Importer of Record (IOR) Services in Rwanda

Haraka Freight International provides Importer of Record services in Rwanda for global companies that need to deliver goods into the country compliantly. Our IOR solutions, together with Exporter of Record (EOR) services and DDP shipments, address the cross-border order fulfilment problems our customers face every day.

Reliable partner

We are importing and exporting countless shipments for several global corporate companies around the world without any customs or tax compliance incident.

We ensure the best practices of global customs and tax compliance with our best-in-class global customs and tax advisory partners.

Our highly scalable IOR solutions address the cross-border order fulfilment problems our customers face every day.

What our IOR/EOR department does

Our IOR/EOR department meets all your needs in the following:

• Importing, exporting and delivering your products to your cross-border market;
• Establishing and managing a critical inventory in your cross-border market;
• Collecting your receivables from your customers in your cross-border market;
• Retaining the title of goods when shipping your goods temporarily to your cross-border market.

Why companies need an Importer of Record in Rwanda

To import commercial goods into Rwanda, someone in the country must be registered and accountable to customs for the shipment. Foreign companies without a local entity often find themselves blocked at this step: the goods are sold, the customer is waiting, but there is nobody who can legally import them.

An Importer of Record solves this. We take on the importer role, make sure the shipment meets the import requirements, declare it to the Rwanda Revenue Authority (opens in a new tab) and pay the duties and taxes on your behalf, then deliver the goods to your customer or project site.

Typical situations include:

• Technology and telecom equipment sold to customers in Rwanda by overseas vendors.
• Spare parts and replacement units for equipment already installed in the country.
• Project equipment that enters temporarily and leaves again when the work is finished.
• Samples, demo units and exhibition goods.
• Regional roll-outs where the same equipment goes to several East African markets.

IOR services: how it works

1. Pre-shipment review. We review the product, its classification, its value and any permits or certificates required in Rwanda.
2. Documentation. Commercial invoice, packing list and other documents are prepared in the IOR's name, with the correct consignee details.
3. Shipping. The goods travel by air, sea or road; we can handle the freight forwarding as well.
4. Customs and tax compliance. We declare the goods, pay duties and taxes, and manage any inspection.
5. Delivery. The goods are delivered to the end user, or held in warehousing as local inventory.
6. Re-export where needed. For temporary imports, we handle the exit as Exporter of Record.

DDP shipments to Rwanda

Many global suppliers sell on DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms, promising the buyer a door delivery with no extra charges. DDP shipping to Rwanda only works if the import side is organised in advance. We handle DDP shipments end to end: freight, transit, customs clearance, duty payment and final delivery, so the seller can keep the promise made to the buyer.

Importer of Record East Africa

Cross-border fulfilment rarely stops at one country. In Eastern Africa, we deploy transportation, warehousing and distribution services in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, as well as transit commodities to Goma and Bukavu. That lets regional teams use one partner for Importer of Record needs in East Africa, rather than a different provider in every market. Ask us about your destinations.

What we need from you

• Product descriptions, HS codes (if known) and technical specifications
• Commercial invoice values and Incoterms
• The end user's details and delivery address
• Any existing certificates, licences or approvals for the products
• Whether the import is permanent or temporary

Why choose Haraka as your Importer of Record

• Compliance first. Best practices of global customs and tax compliance.
• Scalable. From a single shipment to regular regional programmes.
• Fully integrated. IOR, EOR, DDP, freight, customs clearance, warehousing and delivery from one team.
• Commercial support. Including inventory management and collecting receivables in your cross-border market.

Frequently asked questions

What is an Importer of Record?

The Importer of Record (IOR) is the party legally responsible for importing goods into a country. It declares the goods to customs, makes sure they meet import rules, and pays the duties and taxes. If you have no local company, an IOR provider can take on that role for you.

Who needs IOR services in Rwanda?

Typically foreign companies that sell, install or lend equipment in Rwanda but have no local entity, for example technology suppliers, telecom and energy equipment vendors, and companies supporting projects or customers in the country.

What is the difference between IOR and DDP?

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is an Incoterm describing who pays for what in a sale. IOR is a legal role in the customs process. A seller who agrees DDP still needs someone in the destination country to act as importer, which is where an IOR provider comes in.

What is an Exporter of Record (EOR)?

The Exporter of Record is the party responsible for exporting goods and the related export compliance. We can act as EOR, for example when goods temporarily imported into Rwanda need to leave again.

Do you provide IOR services in other East African countries?

Our cross-border fulfilment covers markets where we operate, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. Contact us with your destination and we will confirm what we can offer.