Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) has urged clearing and forwarding agents to uphold professionalism and comply with laws and regulations, noting that their actions have a direct impact on trade facilitation and economic development. Sam Kabera, the Assistant Commissioner in charge of Customs Operations at RRA, made the remarks on July 18, during the 9th graduation ceremony of the Certificate in Customs and Freight Logistics (CCFL) programme. Up to 245 graduates received their certificates after completing a one-year training programm in Kigali and Rusumo. The courses covered include customs clearance of cargo, customs valuation, tariffs classification of goods, freight forwarding operations, port clearance, warehousing operations, and storage procedures. The certificate is one of the key requirements for licensing customs clearing agents across the East African Community (EAC) region. Kabera said clearing and forwarding agents are vital partners in the effective movement of goods across borders, as they play a key role in ensuring compliance with customs laws and procedures, promoting transparency, and accelerating the clearance process. He emphasized Customs Services’ commitment to creating a professional, predictable, and efficient trade environment. “This can only be achieved when we have a well-trained and competent network of clearing agents who understand the rules, embrace ethics, and uphold integrity,” he said. “Uphold professionalism, comply with the laws and regulations, and be ambassadors of integrity in the trade and logistics chain. Remember, your actions have a direct impact on the reputation of the entire industry and the economic development of our country.” Clearing and forwarding agents' malpractices can lead to tax evasion or undervaluation. David Rwigema, the Chairperson of Rwanda Freight Forwarders Association (RWAFFA), explained that the clearing and forwarding profession is relatively new. In the past, clearing agents often acted as informal assistants who helped traders, mostly those who were illiterate, fill out the required forms. “As the country developed, measures were put in place to ensure that professionals in this field are equipped with up-to-date knowledge, because regulations and procedures keep changing,” Rwigema said. In Rwanda, the CCFL programme is managed through a partnership between RRA and RWAFFA, under the close supervision of the National Curriculum Implementation Committee (NCIC). Julie Mutoni, the Deputy Chairperson of the NCIC and Managing Director of Multilines International Rwanda, a customs clearing agency, cargo freight, and transport logistics company, said the holder of this certificate is recognized as a professional in the Customs and Freight Forwarding industry. She thanked the graduates for their hard work and successful completion of the programme. Leon Uhoraningoga, who spoke on behalf of the graduates, emphasized that they are ready to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the course to ensure efficient goods clearance and full compliance with customs laws. The 2025 graduating class includes 134 men and 111 women. This cohort is the second group to complete the revised one-year, competency-based CCFL programme. Since the programme began in 2008, Rwanda has produced 1,917 CCFL graduates, contributing significantly to the national pool of trained customs and freight logistics professionals.
