This user guide for Rwanda presents information necessary to understand the national and international quality infrastructure and related services specific to SPS requirements regarding trade between Rwanda and the European Union (EU). It aims to assist Rwandan Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in meeting national and international SPS requirements and quality standards, enabling them to leverage access to lucrative markets, such as EU.
This user guide/manual presents information necessary to understand the national and international quality infrastructure and related services specific to SPS requirements regarding trade between Rwanda & the European Union (EU). It aims to assist Rwandan Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) in meeting national and international SPS requirements and quality standards, enabling them to leverage access to lucrative markets, such as EU. The manual provides information on regulatory and commercial requirements for SPS measures, within selected sectors in Rwanda.
The manual further provides a status-quo of the landscape of actors/institutions and services involved in SPS-related quality infrastructure (quality assurance, standardization, accreditation, metrology, and certification infrastructures) within the country. This covers public and private mandatory and de-facto mandatory certifications such as Global GAP, HACCP, IFC, BRC, ISO 22000 among others.
In light of the above, this manual which is also an annex of a National Study Report on the same subject matter, presents the following information:
- General requirements in terms of SPS measures and quality standards for Rwandese products exported or with potential to be exported to the EU market;
- Institutional arrangements, specific roles and responsibilities;
- Relevant laws and regulations;
- Fees payable for services;
- The requirements for specific products (products’ profiles) as provided in a detailed manner on the five covered sectors of Coffee, Tea, Avocado, Chilli Oil and Processed Spices (these include lemon, ginger and relevant herbs).
Generally, there are a number of SPS measures and quality standards requirements for the Rwandan products to access the EU market. Without fulfilling the set requirements, the products would be denied entry or destroyed upon arrival. Some of these requirements are domestic requirements based on Rwandan regulations while others are EU requirements based on EU regulations. It is worth noting the Rwanda being a Least Developed Country (LDC) enjoys preferential market access to the European market, however, this also requires conformity to the set standards, especially those to do with SPS measures.
On this basis, this manual sets out to highlight the SPS measures and standards that should be conformed to in accessing the EU Market. The overarching objective is to provide a reference point for SMEs (both in export business and those with potential) to leverage the market access opportunities provided by the EU.