1. CUSTOMS REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING CARGO AND OTHER ARTICLES
1.1 The invoices are required for the clearance of goods through customs.
1.1.1 Exemptions from custom duties are granted by the Commissioner General for Good and Articles, even still new, if considered by the Customs Authority as goods for domestic use, with the following exceptions:
a) New cameras, cone-cameras, etc. carried by tourists may be granted exemption without deposit, provided the owner undertakes to reexport them within three months. When they are carried by professionals, a transit permit given against payment of a deposit shall be required.
b) For weapons, a transit permit given against a payment of deposit shall be required in all cases. If weapons have to be used in Rwanda, a permit of carrying weapons is also required. Otherwise the said permit is not necessary, provided weapons are enclosed in a sealed package.
1.1.2 Temporary Importation of Goods.
Some goods may be admitted without payment of customs duties, provided an application to that end has been submitted before the arrivals of such goods, to the Commissioner General of Customs Department, with the complete information enabling him to decide whether the application is justified and with indication of the foreseeable period of admission. A special declaration to be submitted to the Import Bureau on an official form is required for the temporary importation. It does not exclude the payment of deposit.
The validity duration of the permit shall be determined in each case. If the re-exportation is not effected within that duration or its allowed extension, entry duties become payable.
1.1.3 Aircraft are on the list of goods admitted free of customs duties provided that they are re-exported without having undergone any workmanship and that free admittance authorization has been issued by the local chief of the Import Bureau. Such authorization shall be valid for six month (renewable twice).
1.1.4 Facilities allowed in the achievement of customs formalities for motor vehicles circulating between Rwanda and borderlands are also applicable “mutatis mutandis” to the aircraft.
1.2 Transit
1.2.1 As regards air cargo simply being transhipped from one flight to another flight at the same airport under customs supervision if so requested by the pilot-in-command who may also require and given any customs documents or procedures.
1.2.2 No clearance documents are required with respect to goods retained on board an aircraft for on-carriage to any destination outside Rwanda.
1.3 An Exportation Declaration is required to obtain the exportation clearance of shipments to be exported by air.
1.4 Goods in transit by air shall be cleared solely by Customs Office at Kigali International Airport. Transit permit will be required and the applicants remain responsible for any damage.
1.5 Exempted Goods
1.5.1 Items contained in the personal luggage of traveler:
a) Imported goods should not be for commercial purpose;
b) The facility shall not be granted to multiple entry applications;
c) The goods shall be the property of and accompany the passenger;
d) The goods shall be for the personal or household use of the passenger in a partner state;
e) The goods shall be of such kinds and such quantities as the proper officer may allow:
i) Spirits (including liquors) or wine, not exceeding two liters;
ii) Perfume and toilet water not exceeding in all one half liter, of which not more than a quarter may be perfume;
iii) Cigarettes, cigars, cheroots, cigarillos, tobacco and snuff not exceeding in all 250 grams in weight;
iv) Fabrics in peace are not allowed.