SAINT LUCIA
Since August 1996
Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) |
Indicator Participation in the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
Saint Lucia is a party to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
Coverage Horizontal
SAINT LUCIA
Since October 1996, last amended in July 2024
Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) |
Indicator Copyright law with clear exceptions
Copyright Act No. 10 of 1995
The Copyright Act has a clear regime of copyright exceptions that follows the fair dealing model, which enables the lawful use of copyrighted work by others without obtaining permission. Art. 55–57 lists the exceptions, which include research, private study, criticism, or review. In those cases where the purpose is unclear, the court is responsible for determining fair dealing.
Coverage Horizontal
SAINT LUCIA
Since March 2002
Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) |
Indicator Adoption of the WIPO Copyright Treaty
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT)
Saint Lucia has ratified the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty.
Coverage Horizontal
SAINT LUCIA
ITA signatory?
I
II
Pillar Tariffs and trade defence measures applied on ICT goods |
Indicator Effective tariff rate on ICT goods (applied weighted average)
Effective tariff rate to ICT goods (applied weighted average)
7.85%
Coverage rate of zero-tariffs on ICT goods (%)
51.04%
Coverage: ICT goods
Sources
- http://wits.worldbank.org/WITS/
- https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/brief_ita_e.htm#:~:text=ITA%20participants%3A%20Australia%3B%20Bahrain%3B,%3B%20Jordan%3B%20Korea%2C%20Rep.
- https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/ita20years_2017_full_e.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220120054410/https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2016/april/tradoc_154430.pdf
- https://www.kommerskollegium.se/globalassets/publikationer/rapporter/2024/advancing-the-green-transition.pdf
RWANDA
Since October 2021
Since July 2022
Since July 2022
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Local presence requirements for digital services providers
Law No. 058/2021 of 13/10/2021 relating to the Protection of Personal Data and Privacy
Guide on Data Controller & Data Processor Registration
Guide on Data Controller & Data Processor Registration
According to Art. 29 of Law No. 058/2021 of 13/10/2021 Relating to the Protection of Personal Data and Privacy, any person intending to act as a data controller or data processor must register with the National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA). As specified in Section 3.4 of the Guide on Data Controller & Data Processor Registration, data controllers and data processors are required to submit the following documents for registration:
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or agreement with a local representative (if the controller/processor is neither established nor resident in Rwanda but processes data of individuals located in Rwanda, as established in Art. 39 of the No. 058/2021);
- Application letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of NCSA;
- Application form;
- Operating certificate or licence of the company (e.g. Rwanda Development Board certificate, Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority licence, Rwanda Central Bank licence, etc.);
- Copy of a valid National Identification Card or passport of the data protection officer;
- Hosting invoice, receipt, or agreement;
- Company or institution profile.
The supervisory authority must issue a registration certificate to any applicant who meets the requirements within 30 working days from the date of receipt of the application. The validity period of the registration certificate will correspond to the validity of the submitted operating licence.
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or agreement with a local representative (if the controller/processor is neither established nor resident in Rwanda but processes data of individuals located in Rwanda, as established in Art. 39 of the No. 058/2021);
- Application letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of NCSA;
- Application form;
- Operating certificate or licence of the company (e.g. Rwanda Development Board certificate, Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority licence, Rwanda Central Bank licence, etc.);
- Copy of a valid National Identification Card or passport of the data protection officer;
- Hosting invoice, receipt, or agreement;
- Company or institution profile.
The supervisory authority must issue a registration certificate to any applicant who meets the requirements within 30 working days from the date of receipt of the application. The validity period of the registration certificate will correspond to the validity of the submitted operating licence.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20211018082646/https://www.minijust.gov.rw/fileadmin/user_upload/Minijust/Publications/Official_Gazette/2021_Official_Gazettes/October/OG_Special_of_15.10.2021_Amakuru_bwit...
- https://cyber.gov.rw/fileadmin/user_upload/NCSA/Documents/Guide_on_Registration_of_Data_Controller_and_Data_Processor_.pdf
- https://www.dlapiperafrica.com/en/rwanda/insights/2023/deadline-for-mandatory-data-controller-set-to-expire-15-October.html
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RWANDA
Since September 2012
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Framework for consumer protection applicable to online commerce
Law No. 36/2012 on Competition and Consumer Protection
Law No. 36/2012 on Competition and Consumer Protection provides a comprehensive consumer protection framework that applies to online transactions. The law is in place to promote fair competition, provide consumers access to products and services at competitive prices and better quality, and create an environment that is conducive to investment.
Coverage Horizontal
RWANDA
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Ratification of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Lack of signature of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Rwanda has not signed the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts.
Coverage Horizontal
RWANDA
Since 2010
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce
UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce
Rwanda has adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Commerce.
Coverage Horizontal
RWANDA
Since 2010
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures
UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures
Rwanda has adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Signatures.
Coverage Horizontal
RWANDA
Reported in 2021, last reported in 2024
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Threshold for ‘De Minimis’ rule
Low de minimis threshold
It is reported that the de minimis threshold, that is the minimum value of goods below which customs do not charge duties, is USD 100, below the 200 USD threshold recommended by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241126110727/https://global-express.org/index.php?id=271&act=101&profile_id=-1&countries%5B%5D=-2&search_terms=&question-filter=&qid_34=1&qid_34_optid=1&qid_35=1&qid_36=1...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230227012953/https://global-express.org/assets/files/GEA%20De%20Minimis%20Country%20information_4%20November%202021.pdf
RWANDA
Since June 2016
Since August 2024
Since August 2024
Pillar Intermediary liability |
Indicator User identity requirement
Law No. 24/2016 of 18/06/2016 Governing Information Communication and Technologies
Regulation No. 18/R/SM-ICT/RURA/2024 of 09/08/2024 Governing SIM Card Registration in Rwanda
Regulation No. 18/R/SM-ICT/RURA/2024 of 09/08/2024 Governing SIM Card Registration in Rwanda
Under Art. 210 of the Law Governing Information Communication and Technologies, all licensed electronic communications service providers in Rwanda are required to register the complete personal details of subscribers or SIM card holders using their networks or services. The Regulatory Authority oversees the registration process by issuing related regulations and ensuring compliance.
Moreover, according to Art. 4 of Regulation No. 18/R/SM-ICT/RURA/2024, all licensees operating in Rwanda must register all SIM card holders using their network services. As specified in Art. 7, for national citizens, the information required for the registry includes: full names, date of birth, identity card number, a clear scanned copy of the passport or national identity card, nationality, registered telephone number, sex, and biometric data.
In addition, as established in Art. 8, the registration process for foreigners without a resident permit (or visitors) must include the following: the travel document used for entry into the country, fingerprint verification, and biometric data, which must match the travel document information. This process must be conducted manually and in the physical presence of the applicant.
Moreover, according to Art. 4 of Regulation No. 18/R/SM-ICT/RURA/2024, all licensees operating in Rwanda must register all SIM card holders using their network services. As specified in Art. 7, for national citizens, the information required for the registry includes: full names, date of birth, identity card number, a clear scanned copy of the passport or national identity card, nationality, registered telephone number, sex, and biometric data.
In addition, as established in Art. 8, the registration process for foreigners without a resident permit (or visitors) must include the following: the travel document used for entry into the country, fingerprint verification, and biometric data, which must match the travel document information. This process must be conducted manually and in the physical presence of the applicant.
Coverage Electronic communications service providers
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20180203085213/https://rura.rw/index.php?id=50
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250729173339/https://rura.rw/fileadmin/Documents/ICT/Laws/Regulation_Governing_SIM_Card_Registration_in_Rwanda.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250701170959/https://freedomhouse.org/country/rwanda/freedom-net/2024
- https://web.archive.org/web/20210909131730/https://itweb.africa/content/PmxVEMKlKOgqQY85
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RWANDA
Since June 2016
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Blocking or filtering of commercial web content
Law No. 24/2016 of 18/06/2016 Governing Information Communication and Technologies
According to Art. 53 of Law No. 24/2016 of 18/06/2016 Governing Information Communication and Technologies, the Rwandan government holds the authority to suspend telecommunications services indefinitely—either in general or in relation to specific communications—when deemed necessary to preserve national integrity. In practice, this has translated into reported cases of online blocking targeting independent media platforms and news websites. Among the affected outlets are 15 online radio stations and websites, including The Rwandan, Rugali, and Le Prophète. Since 2019, reciprocal restrictions with Uganda have resulted in the continued blocking of several Ugandan news sources by the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), including Daily Monitor, The Observer, and The Independent. While most international news platforms remain accessible, the website of Agence France-Presse exhibited signs of disruption in 2024.
Coverage News websites, media platforms
RWANDA
Since May 2020
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Licensing schemes for digital services and applications
Regulation No. 010/R/CRCSI/RURA/020 OF 29/05/2020 Governing Cybersecurity
According to Art. 2 of the Regulation Governing Cybersecurity, there is a licensing scheme for all ICT infrastructure and services, which include data, systems, equipment, networks and applications.
Coverage ICT infrastructure and services
RWANDA
Since May 2020
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Licensing schemes for digital services and applications
Regulation No. 012/R/MRCER/RURA/020 of 29/05/2020 Governing Licensing of Multimedia Services Provision in Rwanda
The Regulations Governing the Licensing of Multimedia Services impose licensing requirements for online newspapers, internet radio services, internet TV services, video-on-demand (VoD) services, IPTV, mobile TV services, and other related multimedia services.
Coverage Online newspaper, Internet radio services, Internet TV services, VoD services, IPTV, Mobile TV services and other related multimedia services
RWANDA
Since June 2016
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Licensing schemes for digital services and applications
Law No. 24/2016 of 18/06/2016 Governing Information Communication and Technologies
Art. 40 of the Law Governing Information Communication and Technologies establishes licensing requirements for various categories of electronic communications services. These categories are broadly defined and may encompass services that are not strictly related to broadcast or broadband spectrum use. As a result, the licensing requirement potentially extends to nearly all Internet service providers and related businesses, including digital news platforms.
The categories include:
- Application service licensees: Entities that offer services built upon the infrastructure of network service providers, such as sound transmission, electronic data storage, internet access, and other forms of information transfer.
- Content service licensees: Entities that deliver content via communications networks, including satellite television, radio earth station transmissions, online information access platforms, and other electronic communications services.
The categories include:
- Application service licensees: Entities that offer services built upon the infrastructure of network service providers, such as sound transmission, electronic data storage, internet access, and other forms of information transfer.
- Content service licensees: Entities that deliver content via communications networks, including satellite television, radio earth station transmissions, online information access platforms, and other electronic communications services.
Coverage Digital content providers and applications
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231026071608/https://rura.rw/index.php?id=50
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231209080338/https://freedomhouse.org/country/rwanda/freedom-net/2021
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230511104923/https://www.article19.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Analysis-Rwanda-ICT-Law-April-2018.pdf
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