Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required                                          

• Copy of passport
• Detailed inventory
• Packing list
• Original bill of lading (OBL) - no express release / air waybill ( AWB)
• Original valued inventory in English or French, dated, and signed by the owner of the goods
• Letter of employment
• Long-term visa / work permit
• Non-governmental organization registration certificate (NGOs) / copy of work contract
• Taxpayer ID number from Rwanda Revenue Authority (TIN) (even for exempted categories)

Specific Information

• • Taxes on vehicles will depend on age, power, etc.
  • The OBL must show chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand, and model.
  • Proof of ownership must show used vehicle owned by the owner of the goods for a minimum of 12 months. 

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Original registration card
• Copy of passport
• Original purchase invoice
• Insurance certificate / proof of ownership

Specific Information

• Taxes on vehicles will depend on age, power, etc.
• The OBL must show chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand, and model.
• Proof of ownership must show used vehicle owned by the owner of the goods for a minimum of 12 months. 

Pets

Documents Required

• Pet passport
• Rwanda veterinary certificate
• Rabies certificate
• Proof of ownership

Specific Information

• Pets should be vaccinated at least 30 days prior to entry into Rwanda; however, they must not have been vaccinated more than 12 months prior to entry.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• Firearms and ammunitions (authorization from the territorial administration required)
• A certificate of free entry must be obtained from the Line Ministry Alcohol and other spirits :
  • Only "Fond de Cave" is acceptable (less than 15 bottles).
• If the value is higher than $5000, the owner of the goods must apply for an import license and a pre-shipment inspection must be conducted at origin; alcohol should be sent separately from the household goods.
• Local currency (maximum of 5,000 Rwandese Francs)
• The following household goods may be imported duty free by persons 16 years and older within the limits indicated:
  • Cigarettes (2 cartons)
  • Alcoholic beverages (2 liters)

Prohibited Items

• Illegal drugs
• Transmission equipment
• Live or dead animals and foodstuff from countries where an epidemic has been present and has been included in a health risk by Rwanda authorities (contact nearest embassy for specific information)
• Pornography
• Items infringing on copyrights

Consignment Instructions

Recommended:  Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Helpful Website(s):

http://www.state.gov/p/af/ci/rw

http://www.rwandaembassy.org