Rwanda: Organic Fertiliser Producers Seek S-Mark Cost Reduction

Rwanda's organic fertiliser producers are calling for support to reduce the cost of obtaining the Standardisation Mark (S-Mark), which demonstrates that products meet applicable standards, with Dominique Xavio Imbabazi, founder of Golden Insect Ltd, stating that the certification process remains costly for small businesses.

The legal significance of this matter lies in the impact it has on the production and sale of organic fertilisers in Rwanda. The country's target to produce 15.2 million tonnes of organic fertiliser by 2029 is ambitious, but the high cost of obtaining the S-Mark certification may hinder small businesses from achieving this goal. This could lead to a shortage of organic fertilisers in the market, affecting farmers and consumers who rely on these products.

The legal context involves the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), which is responsible for setting standards for products in Rwanda, including organic fertilisers. The RSB has established the Zamukana Ubuziranenge (ZU) Programme to provide technical assistance to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to help them comply with applicable standards. However, Imbabazi's experience suggests that there are still challenges in accessing these services, particularly for small businesses.

The key parties involved in this matter include the Rwanda Standards Board, the RICA and RAB institutions, and Golden Insect Ltd, which is a small business producing earthworm-based organic fertiliser. The government of Rwanda also has a role to play in supporting small businesses through initiatives such as grants and subsidies.

Practitioners should monitor this matter closely, particularly those involved in the production and sale of organic fertilisers. They should be aware of the challenges faced by small businesses in obtaining the S-Mark certification and advocate for policies that support these businesses. Attorneys may also need to advise their clients on how to navigate the certification process and access technical assistance from institutions such as the ZU Programme.