Rwanda: Ministry of Trade and Industry issued order validating quality and safety licenses/permits issued by regulatory bodies for 5 years

On 6 January 2025, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) issued an order validating quality and safety licenses/permits issued by regulatory bodies for 5 years. This is a reaction to the Rwandan government's decision to streamline service delivery in the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) Institutions, according to which safety licenses/permits issued by regulatory bodies shall be valid for 5 years with the option of renewal upon compliance with regulatory and standards requirements. Therefore, export licenses are no longer needed, except for cases in which the importing country demands ones. Further, import licenses shall only be issued for products regarded as high risk.