When exporting goods into Rwanda, there are formal governmental
procedures to be taken into consideration. The following document
will describe the procedures that have to be followed and it will
also state what is required from the supplier at different stages.
Unless the following guidelines are cautiously and timely followed
up there will most certainly be delays in the shipment of goods
which will consequently result into delays in clearance of the
shipment and delivery to the final customer. Rwanda Revenue Authority
consider GATT system for price evaluation for customs purposes
to calculate duties and taxes.
2. Import Declaration Form - Module I
All commercial imports into Rwanda require an IDF. When the importer
in Rwanda applies for an IDF, the information to be filled in
the application is to be provided by the supplier vide a Proforma
Invoice. Following information is required on the Proforma Invoice
to facilitate accurate application of IDF.
A. Required from the supplier
1. Specification and a clear description of the quantity and
quality of the goods
2. Free On Board (FOB) Value
3. Freight Value (if applicable)
4. Currency of Payment
5. Mode of Transportation
6. Goods Country of Origin
7. Insurance Value (if applicable)
B.. Proforma Invoice for transport and insurance if not provided
by the supplier.
3. Shipping Documents
Airfreight Shipments original documents
1. Air Way Bill
2. Supplier Invoice(s)
3. Packing List
4. IDF (from the Importer)
5. Importer’s TIN and VAT numbers
6. Duties and Taxes Exemption Certificates, if any
7. National Drug Authority Certificate / Permit for import of
drug and pharmaceuticals
Seafreight Shipments original documents
1. Bill of Lading
2. Supplier Invoice(s)
3. Packing List IDF (from the Importer)
4. IDF (from the Importer)
5. Importer’s TIN and VAT numbers
6. Duties and Taxes Exemption Certificates, if any
7. National Drug Authority Certificate/Permit for import of drug
and pharmaceuticals
Additional Documents required for specific imports, as below
1. Phyto Sanitary certificates for import of agricultural products.
2. Registration / De-registration Card of country of origin of
old/used vehicles
3. Gift Certificates, if gifted to any organization eligible for
duty free clearance
4. Passport of the individual for clearance of personal effects
5. Certificate of Origin - especially for goods imported from
COMESA countries
4. Imports which are prohibited or restricted
Prohibited Imports
1. Fire arms
2. Post office equipment
3. Electricity supply specialized equipment
4. Pornographic materials
5. Imports banned under international agreement where Rwanda is
a signatory
6. Cosmetics products and Soaps
containing any mercury or mercury salt
containing more than 2% of hydroquinone
of which the packing does not specify all ingredients
Restricted Imports
1. Drugs
2. Live animals
3. Wild endangered species
4. Explosives
5. Military hardware
6. Specialized communication equipment
Questions
If there are any questions on this process please contact WORLDFREIGHT
Rwanda
