Import inspection Unit

This unit ensure the compliance of imported goods to the minimum requirements of standards or technical regulations at key strategic borders entry points.

Overview

The Import inspection Unit inspects the compliance of imported goods against regulatory and standards requirements at the borders, inland cargo and Airport cargo entry points. Goods found to be non-conforming to the applicable standard(s), specifications and labelling requirements are rejected and re-exported to the country of origin, re-worked where possible or disposed of in accordance with established environmental conditions. Disposal or re-export is done at importer’s cost.

 

Objectives/Rationale of Conducting Import Inspection

  1. To promote fair trade practices

  2. To eliminate or at least minimize, illegal importation of substandard, adulterated, prohibited and/or inferior/shoddy goods thereby protecting the interest of the consumers and protecting unfair competition with local produce of similar products.

  3. To ensure the availability of healthier and safer products on the market.

  4. To eliminate or at least reduce dumping of sub-standard goods at the market place

Legal backing to conduct imports inspection

  • The Law N° 31/2017 of 25/07/2017 establishing Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) and determining its mission, organization and functioning sets up a mechanism through which inspection of High-Risk Goods imported into the country are inspected.

  • In the framework of trade facilitation, plant/animal protection as well as consumer protection, the Unit is required to have all key documentations required by ISO/IEC 17020:2012- Conformity Assessment Requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspections.

Key documentations/information required for imports clearance

  • The Bill of Lading or Airway Bill

  • Packing list

  • Commercial Invoice

  • Declaration form

  • Certificate of analysis for the goods

  • Notified mark for EAC goods

  • Name, address and Telephone number(s) of the importer and/or Authorized Clearing Agent

  • The location address of the importer’s warehouse

  • An undertaking duly signed by the importer or his agent assuring GSA that the product released provisionally/conditionally will not be distributed or sold until RICA is satisfied with compliance status.

Operational documents

  • Product selectivity in ReSW

  • Import inspection procedures (general cargo, seed and plants, animal products)

  • Complaint and appeal procedure

  • Operational forms (only those for internal/external use)