Non-Tariff Barriers

Complaint

Complaint number

NTB-001-381  

NTB Type

1.8. Import bans  

Complaint

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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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

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

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Total value

0  

Date reported

2026-08-06 21:11  

Modified

2026-08-06 21:11