Authorization for the import or export of chemicals, hazardous wastes, and other wastes

Service description and eligibility

Service Description

The authorization for the import or export of chemicals, hazardous wastes, and other wastes ensures compliance with international conventions and national regulations governing the movement and management of hazardous substances. Rwanda has ratified the following conventions:

  1. Basel Convention: Controls the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal.

  2. Rotterdam Convention: Regulates the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade.

  3. Stockholm Convention: Manages Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) to protect human health and the environment.

  4. Bamako Convention: Prohibits the import of hazardous waste into Africa and regulates its management within the continent.

  5. Ministerial Order No. 003/2021 of 08/02/202 : Lists chemicals and polluting substances restricted or prohibited in Rwanda for import, export, transit, sale, or distribution.

The authorization process ensures that all relevant provisions from these instruments are followed to safeguard environmental and public health.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following conditions to be eligible for authorization:

  • Be a legally registered business or individual with proper identification (RDB business registration or national ID).

  • Ensure compliance with applicable international conventions and national regulations.

  • Provide accurate and complete documentation as required.

Application process and timing 

Application Process

To obtain authorization, the applicant must submit the following documents:

  1. Identification document (RDB business registration certificate or national/ ID)

  2. Signed Prior Informed Consent (PIC) (Required for chemicals listed under Annex 3 of the Rotterdam Convention).

  3. Transport Emergency Plan ( A detailed plan outlining safety measures during transportation).

  4. Agreement Between Buyer and Seller( A formal contract demonstrating compliance with relevant trade regulations).

  5. Submit the Application to  

Processing Time

The authorization process takes 7 working days from the date of complete application submission