The Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) has revoked all permits for the importation of ethanol, also known as neutral spirit, and suspended the processing of new applications as the government intensifies efforts to curb the production of unsafe alcoholic beverages linked to dozens of deaths.
The directive, announced on Friday, July 31, 2026, is aimed at protecting public health following a rise in fatalities associated with illicit alcoholic drinks produced using ethanol in violation of regulatory requirements.
Rwanda FDA said all applications previously submitted for the importation of ethanol have also been suspended until further notice.
“All applications submitted to Rwanda FDA for the importation of ethanol (Neutral Spirit) are suspended until further notice,” the regulator said in a public notice.
The latest measure comes as the Government of Rwanda strengthens enforcement against the manufacture and distribution of substandard alcoholic beverages made with industrial chemicals, including ethanol.
According to the Ministry of Health, at least 50 people have died since January 2026 after consuming unsafe alcoholic drinks and other substandard beverages, many of which were produced using improperly handled ethanol.
Health authorities are also stepping up action against individuals who use ethanol to manufacture alcoholic beverages without authorization, while tightening oversight of chemical suppliers to prevent the sale of ethanol to unauthorized buyers.
Officials have also warned against the illegal production of ethanol, noting that improper distillation can produce methanol—a highly toxic alcohol that can cause blindness, organ failure and death.
Ethanol is the type of alcohol used in alcoholic beverages and is produced through the fermentation and distillation of agricultural products such as sugarcane, maize, sorghum and grapes. When manufactured for beverage use, it must undergo strict quality control and comply with food safety standards before it can be approved for human consumption.
While ethanol is approved for use in alcoholic beverages, excessive consumption poses significant health risks, including liver disease, cardiovascular complications such as high blood pressure, brain damage, memory impairment, certain types of cancer and stomach ulcers.
