Rwanda – May 2026 – The Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) has published draft standard DRS 448:2026, Vegetable powder – Specification, setting out comprehensive quality, sampling, and testing requirements for vegetable powders intended for human consumption. The draft, notified to the World Trade Organization under reference G/TBT/N/RWA/1411 on May 7, 2026, is currently open for public comment through July 6, 2026.
According to the notification, the new standard is designed to protect consumer health and safety, prevent deceptive trade practices, promote environmental protection, and reduce unnecessary technical barriers to cross-border trade. Once adopted, the standard will enter into force six months after official approval.
Key technical specifications
The draft establishes the following maximum limits for vegetable powders:
| Parameter | Requirement (max % by mass) | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture content | ≤15.0% | RS ISO 1026 |
| Total ash | ≤6.0% | RS ISO 2171 |
| Acid-insoluble ash | ≤1.0% | RS ISO 763 |
| Crude fibre | ≤15.0% | RS ISO 5498 |
All referenced test methods follow internationally recognized ISO protocols, ensuring consistency with global food safety practices.
The standard applies to all vegetable powders intended for human consumption, irrespective of the vegetable type from which they are derived. However, it does not apply to any vegetable powder or flour that is already subject to a standard designated by a specific name-for example, if a dedicated Rwanda standard already exists for tomato powder or carrot powder, those products will be governed by their respective product-specific standards rather than DRS 448:2026. This scoping clause ensures that the new standard functions as a general baseline, covering vegetable powders not already regulated under more targeted specifications.
Why this matters for exporters
For international suppliers-particularly those exporting to Rwanda and the wider East African region-this new standard represents a significant regulatory development. As Rwanda's trade with China continues to expand rapidly, with Rwanda's exports to China nearly doubling in value to US$160.8 million in 2025, understanding and meeting new technical regulations is essential to maintaining market access.
China's agricultural exports to Africa reached US$45.6 billion in 2025, and Rwanda has been actively strengthening its agricultural processing capabilities, opening new markets for imported and locally processed ingredients, including vegetable powders. Compliance with DRS 448:2026 will likely become mandatory for all vegetable powder imports once adopted.
What exporters should do now?
Exporters of vegetable powders to Rwanda are advised to:
- Review their current product specifications against the proposed limits for moisture, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, and crude fibre;
- Prepare testing protocols aligned with RS ISO 1026, RS ISO 2171, RS ISO 763, and RS ISO 5498;
- Determine whether their products fall under a designated name standard to understand whether DRS 448:2026 or another standard applies;
- Submit comments to the WTO or RSB before the July 6, 2026, deadline if concerns arise regarding any technical provisions.
Access the full text
The full text of the draft standard can be accessed via the following links:
- WTO TBT notification document: https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2026/TBT/RWA/26_02411_00_e.pdf
- Notification details download link: https://docs.wto.org/imrd/directdoc.asp?DDFDocuments/T/G/TBTN26/RWA1411.docx
- The details of the notification are as follows:
About our vegetable powder range
For exporters and buyers seeking compliant vegetable powder solutions, our comprehensive range is available to browse here. Should you require assistance with navigating Rwanda's evolving regulatory landscape or sourcing certified products, please do not hesitate to contact our compliance team.