RCTG means Regional Customs Transit Guarantee. For a qualifying regional transit movement, the guarantee provides customs security while goods travel under the authorised procedure. Prepare the route, declaration and supporting records before arranging the applicable bond.
Understanding the RCTG bond and carnet
The COMESA RCTG scheme facilitates transit goods moving under customs seals and protects the revenue of countries along the transit route. The RCTG carnet identifies the guaranteed movement. Customs authorities can call on the guarantee if the secured obligations are not met, including where transit goods are improperly diverted into local consumption.
Confirm the procedure and approved route
Before dispatch, establish the country of departure, transit countries, destination, exit points and customs procedure. Confirm that the proposed guarantee is accepted for the particular movement with the relevant customs administration and approved guarantor. Regional membership alone does not establish acceptance at every border or for every consignment.
Prepare the guarantee documents
- Identify the importer, exporter, principal and authorised parties.
- Match the invoice, packing list, transport document and goods description to the declaration.
- Confirm the HS classification, value and customs exposure to be secured.
- Record the approved route, vehicle or container details and destination customs office.
- Obtain the required guarantee or carnet reference and confirm applicable validity, sealing and tracking conditions.
Account for the cargo and discharge the bond
Arrival at destination is a milestone; retain the official evidence needed to close the customs movement. Reconcile the departure, border and destination records, follow up any unmatched references and confirm the authorised discharge or cancellation status. Missing proof, irregular routing or unaccounted cargo can leave guarantee exposure unresolved.
RCTG, customs bonds and the EAC bond
A customs guarantee is security, not a duty exemption or cargo insurance policy. The applicable scheme depends on the procedure and current customs acceptance. Read our Customs Security Bonds & EAC Bond Guide for the wider context; do not assume that RCTG and EAC bond references can be used interchangeably.
Information to prepare for a review
- Goods description, HS code, invoice and packing list
- Origin, destination and proposed transit route
- Declaration, transport and guarantee references
- Principal and guarantor details, where already arranged
- Outstanding queries, arrival evidence or discharge records
Practical questions
What does RCTG stand for?
RCTG means Regional Customs Transit Guarantee. The COMESA scheme provides customs security for qualifying transit movements; its operational document is commonly called the RCTG carnet.
Does an RCTG bond remove customs duties or agency permits?
No. A guarantee secures customs obligations. It does not waive duties or replace permits, declarations, customs controls or evidence needed to discharge the movement.
Official references
Confirm the current requirements for your route and customs procedure.
COMESA RCTG scheme overviewKRA Single Customs Territory guidanceReview the documents before the cargo moves
Share your commodity, proposed route and supporting records with Sheffield’s clearance team. We will confirm the applicable requirements and available support for your enquiry; the guarantee must be arranged through the approved provider.
Request a document review