Uganda Trade Portal

Export

Commodity

Coffee

Preliminary registrations and licenses

A trader wishing to export coffee is required to have a coffee export license which is issued annually by Uganda Coffee Development Authority.

All facilities where grading and color sorting of coffee for export are carried out are inspected, registered and regulated by Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA)

Obtain performance bond

A coffee trader is required to have a performance bond as one of the requirements for applying for a coffee export license. This can be obtained from any commercial bank or insurance company.

Obtain performance bond from insurance company

Obtain performance bond from bank

Permits

Obtain letter of registration of sales contract

An exporter of coffee will need to register every new sales contract and obtain a letter of registration of sales contract issued by Uganda Coffee Development Authority

Obtain quality certificate and ICO certificate of origin

All exporters of coffee are required to obtain an International Coffee Organization (ICO) Certificate of Origin for each consignment as required by the International Coffee Organisation. A quality certificate is also issued to confirm that the coffee is of good quality and meets International standard requirements. These are issued by Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA).

Quality certificate and ICO Certificate of origin

Coffee export- full procedure

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of unprocessed coffee, of more than $2000 of value, for the first time out of Uganda, via Malaba.

Maize

Maize-Full procedure for a first time trader

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of maize, of more than $2000 of value, for the first time out of Uganda, via Busia border.

Fruits and vegetables

Preliminary registrations and licenses

The facility where produce for export is kept has to undergo inspection by Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and if it conforms with the set standards, it is registered as a recognised pack house.

Obtain REX number

Exporters of fruits and vegetables to the European Union market are required to obtain a one time Registered Exporter number from Uganda Revenue Authority

Clearance

Consignment clearance at Entebbe (fruits and vegetables)

Fruits and vegetables-Full procedure for a first time trader

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of fruits and vegetables, of more than $2000 of value, for the first time out of Uganda, via Entebbe International Airport.

Flowers

Preliminary registrations and licenses

Traders intending to export flowers are advised to first register with the Uganda Flower Exporters Association (UFEA). UFEA is an internationally recognised association providing capacity building and industry development services to its members. It also lobbies for a better enabling environment for the growth of the flower industry, and has played a key part in the rapid expansion of the flower sector in Uganda. While UFEA registration is not mandatory, phytosanitary certificates for flowers are, in practice, only issued to UFEA members.

Clearance

Consignment clearance at Entebbe (flowers)

Flowers-Full procedure

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of flowers for the first time out of Uganda, via Entebbe International airport.

Cement

Cement export-full procedure

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of cement of more than $2000 of value, for the first time out of Uganda, via Mpondwe.

Pharmaceutical products

Preliminary registrations and licenses

Obtain license to operate as a pharmaceutical manufacturer

The license to operate as a pharmaceutical manufacturer is mandatory for any trader who intends to manufacture pharmaceuticals. It is obtained from National Drug Authority and is valid for one calendar year.

Obtain export permit for pharmaceuticals

A pharmaceutical manufacturer or pharmacy intending to export a pharmaceutical product must obtain an export permit through the NDA management information system.(NDAMIS).This license covers one specific drug or product and is valid for one calendar year.

Obtain license to operate a pharmacy/distributorship

The license to operate a pharmacy is mandatory for any trader who intends to trade in pharmaceuticals. It is obtained from National Drug Authority and is valid for one calendar year.

Permits

Obtain Export verification certificate

This certificate authorizes an exporter to export the drugs/pharmaceutical products that are specified on the proforma invoice related to a specific consignment.

Pharmaceutical products-Full procedure

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of pharmaceutical products, of more than $2000 of value, for the first time out of Uganda, via Malaba

Poultry and poultry products

Preliminary registrations and licenses

Obtain Establishment number

Permits

Poultry and poultry products- Full procedure for a first time exporter

This procedure sequentially compiles the licenses, permits and clearance steps to be fulfilled by a registered business owner exporting a consignment of poultry and poultry products, of more than $2000 of value, for the first time out of Uganda, via Malaba

Fish

Persons intending to deal in more than one specie shall require more than one license

Preliminary registrations and licenses

Obtain license for trucks carrying fish

The fish transporter is required to have a license for trucks carrying over ten tonnes. This is issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal industry and Fisheries

Obtain license for Industrial processing of fish & fishery Products

An exporter of processed fish and fish products must obtain a license from Ministry of Agriculture Uganda Fisheries Directorate License and permits portal

Fish exporters must register with the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries directorate licenses and permits portal

Obtain By products/ Transporters License

Traders and transporters of by-products, fresh and processed fish must obtain a license from Ministry of Agriculture Directorate of fisheries licenses and permits portal

Obtain certificate of establishment approval

The facility where fish is processed must have a certificate of approval which is obtained from Ministry of agriculture directorate of fisheries licenses and permits portal

License to engage in fishing activities

Permits

Obtain local fish health inspection certificate

A local fish health inspection certificate is required per consignment and is issued by Ministry of Agriculture, Animal industry and Fisheries officers at the landing site.

Obtain artisanal processors /fish mongers license

Artisanal processors and fish mongers must obtain a license. This license is reserved for Ugandan citizens and refugees only. It is obtained from Ministry of Agriculture, Animal industry and Fisheries.

Obtain fish sanitary certificate

The exporter must obtain a fish export license for every consignment of fish and fish products. It is issued by Ministry of Agriculture, Directorate of fisheries licenses and permits portal

Export of fish - Full procedure for a first time trader

This procedure shows a sequence of different licenses a new trader of fish and fish products will need to obtain in order to export via the Busia border.

Tea

Preliminary registrations and licenses

Tea export-Full procedure for a first time trader

This procedure details the different licences and permits a first time tea exporter will need to obtain using the Malaba border as exit point.

Timber

Preliminary registrations and licenses

Obtain timber harvesting license and forest produce movement permit

Traders in timber have to obtain a license to harvest the timber when it is ready and then they are issued with a movement permit to move the timber to a grading facility of storage area.

Permits

Obtain letter of recommendation for trade in timber

Exporters of timber are given a letter of recommendation after inspection by the Ministry of Water and Environment.

Obtain permission to export timber

Exporters of timber obtain permission to export from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.

Timber export - Full procedure for a first time trader

This procedure details the different licenses and permits a first time exporter of Timber will need to obtain and clearance at the Malaba border.

Cocoa

Export of Cocoa - Full procedure for a first time trader

This procedure details the steps a first time exporter of cocoa will need to follow using the Malaba Border as point of exit.

Dairy and Dairy products

Preliminary registrations and licenses

Obtain certificate of registration to operate a dairy processing plant

Processors of Dairy products are required to have their facilities certified and given an annual license by Dairy Development Authority.

Obtain certificate of registration to transport dairy and dairy products

All traders of dairy and dairy products must obtain a certificate of registration to transport the products. This is issued by Dairy Development Authority

Obtain license for dairy warehouse and storage facilities

Exporters of dairy and dairy products must have their warehouses and storage facilities licensed by Dairy Development Authority

Obtain dairy certificate of registration to export dairy

An exporter of dairy products who is not a producer will only need to use the Esingle window to register with the Dairy Development Authority

Permits

Obtain certificate of analysis for dairy and dairy products

An exporter of dairy and dairy products must obtain a certificate of analysis for every batch of the product they intend to export. This is issued by the Dairy delopment authority

Export of dairy and dairy products - Full procedure for a first time trader

This procedure details the different registrations, licenses and permits a first time exporter of dairy and dairy products will have to obtain until clearance using the Malaba border.

Hides and skins

Preliminary registrations and licenses

Exporters of hides and skins are issued with export permits after inspection by the department of animal production and marketing under the Directorate of Animal Resources

Obtain a buyer's license for hides and skins

A trader intending to deal in hides and skins must obtain an annually renewable buyer's license. This is aimed at controlling quality of the material for export. It is issued by Department of Animal Health

Obtain export permit for hides and skins

A trader intending to engage in the export of Hides and Skins must obtain an annual export permit issued by the department of Animal production and Marketing in the Directorate of Animal Resources

Permits per consignment

Export of hides, skins - Full procedure for a first time trader

This is a sequence of all the procedures a trader of hides and skins will have to go through in order to export using the Malaba border as final exit point.

Tobacco

Tobacco has an organized production and supply value chain, where farmers are provided with; inputs, agronomic extension, and a ready market. The market value chain is organized in such way that companies sponsor the growing of tobacco by supplying all the requirements to farmers on a loan basis. The Companies then buy from farmers the tobacco they sponsored for export or processing after acquisition of export or processing license.

There are three types of Tobacco produced in Uganda;
Dark Fire Cured (DFC)
Burley (BUR)
Flue Cured Virginia (FCV)

The Tobacco Subsector is one of the main economic activity to many Ugandan farmers
in the growing regions employing approximately 30,000 farmers.

Preliminary registrations and licenses

ASETU is an association that brings together all sponsors and exporters of Tobacco,issues recommendations and regulates the activities involved. Before one engages in the trade of Tobacco, they must first register with this association.

Obtain tobacco growers registration certificate

All growers of Tobacco and sponsors of Tobacco growers must obtain a tobacco growers registration certificate issued by the local government of the district where the farm is located.

Obtain tobacco buyers license

A trader must first obtain a tobacco buyers' license from Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives in order to sponsor the farmers or buy their product for export.

Obtain tobacco processor license

Processors of Tobacco must be licensed to establish their processing plant. The licenses are issued by Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives

Tobacco farmer registration

All farmers interested in the growing of tobacco must register with Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives

Obtain tobacco seed certification

All tobacco seeds are imported and must be certified by Directorate of crop resources in Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries

Permits

Tobacco export license

For every Tobacco consignment, an export license must be obtained from Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives

Tobacco export - Full procedure for a first time trader

This procedure details all the licenses and permits a first time tobacco exporter will need to obtain until clearance using the Busia border as exit point.

Rice

Export of rice -Full procedure for a first time trader

This procedure shows a series of steps and different licenses and permits a first time exporter of rice will need to obtain and clearance using the Katuna border as point of exit.

Sugar

Preliminary registrations and licenses

Obtain certificate for a new sugar mill

A new sugar producer must obtain a certificate for their mill before they can start manufacturing. This is issued by Ministry of Trade, Industry and cooperatives

Permits per consignment

Obtain sugar export permit

An export permit will be given to an intending exporter of sugar who has been given an import permit by the country of destination.

Sugar export -Full procedure for a first time exporter

This procedure shows the different licenses and permits a new sugar exporter will require to export it using an EAC certificate of origin via the Busia border.

Precious metals (Gold, Silver,Platinum, Iridium,Osmium,Palladium, Ruthenium, Rhodium)

Preliminary registrations and licenses

Obtain user rights for the mining cadastre portal

The Mining Cadastre Portal provides an electronic platform for all stakeholders in the mining sector in Uganda to engage directly with the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines. Licenses are issued electronically through the portal.Before using the Mining Cadastre Portal, one must first register for access.

Obtain mineral prospecting license

The license is granted to the holder to prospect for minerals around the country and the license is non-exclusive. It is granted for one year and is not renewable.

Obtain trading license for gold

Obtain mineral dealer's license

The Mineral Dealer’s Licence (MDL) gives the holder the right to buy, sell and deal in minerals. Section 69 (2) of the Act prohibits any licenced mineral dealer from buying minerals from a person who acquired their minerals unlawfully. The Mining Act 2003 permits holders of Mineral Dealer’s Licenses to buy, acquire, sell or dispose minerals in the course of his or her business 5 from a person who acquired his or her minerals lawfully. The holder is required to apply and pay a prescribed fee. Every holder of a Mineral Dealer’s Licence is be liable for the due payment of all royalties due on any minerals bought, received or exported by the holder.

Obtain mining lease

The mining lease gives the holder the exclusive right to carry on exploration and mining operations in his or her mining area. The license is for mining operations and is granted for 21 years and is renewable for 15 years.

Obtain a location License

The license is for mining operations of a smaller investment where expenditure to achieve production will not exceed 500 currency points (a currency point is worth 20,000 Uganda shillings). It is granted, in the case of an individual, to citizens of Uganda or in case of corporate, only where citizens of Uganda hold at least 51% of ownership. Its duration is 2 years, renewable for other terms of 2 years each.

Obtain an exploration License

The license gives the holder the exclusive right to carry on exploration operations in the area of land (maximum of 500 sq.km) for a duration of 3 years, renewable for two terms of 2 years each. On each renewal, half the area is relinquished.

Obtain a Goldsmiths license

The licence gives the holder the right to manufacture products from any precious minerals. The licence is obtained upon payment of the prescribed fee. Licenced goldsmiths are required to keep a register showing all purchases and sales of articles of commerce containing precious minerals; the nature, weight, price paid or received and the date of each purchase or sale of the articles; the name and address of the respective vendor and purchaser of any items.

Permits

Obtain export permit

Minerals obtained under a mineral right or under a mineral
dealer’s license may only be exported under an export permit granted
by the Commissioner.

Obtain a movement permit

A person in possession of a mineral must obtain a movement permit in order to move out of or into any area where mining or prospecting operations are being
carried on between the hours of six o’clock in the evening and seven
o’clock in the morning.

Obtain Certificate of analysis for minerals

Gold export - Full procedure for a first time trader

Honey

Permits

Obtain recommendation from department of entomology

A positive recommendation must be obtained for every sample of honey before it can be issued with a veterinary health certificate. This recommendation is given by the department of entomology at Ministry of Agriculture animal industry and fisheries

Honey export - Full procedure for a first time trader

This procedure sequentially shows the different licenses and permits a first time exporter of honey will need to obtain until clearance via the Busia border.

Spices

Export of spices - Full procedure for a first time trader

Cosmetics

Cosmetics export full procedure

Bananas (Matooke)

Export of bananas - Full procedure for a first time trader

Unprocessed beef

Export of beef - Full procedure for a first time trader

Confectionery

Export of confectionery - Full procedure for a first time trader

Iron and steel

Export of Iron and steel - Full procedure for a first time trader

Cotton

Preliminary registrations and licenses

Obtain ginnery certificate

Obtain cotton ginning registration certificate

Obtain cotton lint export certificate

Permits

Obtain cotton lint quality certificate

Obtain cess payment receipt

Cotton - Full procedure for a first time trader

Alcohol and beverages

Export of alcohol and Beverages-Full procedure for the first time Trader.

Vanilla

Export of vanilla - Full procedure for a first time trader

Simsim (Grains)

Export of simsim - Full procedure for a first time exporter

Plastics

Export of plastics- Full procedure for a first time trader

Handicrafts

Handicrafts - Full export procedure for a first time trader

General

Preliminary registrations

A trader wishing to export fresh or dry produce must register with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) to obtain an exporter number and for issuance of phytosanitary certificates.

All exporters need to register with Uganda Export Promotions Board

This registration grants access to market information and trade fairs.

Obtain user access on E Single Window

An exporter will need to register and obtain credentials to be able to access the Ascyuda world system and e-Single window for purposes for obtaining certificates of origin from e single window portal

Traders are required to register with the e single window portal in order to be able to obtain Certificates of origin.

Processed product

Obtain quality mark permit online

The Quality mark is a Third Party Guarantee of quality, safety and reliability of products to the consumers and an assurance of conformity to relevant standards. Products are expected to carry the same and it is got from Uganda National Bureau of standards

Permits

Certificate of origin

India certificate of origin

A certificate of origin attests that a good has been obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in the country of export and can benefit from trade agreements that grant certain exports from Uganda preferential market access in India. It is issued by the Uganda Revenue Authority.

South Korea certificate of origin

A certificate of origin attests that a good has been obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in the country of export and can benefit from trade agreements that grant certain exports from Uganda preferential market access in South Korea. It is issued by the Uganda Revenue Authority.

China certificate of origin

A certificate of origin attests that a good has been obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in the country of export and can benefit from trade agreements that grant certain exports from Uganda preferential market access in China. It is issued by the Uganda Revenue Authority.

Morocco certificate of origin

A certificate of origin attests that a good has been obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in the country of export and can benefit from trade agreements that grant certain exports from Uganda preferential market access in Morocco. It is issued by the Uganda Revenue Authority.

COMESA certificate of origin

A certificate of origin attests that a good has been obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in the country of export and can benefit from trade agreements that grant certain exports from Uganda preferential market access in COMESA member states. It is issued by the Uganda Revenue Authority.

GSP certificate of origin

A certificate of origin attests that a good has been obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in the country of export and can benefit from trade agreements that grant certain exports from Uganda preferential market access in GSP member states. It is issued by the Uganda Revenue Authority.

EAC Certificate of Origin

A certificate of origin attests that a good has been obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in the country of export and can benefit from trade agreements that grant certain exports from Uganda preferential market access within the East African regional community. It is issued by the Uganda Revenue Authority.

Obtain non preferential certificate of Origin

A certificate of origin attests that a good has been obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in Uganda. The non preferential certificate of origin is needed to export to markets with whom Uganda does not have preferential trade agreements. It is issued by the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce.

Obtain electronic phytosanitary certificate

Traders are required to have a phytosanitary certificate for every consignment of fresh and dry produce that is for export. This certificate states that the consignment is free of any regulated pests and disease and conforms to the requirements of the importing country. It is issued by Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.

Obtain veterinary health certificate

All animals and animal products are issued with a veterinary health certificate in fulfilment of international sanitary requirements. They are issued per consignment by Directorate of Animal Resources.

Clearance

Clearance at Entebbe

Consignment clearance at Entebbe International airport

Simplified consignment clearance at Entebbe International airport

Clearance at Katuna

Consignment clearance at Katuna

This procedure details the steps a trader will have to go through in order to export at Uganda's Katuna border with Rwanda.

Consignment clearance for goods under the simplified trade regime at Katuna

The simplified procedure applies to exports of $2000 or less. Traders will obtain a simplified certificate of origin and do not have to appoint a clearing agent.

Consignment clearance inland via Katuna

Clearance at Busia

Consignment clearance inland via Busia

Consignment clearance at Busia

Consignment clearance of goods under the simplified trade regime at Busia

The simplified procedure applies to exports of $2000 or less. Traders will obtain a simplified certificate of origin and do not have to appoint a clearing agent.

Clearance at Malaba

Where clearance has been done inland, the exporter will come with a release order to the border and proceed to the export barrier office to obtain a rotation number be physically released.

Consignment clearance at Malaba

Consignment clearance of goods under the simplified trade regime at Malaba

The simplified procedure applies to exports of $2000 or less. Traders will obtain a simplified certificate of origin and do not have to appoint a clearing agent.

Clearance at Mpondwe

Consignment clearance at Mpondwe

Consignment clearance inland via Mpondwe

Consignment clearance inland tax free

Clearance at Elegu

Clearance for exports within the EAC under the Single Customs Territory

Clearance of transfers

Goods that are exported within the East African Region are referred to as Transfers and cleared under the Single Customs Territory agreement.

Clearance procedures for crop products