required documents

Commercial Invoice: Detailed description of goods (including HS codes), quantity, weight, value, Incoterms, payment terms, and consignee/consignor details
Packing List: An itemized list of goods in each package, including description, quantity, weight, dimensions, and package markings
Bill of Lading/Airway Bill: Evidence of the contract of carriage between the shipper and carrier, with details of the shipment, consignee, consignor, and port of loading/discharge
Certificate of Origin: Issued by the Rwanda Chamber of Commerce and Industry, declaring the origin of the goods. It may be required for preferential tariff treatment under trade agreements (e.g., COMESA, EAC)
Export Declaration Form (EDF): Submitted electronically through the Rwanda Electronic Single Window (RESW) system, providing detailed information about the shipment
Export License/Permit (if applicable): Issued by the relevant government agency

Export declaration process (through RESW):

Register as an exporter on the RESW platform
Prepare and submit the EDF electronically through RESW
Customs assesses the declaration and may conduct inspections
If compliant, customs approve the export and issue an export permit (if required)
Pay any applicable export duties or taxes

Required Export certificates

Phytosanitary Certificate (for plants and plant products): Issued by the RAB
Health Certificate (for live animals and animal products): Issued by the RAB
Certificate of Analysis (for certain products): Issued by an accredited laboratory to confirm quality and safety standards
CITES Permit (for endangered species): Issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
Kimberley Process Certificate (for rough diamonds): Issued by the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB)

Terminal/Port operations

Major Ports

Rwanda is a landlocked country, so exports are typically routed through the ports of Mombasa (Kenya) or Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)

Cut-off Times and Procedures

Vary depending on the shipping line, destination, and type of cargo
Confirm with your shipping agent or freight forwarder well in advance
Procedures typically include document submission through RESW, customs clearance, security screening, and container loading

Container Storage and Free Time

Limited container storage is available at the transit ports
Free time for storage varies depending on the port and shipping line
Storage fees apply after the free time expires

Cargo handling and fees

Returning empty containers

Coordinate with your shipping line or agent to return empty containers to the designated depot
Failure to return containers on time may result in detention charges

Duties, taxes, and fees

Export Duties: Generally, Rwanda does not impose export duties on most goods. However, specific export taxes or levies may apply to certain products (e.g., minerals).

Other fees

Customs processing fees, document handling charges, terminal handling charges, storage fees (if applicable), and any specific taxes or levies related to the exported product.

Expertise You Can Trust

Navigate Rwanda’s complex trade regulations with confidence

Our established presence in Rwanda and deep understanding of the nation’s evolving regulatory landscape ensure your shipments navigate through East Africa’s dynamic trade corridors smoothly. We simplify complex customs procedures, tariffs, and documentation, guaranteeing efficient and compliant cross-border transactions.

Our team of seasoned supply chain experts, coupled with our ever-expanding footprint in the region, ensures seamless operations and unmatched efficiency. We uphold the highest quality standards, strategically managing every aspect of your shipment to ensure it arrives on time and in pristine condition. Partner with Limark Logistics and unlock a new era of streamlined, stress-free shipping in Rwanda.

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Partner with experienced freight forwarders and customs brokers for seamless shipping to and from Rwanda. Ensure full documentation compliance with the guidance and logistics services of our team.