Customs declaration requirements for Rwanda
Customs Declare produces the completed Import Declaration Form (IDF), filed via the Electronic Single Window (ReSW), which runs on ASYCUDA World (upgraded 2025) for Rwanda’s own customs authority, in French, English, from your invoice and supporting documents. You or your broker review and submit it -- nothing leaves your workspace automatically.
Declaration form
Moderate confidence- Form
- Import Declaration Form (IDF), filed via the Electronic Single Window (ReSW), which runs on ASYCUDA World (upgraded 2025)
- Issuing authority
- Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), Customs Services Department
- Primary language
- French, English
- Accepted languages
- English, French, Kinyarwanda
- Required supporting documents
- Import permit, phytosanitary certificate, tax exemption certificate
- Last verified
- Aug 26, 2026
Import requirements & restrictions
Import prohibited
Manufacture, importation, use, and sale of polyethylene/non-biodegradable plastic bags (NBPB) under 60 microns is banned in Rwanda under Law N57/2008 of 10 September 2008 -- the first such ban in East Africa -- reinforced by Law N17/2019 of 10 August 2019, which extended the prohibition to other single-use plastic items. Enforcement includes penalties of 6-12 months' imprisonment and RWF 100,000-500,000 fines.
HS 3923.21 -- Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) / Rwanda Standards Board (RSB)
Pre-shipment inspection required
General goods imported into Rwanda require Pre-Export Verification of Conformity to Standards (PVoC) -- inspection and a Certificate of Conformity issued by an accredited body in the country of export -- administered by the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), implementing the East African Community's harmonised import-inspection framework. Specific commencement date of Rwanda's own PVoC scheme was not independently confirmed in this pass.
Rwanda Standards Board (RSB)
Duty & tax
- VAT (default rate)
- 18%
- MFN duty rate data
- Available
- Preferential rate
- Available under an applicable trade agreement
- Free duty calculator
- Check a duty rate for Rwanda
Quick answers
What customs declaration form does Rwanda require?
Rwanda’s import declaration is the Import Declaration Form (IDF), filed via the Electronic Single Window (ReSW), which runs on ASYCUDA World (upgraded 2025), issued by Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), Customs Services Department.
Which languages does Rwanda accept on a customs declaration?
French, English; English, French, Kinyarwanda
What supporting documents are required to import into Rwanda?
Import permit, phytosanitary certificate, tax exemption certificate
What is the VAT rate on imports into Rwanda?
The default VAT rate on record for Rwanda is 18%.