Rwanda Standards Board: Quality Certification Delays Excess Charges

• Delays of up to three years reported in quality certification process in Rwanda.
• 507 out of 992 certification requests experienced delays at assessment stage.
• Laboratory testing delays of up to 186 days identified, causing increased costs and postponed introductions of new products.
• RSB communication gaps resulted in lack of transparency, with 110 applicants receiving no explanation for non-issuance of quality standard certificates.
• Excess fees charged to businesses, with small and medium enterprises being disproportionately affected.

Delays of up to three years have been reported, with 507 out of 992 certification requests experiencing delays at the assessment stage.

A parliamentary review of the Auditor General's report has uncovered significant issues with quality certification in Rwanda, affecting businesses across various sectors. Delays of up to three years have been reported, with 507 out of 992 certification requests experiencing delays at the assessment stage. The delays ranged from 30 to 1,032 days, causing concerns about the impact on business operations and compliance obligations. Furthermore, laboratory testing delays of up to 186 days were identified, with results taking months to be communicated to clients. This has resulted in increased costs for businesses waiting to enter the market, as well as postponed introductions of new products.

The Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) is responsible for ensuring compliance with quality standards, but its communication gaps have been a major issue. Of 131 requests received between 2022 and 2025, 110 had no documented explanation showing why applicants were not issued quality standard certificates. The RSB attributed the communication gaps partly to limitations in its existing system, which relies mainly on emails and telephone calls. Additionally, some businesses were charged more than the prescribed fees under the relevant ministerial order, with small and medium enterprises being disproportionately affected.

The quality certification process in Rwanda has significant implications for businesses, particularly those seeking to introduce new products to the market. Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware of the potential delays and excess charges associated with quality certification, which may impact business operations and compliance obligations. The lack of transparency in communication from the RSB has exacerbated the issue, causing uncertainty and increased costs for applicants. Furthermore, the inadequate market surveillance and laboratory testing have resulted in a lack of confidence in the certification process.

Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware of the potential delays and excess charges associated with quality certification in Rwanda, which may impact business operations and compliance obligations. They should advise clients to carefully review the certification process and fees to avoid unnecessary costs and delays.

Source: Original reporting via Parliament Flags Major Gaps in Quality Certification