Includes import documentation and other requirements for both the U.S. exporter and foreign importer.
Last Published: 7/11/2019
Import documentation to Rwanda includes:
  1. Air Way Bill (Airfreight) or Bill of Lading (Seafreight)
  2. Comercial Invoice(s) or equivalent document
  3. Packing List
  4. Import Declaration Form (IDF). (from the Importer)
  5. Importer’s Tax Identification Number (TIN) and VAT numbers
  6. Duties and Taxes Exemption Certificates, if any
  7. National Drug Authority Certificate / Permit for import of drug and pharmaceuticals
  8. Phyto Sanitary certificates for import of agricultural products.
  9. Registration / De-registration Card of country of origin of old/used vehicles
  10. Gift Certificates, if gifted to any organization eligible for duty free clearance
  11. Passport of the individual for clearance of personal effects
  12. Certificate of Origin – especially for goods imported from COMESA countries

EAC rules of origin.
COMESA 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.
Access Electronic Single Window.
Learn more about Import Procedures for Importation into Rwanda
Customs clearance procedures can be found at the eRegulations Rwanda website:.    
  1. Obtain notice of arrival of the goods (avis d'arrivee)
  2. Submit goods arrival notice for verification by Rwanda bureau of standards
  3. Obtain manifest
  4. Submit import document to the clearing agent for tax calculation
  5. Pay import tax
  6. Obtain an invoice for warehouse handling fees
  7. Pay warehouse fees for goods handling
  8. Obtain goods exit note

In addition to documentary and physical verification at border posts, importing taxpayers may be subject to Post-Clearance Audits (PCA). PCA is explained in more detials here.
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.