A national "train-the-trainer” workshop has equipped customs officers, clearing agents and enforcement officials with skills to detect and curb illegal importation of harmful refrigerants, strengthening Rwanda’s capacity to control ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and high global warming potential hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain (ACES), in collaboration with the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other partners.

It was meant to strengthen Rwanda’s capacity to prevent illegal imports of harmful refrigerants and substances which damage the ozone layer.

Held from April 20 to 21, 2026, the training brought together participants including customs officers, clearing agents and enforcement officials from major border posts such as Rusumo, Rusizi, Gatuna, Kagitumba and Kigali.

Participants also included representatives from the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA), staff from ACES, trainers from UNEP and staff from REMA.

The training focused on identifying controlled refrigerants and related equipment entering the country, understanding import and export regulations, detecting illegal trade and ensuring compliance with Rwanda’s commitments under the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment.

Tackling environmental and health risks of harmful refrigerants

The ozone layer is a protective shield that blocks harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun.

While the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector plays a critical role in food preservation, health services, agriculture and economic development, many traditionally used refrigerants, particularly ODS and high global warming potential substances, have significant environmental impacts, including ozone depletion and climate change.

Failure to phase out these substances could lead to serious risks, including food shortages, as increased ultraviolet radiation disrupts plant growth and reduces crop productivity.

Ozone depletion also contributes to biodiversity loss, threatening both plants and wildlife.

For humans, exposure to increased ultraviolet radiation raises the risk of skin cancer, cataracts, weakened immune systems, DNA damage and lung disease, as it harms biomolecules such as lipids, proteins and nucleic acids.

John Bisonga, the customs law enforcement expert who led the training, said strengthening the capacity of trainers will enhance the ability of customs officers and enforcement agents to monitor and control the importation and movement of refrigerants and air-conditioning equipment in line with national regulations and international commitments.

"Customs officers play a vital role in protecting borders from harmful substances that may enter or transit through our countries, posing risks to both society and the environment. Their responsibilities extend beyond environmental protection to include preventing the entry of drugs, weapons and other harmful goods,” he explained.

He noted that the workshop aimed to raise awareness of the environmental impacts of ozone-depleting substances, which are not widely understood.

"Increasing awareness is essential. As parties to the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, we have specific obligations and timelines, including phasing out certain substances and preventing their entry into the market. Customs officers are well positioned to fulfil this role effectively,” he added.

He said the training targeted customs officers, clearing agents and other stakeholders involved in the movement of goods through ports of entry, including dry ports, airports and land borders.

Expected outcomes and knowledge transfer

Since it is not possible to train all officers at once, organisers expect participants to share their knowledge within their institutions and with the wider public.

Participants learned about customs codes, trade names and labelling used to identify ozone-depleting refrigerants and ODS-based products, as well as best practices for monitoring and controlling the import and export of refrigerants and air-conditioning equipment.

The workshop strengthened collaboration among environmental authorities, customs officers and other enforcement agencies involved in border control, as well as technical partners supporting sustainable cooling in Rwanda.

Global commitments, regulatory framework and climate targets

The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which entered into force in 2019, aims to reduce global consumption of hydrofluorocarbons by more than 85 per cent by 2049. This is expected to prevent the release of over 80 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions by 2050.

Phasing down these substances could help avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming by the end of the century, while protecting the ozone layer and contributing to the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global temperature rise to well below 2°C.

The ministerial order governing ozone-depleting and climate-impacting substances contains 22 articles. Unless authorised, it is prohibited to produce, import, export, use or sell controlled or phased-out substances, including products and equipment containing them.

Traders are allocated annual quotas to ensure compliance, with full elimination required by 2030. Rwanda has an established quota and licensing system to control the consumption of these substances in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector.

Applications for annual import quotas must be submitted by 30 November each year, with applicants required to demonstrate proper management of previously imported substances.

Controlled substances and related equipment must be clearly labelled, indicating their composition and risks, and accompanied by certificates of origin and safety data sheets.

Rwanda has also developed a National Cooling Strategy to guide sustainable cooling practices.

Promoting safer alternatives

Basile Seburikoko, Technical Director at ACES, said commonly used alternatives to HFCs include propane (R290), isobutane (R600a), ammonia (R717) and carbon dioxide (R744).

"These refrigerants are cost-effective, have low global warming potential and offer high energy efficiency compared to fluorinated alternatives,” he said.

Low global warming potential substances are promoted under the Kigali Amendment because they help mitigate climate change while maintaining effective cooling systems.

Institutional roles and coordination

The Ministry of Environment provides strategic direction and oversight. REMA ensures alignment with the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment.

The Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) and the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) oversee monitoring, inspection and enforcement, including preventing illegal imports.

The Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), together with customs and clearing agents, verifies permits, quantities and imports of ozone-depleting substances, ensuring accurate declarations, correct HS codes and proper documentation.

Peace Bamurange, a chemicals inspection officer at RICA said the training improved understanding of regulated substances.

"The list of ozone-depleting substances serves as a checklist for inspections. It helped us identify substances that are phased out, those still allowed and those being gradually reduced,” the officer noted.

Edward Karamuzi, Executive Secretary of the Rwanda Freight Forwarders Association, a non-profit organisation established to represent all the clearing and forwarding firms in Rwanda emphasised the importance of collaboration.

"The knowledge gained from this training will strengthen cooperation and enable us to train clearing agents across our member companies to identify regulated refrigerants and report suspicious cases,” he said.

Florence Asher, Programme Management Officer at UNEP, reiterated the critical role of customs officers, enforcement officers and clearing agents.

"Without effective monitoring of imports and exports, even strong policies can be undermined. Illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances remains a persistent and evolving threat,” she said.

Offenders, she pointed out, often exploit regulatory gaps, mislabel substances or use complex trade routes. "This undermines environmental gains, fair markets and national compliance efforts.”

She commended the train-the-trainer approach as a powerful tool.

"It ensures knowledge spreads across institutions and generations of officers. UNEP, through its Ozone Action Compliance Assistance Programme, remains committed to supporting African countries in this effort.”