Rwanda National Police

On Thursday August 11, Rwanda National Police (RNP) and Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) continued the public awareness on the regulations governing trade of used electrical and electronic equipment to traders in Bugesera, Gakenke and Rulindo districts.

More than 160 traders in Bugesera District and 256 in Rulindo and Gakenke districts were explained on the content of the new regulations were published last month to formally legalise and regulate trade in used electrical and electronic equipment, and to fight related crimes.

While addressing traders in Bugesera District, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Corneille Murigo, the Deputy Commissioner for Anti-Crimes and Organized Crimes (ASOC) department, said that the regulations builds trust between traders, clients and the general public.

?Before the establishment of the regulations, there was lack of trust on both sides as the black market was fueling theft. Some traders were buying electrical and electronic equipment from thieves at a low price

This is why every trader has to apply in order to operate this business to make your business secure and to fight associated theft,? said CSP Murigo.

Bugesera District Executive Secretary, David Mugiraneza advised traders and technicians to always verify the source of the electronics they receive and properly organize their stocks in line with the regulations.

?Your business is not prohibited but the regulations were established to protect it, to make it more organized and trusted," said Mugiraneza.

Similar messages were delivered to traders operating in Gakenke and Rulindo districts where they were urged to apply for the license and to work with the Police against irregularities in trade of electrical and electronic equipment.

The regulations governing trade of used electrical and electronic equipment provide administrative sanctions to those, who do not comply.

Failure to maintain proper data records of used electrical or electronic equipment attracts a fine of Frw100,000 while any trader, who operates without a license or with an expired license is fined Frw200,000.

Already existing business operators must obtain the license within a period of three (3) months from the date of commencement of these regulations, which came into force on July 11.