Import documentation to Rwanda may be found in the Rwanda Trade Portal and includes:
- Air Waybill (Airfreight) or Bill of Lading (Sea freight)
- Commercial Invoice(s) or equivalent document(s)
- Packing List
- Import Declaration Form (IDF)
- Importer’s Tax Identification Number (TIN) and VAT numbers
- Duties and Taxes Exemption Certificates
- National Drug Authority Certificate or permit for import of drug and pharmaceuticals
- Phytosanitary certificates for import of agricultural products.
- Registration/De-registration Card of country of origin of old/used vehicles
- Gift Certificates, if gifted to any organization eligible for duty free clearance
- Passport of the individual for clearance of personal effects
- Certificate of Origin, especially for goods imported from COMESA countries
Resources on Rules of Origin:
Since 2012, the RRA has employed the One Single Electronic Window, an online system for filing, issuing, and modifying export and import declarations. Through scanning and uploading of key documentation such as certificates of origin or quality and customs declarations, the system allows importers, exporters, or their brokers to send or receive information or documents to the concerned agencies related with the clearing process at one point without moving from one agent to another.
More information on
Procedures for importing goods into Rwanda include the following steps:
- Obtain notice of arrival of the goods (avis d’arrivee)
- Submit goods arrival notice for verification by Rwanda Standards Board
- Obtain manifest.
- Submit import document to the clearing agent for tax calculation.
- Pay import tax.
- Obtain an invoice for warehouse handling fees.
- Pay warehouse fees for goods handling.
- Obtain goods exit note.
In addition to documented and physical verification at border posts, importing taxpayers may be subject to Post-Clearance Audits (PCA).