🇷🇼 Import Customs & Duties: Rwanda
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
18%
CIF value + duty. Basic food items (unprocessed) at 0%. Some educational materials exempt.
Clearance Time
2-5 days express, 7-14 postal days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-25% (EAC CET, laptops 0%, phones 0%) | 85 |
| Clothing | 25-35% (used clothing banned, new garments 25-35%) | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 25-35% (Made in Rwanda protection) | 64 |
| Food products | 0-25% (rice 25%, wheat flour 25%) | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0% (capital goods exempted) | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 25% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys | 10-25% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) manages customs, one of the most efficient in Africa. EAC Common External Tariff applies with 3 bands: 0%, 10%, 25%, plus Rwanda-specific surcharges for 'Made in Rwanda' protection on some goods (35%+). Electronic Single Window system for declarations. Landlocked, goods transit via Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) or Mombasa (Kenya). Kigali airport handles air cargo.
What to Actually Expect
Remarkably efficient for a landlocked African country. RRA customs is one of the least corrupt in Africa, zero tolerance on informal payments. Aggressive 'Made in Rwanda' protection, used clothing/shoes banned, some goods face 35%+ duties to protect local industry. Electronic systems work well. Goods transit via Tanzania (Dar es Salaam) or Kenya (Mombasa), adding 1-2 weeks. DHL and FedEx operate in Kigali. Single-use plastics completely banned at entry.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Import license from Ministry of Trade. Used clothing and footwear completely banned since 2018 under 'Made in Rwanda' policy. Restricted: firearms, hazardous chemicals. Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) conformity required. Plastic bags banned, single-use plastics prohibited.
Certificate of Origin
EAC certificate for regional preferential trade. Rwanda Private Sector Federation (PSF) issues certificates. COMESA certificates also applicable. AfCFTA certificates accepted.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Rwanda:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $13 | $11 | $24 |
| $100 | $25 | $23 | $48 |
| $200 | $50 | $45 | $95 |
| $500 | $125 | $113 | $238 |
| $1000 | $250 | $225 | $475 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Rwanda
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Rwanda?
Rwanda has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Rwanda?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Rwanda is 18%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Basic food items (unprocessed) at 0%. Some educational materials exempt.
How long does customs clearance take in Rwanda?
Typical customs clearance in Rwanda takes 2-5 days express, 7-14 postal days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Rwanda?
To import into Rwanda, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Rwanda?
Rwanda prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.