Africa-Press – Rwanda. Rwandan Revenue Authority (RRA) thwarted an attempt by rice importers to dump substandard Tanzanian rice across the country.
Led by RRA’s Commissioner General, Pascale Ruganintwali, in collaboration with the Rwanda Food and Drug Authority (RwandaFDA), the operation took place at the Gatuna border post.
During the operation, authorities intercepted 26 trucks and only had rice that comformed to the declaration and import license.
This discovery underscores the vigilance of Rwandan authorities in ensuring that only quality products are allowed to be imported into the country.
The intercepted rice, failing to meet Rwandan standards, was intended for distribution within Rwanda, RRA said.
Aftet grounding all the 23 trucks at Customs compound in Masaka, RRA summoned all importers of the said rice for a meeting.
The meeting shed light on the issue of substandard rice imports from Tanzania.
RRA explained to the frustrated traders why they had been slapped with a punitive action.
RRA explained that according to the RwandaFDA, the rice did not meet the required quality standards, prompting a swift action to its distribution into the market.
Commissioner General Ruganintwali emphasized the importance of upholding quality standards in all imports.
He stated that substandard rice from Tanzania would not be permitted to enter Rwanda and be sold on the market.
He added that such measures are crucial in protecting consumers from inferior products.
Meanwhile, this interception serves as a warning to importers about the consequences of flouting regulations.
Those found to be importing substandard goods will face legal repercussions, as RRA remains steadfast in its commitment to enforcing compliance with established standards.
Notably too, the incident underscores the effectiveness of border control measures in safeguarding public health and promoting fair trade practices.
It also highlights the need for continued collaboration between RRA and other relevant authorities to prevent the importation of substandard goods.
Moving forward, RRA promised to continue working closely with RwandaFDA and other stakeholders to ensure that only quality products are allowed into the country.
Importers are urged to adhere to regulatory requirements and prioritize the quality of their products to maintain Rwanda’s reputation as a destination for high-quality goods.
So, what’s the fate of the grounded rice ?
“It’s for them (traders) to decide because it can’t be for human consumption on the Rwandan market. Maybe breweries or farmers can buy it. Or else they re-export it to somewhere the standards aren’t a big deal,” a source at RRA said.
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