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Quick information guide

Requirements for your import certificate

  • Suppliers invoice
  • Packing list
  • Air way bill (for imports by air)
  • Commercial invoice
  • Freight invoice
  • Uganda revenue authority for 1 for motor vehicles
  • Road transit customs document (commonly known as C63) prepared at seaport and entry port in Uganda
  • Certificate of origin
  • Railway consignment note (for import by rail)
  • Bill of lading
  • Trade license
  • Release order certificate of compliance
  • Import declaration form
  • Declaration of customs value form

Note: Import certificates are issued by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives for selected goods

Tariffs and Duties

  • The party applying for conformity assessment and certification services is responsible for the payment of any charges. The issuance of the CoCs is based on the shipment’s FOB (Free On Board) value.
  • Conformity Assessment Fees

Contact details:

Ministry of Trade, Industry & Cooperatives
Plot 6/8, Parliamentary Avenue
Kampala-Uganda, P.O.Box 7103
Telephone: +256-312 324 000
+256 312 324 268
Email mintrade@mtic.go.ug
Web: www.mtic.go.ug

Import Licenses in Uganda

Imports in Uganda increased to about US$670 million in 2019. Uganda mostly imports oil, standing at 24% of total imports, followed by pharmaceutical products and capital goods. Uganda's main import partners are Kenya, United Arab Emirates, China and India.
 

Processes checklist in goods importation

  1. Before ordering goods

    • Obtain an import permit, if the types of goods require you to (food, drugs, chemical, agricultural products)
    • Ensure that all goods to be imported meet Ugandan standards as prescribed by Uganda National Bureau of Standards, are not on the prohibited list and/or do not attract anti-dumping duties
    • Send information to the supplier clear describing the following: Goods description, Technical specifications, quantity, Price, delivery period.
    • Determine the cost, organize funding (check with your bank on availability of funds)
    • Discuss with the supplier, sign a contract and make payment as agreed

  2. Before the goods arrive

    • Obtain the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of conformity
    • Appoint a clearing agent who will compute the customs duty, transport charges and advice you accordingly
    • Obtain the relevant quality certificates

  3. When the goods arrive

    • Process the goods through customs
    • Obtain a release order
    • Authenticate compliance certificate
    • Pay transport charges, clear warehouse if used and collect your goods

Shipment Certification

Fees for Pre supply inspection are as stipulated and published by UNBS. The fee guidelines is as tabulated below.

Route A
Ad valorem fee as a percentage of the declared FOB value 0.50%
Minimum Feee (USD)                                                               235
Maximum Fee  (USD)                                                               3000

Route B
Ad valorem fee as a percentage of the declared FOB value 0.45%
Minimum Feee (USD)                                                               235
Maximum Fee  (USD)                                                               3000

Route C
Ad valorem fee as a percentage of the declared FOB value 0.25%
Minimum Feee (USD)                                                               235
Maximum Fee  (USD)                                                               3000

Events organized

  • Trade fairs and exhibitions by source countries (markets) eg Iran exhibition
  • Uganda-UK Export convention (annual event)
  • Annual Dinners by Uganda National Chamber of Commerce.
  • Inward and outward trade missions and exhibitions (UNCCI)