Import documentation to Rwanda may be found in the Rwanda Trade Portal. The Rwanda Trade Portal is regularly updated to reflect the latest regulatory changes and remains the best source for up-to-date import requirements and documentation.
The portal includes the following documents required for imports:
1. Air Waybill (Airfreight) or Bill of Lading (Sea freight).
2. Commercial Invoice(s) or equivalent document(s).
3. Packing List.
4. Import Declaration Form (IDF). Digital submission via the Electronic Single Window is mandatory. Paper forms are no longer accepted except in rare government-specified contingencies.
5. Importer’s Tax Identification Number (TIN) and VAT numbers.
6. Duties and Taxes Exemption Certificates. Electronic exemption certificates must be processed and uploaded through the Electronic Single Window before import clearance is initiated. Manual processing has been phased out.
7. National Drug Authority Certificate or permit for import of drug and pharmaceuticals. For pharmaceuticals, electronic approval by Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (RFDA) is required. Paper permits are only accepted for emergency shipments, as documented in the Rwanda Trade Portal.
8. Phytosanitary certificates for importing agricultural products.
9. Registration/De-registration Card of country of origin of old/used vehicles. All imported vehicles as of August 18, 2025, must show proof of compliance with Euro 4 emission standards. This includes an official inspection report and corresponding certification for brand-new cars, or an emissions compliance statement based on the year of manufacture for older vehicles. Emission documentation is now a mandatory customs requirement for vehicle imports.
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.
Resources on Rules of Origin:
The Electronic Single Window (ReSW), upgraded with ASYCUDA World in 2025, provides real-time clearance updates, centralizes agency notifications, and integrates electronic document verification, cutting average import clearance time by 40% and export clearance time by 55% compared to pre-digital processes. Through scanning and uploading key documentation such as certificates of origin or quality and customs declarations, the system allows importers, exporters, or their brokers to submit or receive information or documents to the concerned agencies related with the clearing process through a single platform without the need to move from one agent to another.
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Procedures for importing goods into Rwanda include the following steps:
1. Obtain notice of arrival of the goods (avis d’arrivee).
2. Submit goods arrival notice for verification by Rwanda Standards Board.
3. Obtain manifest.
4. Submit import documents 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.
ReSW requires all arrival notices, manifests, clearance documents, and certificates to be submitted digitally via this centralized platform. Importers and clearing agents receive automated notifications on each clearance milestone. Additionally, emission compliance documents and environmental levy statements are required for vehicles and certain plastic-packaged products.
In addition to documented and physical verification at border posts, importing taxpayers may be subject to Post-Clearance Audits (PCA).