English
FrançaisComplaint
- Complaint number
- NTB-001-381
- NTB Type
- 1.8. Import bans
- Complaint
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On 5 August 2026, the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (RFDA) suspended imports and ordered the recall of certain spirit products from several East African Community (EAC) Partner States, including Tanzania. This action appears inconsistent with the EAC Standardization, Quality Assurance, Metrology and Testing (SQMT) Act, 2006, which allows products certified to harmonized EAC standards and bearing the EAC Quality Mark to circulate freely within the Community.
The affected products have been certified by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) and comply with the applicable EAC standards. If RFDA had concerns regarding their quality or safety, it should have followed the SQMT notification procedures before taking unilateral action. Tanzania therefore requests Rwanda to remove this non-tariff barrier and allow trade in the affected products to resume. - Progress update note
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During the 41st RMC, Rwanda reported that the matter arises from public health concerns and market surveillance findings.
• Certain products were found to have regulatory compliance concerns.
• Temporary measures were introduced to protect public health while investigations continue.
• Public health measures are permitted under WTO and EAC frameworks when scientifically justified.
• Any restrictions should be supported by scientific evidence
Furthermore, Rwanda clarified that the measures taken were in line with main objective No 1 of the EAC Standardization, Quality Assurance, Metrology and Testing (SQMT) Act, 2006, which is “protect and improve the health and safety of consumers and the public in general”, and this agrees with Article 22(1)(c) of the EAC Customs Union Protocol. Where urgent safety or health problems arise or threaten to arise. This decision was an emergency and temporary measure to protect public health and consumer safety following serious health concerns, including prevention of further potential harm to consumers after reported cases of illness and death associated with the consumption/use of the alcoholic spirits. The measures undertaken by Rwanda cannot be classified as an NTB as Rwanda “like products” were affected by the same measures.
• Rwanda informed the RMC meeting that there are ongoing regional discussions regarding this matter. On 20 August 2026, the EAC Secretariat convened a consultative meeting attended by representatives from Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and the EAC Secretariat. They agreed on a couple of actions and way forward including Rwanda to submit scientific analysis as evidence.
• Rwanda Therefore updated the meeting that the investigation is still ongoing and requested enough time due to the complexity of this issue on public health and that the scientific analysis as evidence will be shared to the Secretariat before the Next RMC meeting.
The matter should continue to be addressed through relevant EAC technical and standards committees alongside NTB discussions.
- Policy or regulatory NTB
- Yes
- Location
- Rwanda: Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (RFDA) (Government institution)
- Reporting Country or Region
- Tanzania
- Country specific trade issue
- No
- Date of incident
- 2026-08-05
- Status
- New
- Product Description
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Konyagi, Strong Dry Gin, Diamond Rock Gin, Tzee Lemon and Ginger, Kiwingu Spirit, K-Vant, Blackhat, Campfire Gin, Cuca Vodka, Hanson’s Vodka, Relax Vodka, Tzee Portable Spirit na X5 Gin
- Total value
- 0
- Date reported
- 2026-08-06 21:11
- Modified
- 2026-08-06 21:11
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