Kigali : The government has cut the red line on the trade in used technology

July 27, 2022July 29, 2022 Amani Ntakandi 0 Comments

The National Authority for Quality Control, Competition, and Consumer Protection (RICA) has established regulations governing the trade of electrical and electronic equipment used in the country

These regulations aim to establish a line of compliance in the trade of electrical equipment and using technology

It is the regulation nº /reg/005 of 07/07/2022 that regulates the trade of used electrical and technological equipment

Various leaders in a press conference on Tuesday, July 26, 2022

The management of the National Agency for Quality Control, Competition and Consumer Protection (RICA) explained to journalists the contents of the new regulations governing the trade of electrical equipment and used technologies that were recently published where the regulations provide link guidelines in order to improve the professionalism of the sellers of these products and help consumers to buy quality products

There was a press conference held on Tuesday the 26th that brought together the management of RICA, the Rwanda Police, the National Criminal Investigation Service (RIB), and the National Energy Agency (REG) where they explained the provisions of the Important information is included in these guidelines in order to reach as many people as possible

The devices covered in this guide are in different categories. These include televisions, decoders, cameras, projectors, amplifiers, conventional and car radios, speakers, computers, guitars, and pianos.

There are also photocopiers, telephones, refrigerators, dehumidifiers, toasters, microwaves, sewing machines, and ironing machines.

There are also coffee machines, juicers, bakery machines, hair and shaving machines, etc…

Acting Director General of RICA Madam Uwumukiza Beatrice

In this interview, RICA Acting Director Mrs. Uwumukiza Beatrice explained that these regulations are intended to give a better direction to this business, to help the producers to work professionally, and preserve the rights and quality of the buyers of these products.

He gave an example of where these regulations provide that anyone who does this business must first apply for a license in RICA, be registered, and sell equipment that is written and has a known source, unlike what was done where everyone sold or bought electrical equipment and technology used without a known source

He said, “These regulations will help the traders of these tools to work together in a professional manner that avoids confusion and they will further improve because they will be in line with all the rules they follow. It will also help the buyers of these products to buy quality products because they will be buying them in a known way and everyone will be able to trace their origin”.

These regulations require that the buyer of used electrical and electronic equipment and the seller have a written contract or an invoice is given to the buyer, this will help in solving the problems that arise between the seller and the buyer.

The contract includes the full description and characteristics of the purchased product, its price, and the full profile of the buyer, all of which are accompanied by both of their signatures as proof that they agree on the characteristics of the purchased product and its origin. What is the most unknown language in Google Translate?

The sellers of these materials offer them at a low price because they also take them cheaply, trade with other sellers at a reasonable price, and pay taxes, which Mugisha says hinders competition in the business.

According to these regulations, the electric cables that have been made are not allowed to be sold for the reason that there are people who may carry them and damage the infrastructure that has already been built.

They work in a cooperative that controls the source of the materials that everyone trades in, regardless of where they work
A person who needs to apply for a permit submits to the competent authority a file containing a duly completed application form, a copy of the business registration certificate issued by the competent authority, a receipt for the application fee and a document listing the electrical equipment or supplies. The technology used is shared in stores or retail locations
Applicants for this unofficial license are required to pay 5,000 Frw for the file and 10,000 Frw for the actual license.

It is valid for two years and can be extended, but the business that wants to increase the value must apply at least three months before the expiration date

RICA can temporarily suspend the license issued while the trader is under investigation related to the suspected purchase or sale of stolen equipment, when he fails to show the source of the equipment found or records showing his sales in the last two years.

These regulations also state that the temporary suspension of the license cannot exceed three months, and require the business to record important information about the electrical device or used technology that it buys and what it sells and keep it for at least two years.

Before buying used equipment, the seller must first verify that the seller is the legal owner and fill out his/her profile showing the name, copy of ID, passport or business registration certificate, address, telephone number, etc. .

The seller is required to enter into a purchase agreement stating that the device to be sold will perform its intended purpose

If it becomes necessary for a trader to change his place of business, he must notify RICA at least twenty-one days before making the change.

He is required to provide information to the competent authorities about a person who may have an electrical device or a used technology that he obtained in violation of the law.

The seller is also responsible for providing a receipt for the device he sold to his buyer.

RICA can seize the materials in the store or store if he opens a store or store that has been closed by the Department without authorization, if he does not show the records of the materials he has and is under investigation or if he does and his license has been suspended by temporarily or permanently suspended.

If a person who already has a trading license fails to submit a request to increase the value, he is punished by paying a fine of 50 thousand Rwandan francs.

The seller is required to enter into a purchase agreement stating that the device to be sold will perform its intended purpose.

If it becomes necessary for a trader to change his place of business, he must notify RICA at least twenty-one days before making the change.

He is required to provide information to the competent authorities about a person who may have an electrical device or a used technology that he obtained in violation of the law.
Failure to submit the report requested by RICA on time is punishable by a fine of 50 thousand Rwandan francs and failure to keep accurate records of the equipment in his possession is punishable by a fine of 100 thousand Rwandan francs.

The seller is also responsible for providing a receipt for the device he sold to his buyer.

RICA can seize the materials in the store or store if he opens the store or store that has been closed by the Department without authorization, if he does not show the documents of the materials he has and is under investigation or if he does and his license has been suspended by temporarily or permanently suspended.

If a person who already has a trading license fails to submit a request to increase the value, he is punished by paying a fine of 50 thousand Rwandan francs.
The mistake of not issuing a receipt is punishable by a fine of 50 thousand rwf and trading or operating without a license or a valid license is punishable by a fine of 200 thousand Rwandan francs.

The information received by RICA says that the importation of used technology equipment from abroad into Rwanda is illegal, to prevent the country from becoming a dumping ground for this type of waste.

The spokesperson of the Rwandan Police CP John Bosco Kabera said that these regulations will help the sector to stop the petty theft that targets those who have this type of equipment. He confirmed that revealing the identity of the merchant and the origin of the merchandise will help to maintain security on both sides.
He said, “These regulations have an advantage because the robber will give information and give information about what he has stolen. This information used to be difficult for us to find, but now it be
much easier for us!”.

Rwanda Police Spokesman CP John Bosco Kabera

The spokesperson of the Police Department (RIB) Dr. In the end, Thiery said that there were those involved in the illegal trade of these devices under the pretense that these regulations are limited and provide a line of protection against crimes that are mainly theft, which was very evident among the dealers of these devices.

However, it can be accepted because it is in the interest of many people at the same time.