Citing public health concerns, Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) has revoked all import licences for neutral spirit (ethanol), a colourless, highly purified form of alcohol that is typically 95–96% ethanol by volume. ALSO READ: Govt renews efforts to tackle alcohol abuse among youth In a public notice issued on July 31, the regulator announced that all import licences previously issued for neutral spirit, also known as ethyl alcohol, had been cancelled with immediate effect. ALSO READ: Illicit alcohol linked to over 40 deaths in six months, health minister says Pursuant to Law No. 003/2018 of 09/02/2018 establishing and determining its mission, organization and functioning, particularly Article 9(2), and in the interest of public health, Rwanda FDA informs all manufacturers, importers, retailers and the general public that all import licences for neutral spirit (ethanol) issued by Rwanda FDA are hereby revoked, the statement reads. ALSO READ: Deadly cocktails: Inside Rwanda’s crackdown on toxic homemade brews The regulator also announced that all pending applications for the importation of neutral spirit were suspended until further notice. Neutral spirit is colourless, has a neutral taste and smell, and is widely used in the production of alcoholic beverages as well as in industrial and pharmaceutical applications. It is the base alcohol used to produce spirits such as vodka, gin, whisky, and liqueurs. Manufacturers dilute it with water and add flavourings or age it, depending on the product. The decision comes shortly after ministers, heads of security organs and local government officials met in Kigali on Wednesday, July 29, in a bid to strengthen efforts to combat alcohol abuse, particularly among young people. During the meeting, officials described alcohol abuse as a growing threat to public health, family well-being and the country's long-term development. The move also follows months of intensified government efforts to combat the production and consumption of illicit alcohol after a series of fatal poisoning incidents. According to Rwanda National Police, at least 50 people have died since the beginning of 2026 after consuming illicit alcoholic beverages, while more than 100 others suffered vision impairment. The cases were reported in districts including Bugesera, Rwamagana, Gisagara, Nyabihu and Ngoma. Investigations discovered that some illegal producers mixed methanol, an industrial chemical, into alcoholic beverages, resulting in deaths and serious injuries. Authorities subsequently shut down several illegal breweries and arrested suspects linked to the incidents as part of an intensified nationwide crackdown. While ethanol is the type of alcohol intended for human consumption, when produced and used according to food safety standards, methanol is a toxic industrial alcohol that is not safe to drink. Even small amounts can cause blindness, organ damage, or death. Last month, the government also introduced guidelines governing the non-commercial production of traditional homemade beverages. Under the new rules, individuals producing drinks such as urwagwa, ikigage, ubushera and fruit juices for social events including weddings and community celebrations must first obtain approval from village authorities.
