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Country Commercial Guides for FY 2000: Uganda Report prepared by U.S. Embassy Kampala, released July 1999   Note*

VI. TRADE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS

Trade Barriers

In order to reduce costs and increase competitiveness, all 30 percent import duties were reduced to 15 percent in 1998. Excise surcharges have been unified at 10 percent. Further reductions are planned during the next two years.

Import bans have been phased out for beer, soda, batteries and cigarettes. Small reductions in fuel duties were introduced in an attempt to reduce costs for producers and transporters. The GOU has promised to lower these rates further in the next few years.

Customs Valuation

Uganda follows the Harmonized System (HS) of categorizing goods. All imported goods are subject to an Intertek Testing Services (ITS) pre-shipment inspection in the country of origin. The ITS pre-shipment inspection covers:

Verification of the quantity and quality of imported goods to ensure conformity with contractual specifications

Price comparison to ensure that the price of imported goods corresponds to the prevailing export market price of comparable goods

Verification of the customs classification code and evaluation of the dutiable value of imported goods according to Uganda Customs Regulations.

The GOU is attempting to improve the Customs Administration by installing an internationally recognized computerized documentation system and a new pre-shipment inspection threshold of $5000.00. Uganda is planning to adopt the GATT definition of value in place of the Brussels definition, in order to comply with WTO requirements.

Tariff Rates

Import Licenses

Import certificates, which are non-good-specific, are required and have a validity of 6 months. The certificates take the place of import licenses.

Form E (Declaration of Imports) can be processed by commercial banks and foreign exchange bureaus. All importers are required to complete Form E.

Export Controls

Items which cannot be exported without prior authorization by the Ministry of Trade and Industry include:

- Waste and scrap of ferrous cast iron
- Wood charcoal
- Timber from any wood trees grown in Uganda whether sawn, unsawn, hewn or machined (but not any other articles manufactured from such wood)
- Coffee husks
- Fresh unprocessed fish
- Game trophies
Import/Export Documentation

The following supplementary documents may be required by the Uganda Revenue Authority at the entry point whenever the following goods are imported:

- Human and animal drug medications: Verified pro-forma invoices from the Pharmacy Board - Firearms: Firearms Certificate
- Live animals (domestic and wild): Health Certificate
- Wild endangered species: Approval Authority
- Secondhand clothing: Fumigation Certificate
- Explosives: Approval Authority
- Seeds and plants: Phytosanitary Certificate

The following supplementary documents will be required at the Customs exit whenever the following goods are exported:

- Fish: Health Certificate and Trading License for fish
- Minerals: Permit to export minerals and Mineral Dealer's License
- Fresh/dry fruit, vegetables and produce: Phytosanitary health Certificate
- Game Trophies: Permit to export game trophies and wild animals
- Hides and skins: Export Buyers License, Export Certificate for hides and skins, Veterinary Health Certificate

Temporary Entry

Many products are shipped through Uganda on their way to eastern Congo and Rwanda. The Customs Administration has reduced the time allowed for goods to transit Uganda to 7 days.

Labeling, Marking Requirements

The following information must be clearly marked on imports and exports: importer/exporter name, consignee, flight/vehicle details, place of discharge, number of packages, container identity, description of goods, air way bill number/bill of lading, and country of origin/destination.

Prohibited Imports

The following items cannot be imported into Uganda:

- Pornographic Materials
- Used motor vehicle tires
- Imports banned under international agreements to which Uganda is signatory

Standards

Importers/exports should contact the National Bureau of Standards for specific information on standards.

Free Trade Zones/Warehouses

There are no free trade zones in Uganda. There are bonded warehouses.

Special Import Provisions

Specific questions regarding import regulations should be directed to the Customs Administration. See Appendix C for contact information.

Membership in Free Trade Arrangements

Uganda is a member of Preferential Trade Area (PTA) for East and Southern African States, the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Africa-wide Abuja Agreement. Duties and tariffs for countries in these groups, including South Africa, are significantly lower than duties for non-members. Also, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania have formed the East African Cooperation (EAC) Secretariat and are actively strengthening regional economic ties.

Customs Contact Information

Mr. Gershom Kaihura, Commissioner
P.O. Box 444, MTAC Nakawa
Kampala, Uganda
Tel: 256-41-222506/221857