1 
 STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS 
 
2016 No….. 
 
The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (Enforcemen t of Compulsory Standard 
Specifications) Regulations, 2016 
IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred upon the Minister by section 43 of the Uganda 
National Bureau of Standards Act, CAP 327 of the La ws of Uganda as amended, these 
Regulations are made this ------------------------- ---. 
1. Title  
These Regulations may be cited as the Uganda Nation al Bureau of Standards 
(Enforcement of Compulsory Standard Specifications)  Regulations, 2016  
2. Interpretation 
In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires— 
“Act”  means the Uganda National Bureau of Standards Act,  Cap 327 as amended 
“applicant” means the importer, manufacturer, requiring a distinctive  mark. 
“assessment”  means a systematic and independent examination to determine whether 
compulsory standard specifications requirements hav e been met ;  
“authorization”  means grant of permission,either through issuance of a permit or any 
other prescribed means, to use the distinctive mark  on a product. 
“bureau ” means Uganda National Bureau of Standards 
“certification”  means the issue of a statement by a third party, b ased on a decision 
following assessment and review, that fulfillment o f specified requirements of a product, 
process or system has been demonstrated; 
“certification body”  means an organization that provides certification services; 
“certification scheme”  means a certification system related to specified products to 
which the same specified requirements, specific rul es and procedures apply;  
“commodity”  means any article or product which is or will ulti mately be the subject of 
trade or use. 
“compulsory standard specification ” means the standard specification declared as 
such under section 18;  
“conformity”  means fulfillment of specified requirements;   
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 “consignment ” means an aggregation of product made under a comm on system of 
causes and presented for inspection  
“distinctive mark”  means a mark declared as such under Section 18 of the Act. 
“distributer”  means any natural or legal person in the supply ch ainother than the 
manufacturer or importer, who makes a product cover ed under compulsory standard 
specifications available on the Ugandan market. 
“executive director ” means the Director of the UNBS as defined under sec tion 11 of the 
Act 
“importer ” means any natural or legal person established wit hin Uganda, who brings 
intoUganda product covered under compulsory standar d specificationsfrom another 
country . 
“inspector” means a person appointed as such under section 13 o f the Act. 
 “inspection” means the examination of product design, product, p rocess or its 
installation and determination of its conformity wi th specific requirements 
“inspection report”  meansa report compiled by the inspector or the ins pection team 
detailing the findings of the inspection. 
“manufacturer”  means any natural or legal person who manufactures  a product covered 
under compulsory standard specifications using thei r own or outsourced manufacturing 
facilities.  
“permit”means a document issued by UNBS to a company authorizing it  to use a 
certification or distinctive mark on its commodity,  in accordance with the rules of the mark. 
“permit holder” means a person/s granted a permit by UNBS to use th e distinctive mark. 
“quality” means degree to which inherent characteristics of a n object fulfils requirements. 
“quality management”  means  management with regard to quality that can include 
establishing quality policies and quality objective s, and processes to achieve these quality 
objectives through quality planning, quality assura nce, quality control and quality 
improvement; 
“supplier”  means any manufacturer, importer, or provider who puts a commodity into 
circulation on the market;  
“surveillance audits” means periodic evaluation of a permit holder’s qual ity control 
system to determine conformity with a relevant stan dard and the terms and conditions of 
the permit;  
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 3. Marking or applying  a distinctive mark on  a commo dity  
 
1) An importer, or manufacturer of any commodity fo r which  a compulsory standard 
specification has been declared shall ensure that t he commodity bears a distinctive 
mark specified in schedule 1  
2) A commodity covered by compulsory standard speci fications shall only be placed 
on the market for sale when it bears the distinctiv e mark. 
3) The Director shall grant the permit to use the d istinctive mark on a commodity for 
which a compulsory standard specification has been declared to a manufacturer or 
importer after all the requirements of this regulat ion have been met.  
4. Prohibition regarding manufacture, import, stora ge, sale and 
distribution 
1) No person shall manufacture or store for sale, i mport, sell or distribute any 
commodity covered by a compulsory standard specific ation unless:- 
a) The commodity conforms to the specified relevant  standards; 
b) The commodity bears the distinctive mark specifi edin schedule 1  
5. Registration and authorization to use distinctiv e mark 
1) An importer  or manufacturer who intends to bring into the count ry or manufacture a 
commodity covered by a compulsory standard specific ation in Uganda shall apply to 
the bureau to be registered and authorized to use t he distinctive mark. 
2) Domestic manufacturer:-  
(a) A domestic manufacturer of a commodity that fal ls within the category specified in 
Schedule 2&3 shall apply to the bureau to be registered and for the grant of a permit to 
use the distinctive mark within 60 days of the comi ng into force of these regulations or 
before commencement of production.  
(b) The domestic manufacturer shall be required to register with the bureau whether or 
not the commodity is sold in the local market. 
(c) An application for registration and grant of a permit to use the distinctive mark shall be 
made in the form specified in schedule 4  
(d) the bureau or an accredited body appointed by t he bureau shall carry out conformity 
assessment of the manufacturing facility and of all  goods covered by a compulsory 
standard specification(s) to verify that the produc tion and quality assurance processes 
and commodities conform to the requirements of the compulsory standard specification(s) 
and any other terms and conditions.  
(e) The applicant for the distinctive mark shall pr ovide all reasonable facilities to the 
inspector to conduct assessment of the product(s), the manufacturing facility or other  
4 
 premises of the applicant for the purpose of verify ing the documents submitted by the 
applicant and of obtaining such other information a s is relevant to the application. 
 
(f) The manufacturer shall use the distinctive mark  as specified in schedule 1 . 
(g) The bureau shall maintain and publish a registe r of manufacturers registered and 
authorized to use the distinctive mark on its websi te. 
3) Foreign manufacturer:-  
(a) A foreign manufacturer of a commodity falling w ithin a category specified in Schedule 
2 shall apply to the bureau to be registered and for the grant of a permit to use the 
distinctive mark within 60 days of the coming into force of these regulations or before 
placing the products in the market.  
(b) An application for registration and grant of pe rmit to use the distinctive mark shall be 
made in the form specified in schedule 4 
(c) the bureau or an accredited body appointed by t he bureau shall carry out conformity 
assessment of the manufacturing facility and of all  goods covered by compulsory 
standard specifications to verify that the producti on and quality assurance processes and 
commodities conform to the requirements of the comp ulsory standard specification(s) and 
any other terms and conditions.  
(d) The applicant for the distinctive mark shall pr ovide all reasonable facilities to the 
inspector to conduct assessment of the product(s), the manufacturing facility or other 
premises of the applicant for the purpose of verify ing the documents submitted by the 
applicant and obtaining such other information as i s relevant to the application. 
 
 
(e) The manufacturer shall use the distinctive mark  as specified in schedule 1  
(f) The bureau shall maintain and publish a registe r of foreign manufacturers registered 
and authorized to use the distinctive mark on its w ebsite; 
4) Importer:- 
(a) An importer of a commodity that falls within a category specified in Schedule2  is 
required to register with the bureau and produce do cumentary proof that the 
manufacturer of the commodity is registered and aut horized to use the distinctive mark 
by the bureau. 
(b) An Importer of a commodity specified under schedule 3  shall apply to the bureau to be 
registered and authorized to use the distinctive ma rk before importing the commodities. 
(c) The application for registration and grant of p ermit to use the distinctive mark shall be 
made in the form specified in schedule5 . 
(d) The application shall be made for each consignm ent. 
(e) Importers shall use the distinctive mark specif ied in schedule 1 .  
5 
 (f) The bureau through its appointed agents shall c arry out conformity assessment of all 
commodities before they are loaded for importation.  
(g) The bureau shall issue successful applicants di stinctive mark stickers corresponding to 
the number of product units (primary units) for eac h product that meets the 
requirements of the standards in any one single con signment. 
(h) No commodity covered by compulsory standard spe cification shall be imported into the 
Ugandan market unless it bears a distinctive mark s ticker issued by the bureau. 
  
5) Testing of samples 
(a)Where any samples are required for making an ass essment under this regulation, an 
applicant shall provide all reasonable facilities a nd assistance to inspectors to draw and 
get samples of the product for testing by the Burea u or such other testing laboratory 
designated in writing by the Bureau as a testing la boratory. 
(b) The cost of transporting any sample, instrument , equipment, apparatus, material, any 
test conducted or any other expense incurred in con nection with the assessment under 
this regulation shall be borne by the applicant. 
 
6. Application of a distinctive mark on a commodity  
1) The distinctive mark shall be applied to a commo dity in a visible, legible and 
indelible manner and shall be in the form specified  in schedule 1 .   
2) The distinctive mark shall be applied before the  commodity is placed on the 
market. 
3) The distinctive mark may be enlarged or reduced to an appropriate size, provided 
that its dimensions conform to the specifications i n the Schedule 1 . 
4) The manufacturer or importer shall provide the i mporter or distributor or other party 
along the value chain of its commodities the refere nce number of the authorization 
to use the distinctive mark in writing or a copy of  the authorization, and the 
importer or distributor shall produce the reference  number or copy of authorization 
to the Director whenever requested to do so. 
7. Terms of use of a distinctive mark 
1) A permit holder shall not use a distinctive mark  other than in accordance with the 
terms and conditions of his or her authorization . 
2) The permit holder shall :-  
a. ensure that the product in respect of which a di stinctive  mark  has been 
authorized for use conforms at all times to the rel evant standard specification, 
b) maintain a complete and up-to-date record of a s ystem of control, including 
inspection and testing, for the purpose of establis hing, to the satisfaction of  
6 
 the bureau, that the system of control is being con sistently maintained; every 
such record shall be made available for inspection by an inspector  and the 
permit holder shall, at the request of the inspecto r, permit the removal of the 
record to the premises of the bureau for closer scr utiny;  
b. affix the distinctive mark only on a product cov ered by a valid authorization; 
c. give the inspector access to the premises where the product specified in the 
permit is manufactured for the purpose of evaluatin g materials, production 
processes, finished product, quality assurance faci lities, records and others in 
accordance with the guidelines as issued by the bur eau;  
3) A manufacturer or importer shall establish and m aintain a system of product recall, 
and addressing complaints filed by its clients or c onsumers concerning its 
products and shall maintain records thereof. 
4) A manufacturer or importer shall ensure that non -conforming productsthat do not 
meet compulsory standard specifications are immedia tely withdrawn from the 
market and shall be liable for any damage caused by  the said product to its 
consumers. 
5) pay the fees and expenses lawfully incurred and levied by the bureau;  
6) inform the director of any change in the managem ent of the company or business; 
7) in the case of transfer of plant site, give noti ce within one month before the transfer 
is implemented, and in such cases the authorization  shall be deemed valid only 
after factory and product assessment and evaluation  of factory facilities at the new 
site by the inspector show continued compliance wit h the bureau’s requirements 
and final approval by the director;  
8) upon suspension,  or cancellation of the authori zation, discontinue its use and 
immediately withdraw all promotional and advertisin g material containing any 
reference to that authorization;  
9) notify the director any intended modification in  the product or manufacturing 
process within one month before any such modificati ons 
8. Suspension of  permit 
The Council shall suspend the permit to use a disti nctive mark under the following 
circumstances:- 
a) Where the commodity does not conform to the comp ulsory standard 
specifications;  
b) Where the importer, or manufacturer has failed t o take the requisite corrective 
action; 
c) Where the importer, or manufacturer uses the dis tinctive mark and registration 
number in violation  of the authorization;  
d) Where the importer, or manufacturer applies for temporary withdrawal.  
7 
 9. Cancellation of permit 
The Council shall cancel the authorization under th e following circumstances where:- 
a) The importer, or manufacturer fails to comply wi th the conditions of the 
authorization; 
b) The product is non-compliant to compulsory stand ard specifications  
c) There are changes or modifications in the techni cal regulations, compulsory 
standard specifications or any other applicable reg ulations to a standard and the 
product does not meet the new requirements; 
d) The importer, or manufacturer fails to apply for  the renewal of the authorization; 
e) The production of the commodity has terminated.  
f) The importer or manufacturer applies to cancel t he authorization. 
g) The product has caused an accident; 
h) The product is not identical to the sample produ ct provided by the applicant; 
i) The applicant did not abide by the rules of susp ension in the case of a suspension; 
j) An applicant obtained the authorization through an improper manner such as 
bribery or fraud; 
k) Other circumstances under the law under which th e authorization should be 
cancelled; 
10. Refusal to grant permit 
The director may refuse to grant or renew a permit to use a distinctive mark where the 
requirements under 5, 6 and 7 have not been met.  
11. Opportunity of applicant to be heard 
1)  Where the director has refused to grant or rene w a permit to use a distinctive mark 
under regulation 10 of these Regulations, the direc tor shall state the reasons for 
the refusal in writing and shall give the applicant  an opportunity to be heard. 
2) After the hearing under regulation 11(1), the di rector shall decide whether or not to 
grant or renew the authorization.  
12. Renewal of Permit  to  use a distinctive mark 
1) Amanufacturerof any commodity for which a compul sory Standard specification has 
been declared shall apply to the bureau for the ren ewal of the permit to use the 
distinctive markat least three (3) months before th e expiry of the period for which 
the authorization was granted.  
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 2) The director may, on an application by the appli cant, renew the permit to use the 
distinctive markfor a further period of twelve mont hs on being satisfied with the 
following:-  
a) that the product in respect of which a renewal o f the authorization is sought 
conforms to the relevant compulsory standard specif ications specification; and  
b) the applicant has in operation, during the perio d for which the authorization is 
granted, a scheme of operation and testing which ad equately ensure that the 
product conforms to the relevant standard 
3) Upon the grant of a permit to use the distinctiv e mark, the applicant shall comply 
with the requirements of regulation 7 above.  
13. Surveillance audits 
1) The grant of a permit to use a distinctive mark shall be followed by surveillance 
audits.  
2) The frequency and extent of audits shall be as d etermined by the bureau.  
3) The surveillance audits may be without notice to  the authorization holder to 
ensure that the systems and procedures already asse ssed are being 
maintained. 
4) The special surveillance audit shall be necessary w here the authorization 
holder fails to observe the conditions of the permi t or where there have been 
significant changes in the organization of the perm it holder.  
14. Administrative Sanctions 
An importer or manufacturer, whose commodities do n ot comply with the compulsory 
standard specifications shall at his/her expense:- 
a) remove the goods from the market; 
b) destroy the goods within 28workingdays from date of  receipt of the directive by the 
bureau to do so,  
15. Fees payable 
The fees and charges payable to the bureau for the application for grant of permit to use 
the distinctive mark shall be as specified in Schedule 6. 
  
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 16. Offences and penalties 
1) A person who:– 
a) uses the distinctive-mark without a permitfrom t he bureau 
b) falsely represents any product to be a product t hat complies with the provisions of 
these regulations whereas not; 
Commits an offence 
2) Any person who is convicted of an offence under these regulations shall be liable 
on conviction of such fine or terms of imprisonment  or both as prescribed by the 
Act. 
17. Appeals 
A person who is aggrieved by a decision of the bure au in execution of these regulations, 
may appeal as provided for under section 25 of the UNBS Act CAP 327 as amended. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
10 
 SCHEDULE 1 
distinctive mark  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
11 
 SCHEDULE 2 
Categories of commodities covered by compulsory sta ndards that require 
registration of manufacturing facility and certific ation of commodities before 
manufacture or importation 
1. Reinforcing and Pre-stressing Steel for Concrete   
2. Structural Steel Products  
3. Roof Covering Steel Products 
4. Cement, Building Lime and Other Hydraulic Binder s 
5. Pneumatic Tyres and Tubes for Automotive Vehicle s and Trailers 
6. Protective Safety Equipment 
7. Gas cylinders, Valves and Regulators 
8. Power cables and Luminaries (Lighting Equipment)  
9. Electronic, Sound and Communication Equipment 
10. High Risk Foods and Food Products 
11. High Risk Chemical  Products, Personal Hygiene and Consumer Goods 
12. Neutral spirit for manufacture of gins and alcoholi c beverages  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
12 
 SCHEDULE 3 
Categories of commodities covered by compulsory sta ndards that require 
registration of manufacturing facility and certific ation of commodities before 
manufacture for local manufacturers, but may not re quire registration of 
manufacturing facility before importation 
1. Toys 
2. Electrical and Electronics 
3. Automotive Products and Inputs 
4. Chemical Products 
5. Mechanical Materials and Gas Appliances 
6. Textile, Leather, Plastics and Rubber 
7. Furniture (wood and metal articles) 
8. Paper and Stationery 
9. Protective Safety Equipment 
10. Food and Food Products 
11. Used Products, including used Motor Vehicles. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
13 
 SCHEDULE 4  
Application Form for registration and authorization  to use distinctive mark for 
Manufacturers 
A. APPLICANT’S INFORMATION 
1. NAME AND ADDRESS OF APPLICANT 
Company Name  
Company Tax Identification Number (TIN)  
Business Registration Please attach certificate of registration of busine ss  
COMPANY ADDRESS Office Address  Factory/Manufacturi ng facility Address  
  Name of production facility (if different)  
 
District    
Physical address  
  
  
Postal address    
Email address    
Tel. contact(s)/fax     
Website    
Personnel details  More information in Annex 5 
 Chief Executive  Quality Control  In-charge  
Name    
Designation    
Mobile number    
Email address    
Number of staff   
Production capacity  
Installed capacity  Actual capacity  Annual Turnove r  
   
B: PRODUCT INFORMATION 
Information on product intended for certification 
is deemed mandatory. 
 
Where applicable, name of product, its type(s) 
and/or mode(s) shall follow as specified in the 
standard. 
 
The applicant is required to declare proof of 
ownership of the trademark /brand name or 
provide a letter of consent from the owner of the 
trademark/ brand name.  Product Name  
 
Trademark/ 
Brand Name(s)  
 
 
Product 
Description  
 
Product 
Standard   
 
For Equipment/ 
Electric/ 
Electronic 
Products Type(s)  
Model(s)  
Rating(s)  
Size(s)  
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY  
Sector Code:  
 UNBS RECEIVED  STAMP  
Lead Auditor Allocation:  
 
 
C: TECHNICAL &  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
Raw materials List all components and/or raw materi als used to assemble or manufacture the product –  Annex 1 .  
Process flow & 
Description Draw the process flow chart and identify the qualit y check points; provide a brief process description  -  
Annex 2 .   
14 
 Quality control Prepare a quality control check poi nts schedule -  Annex 3 .  
Test equipment Prepare test and inspection equipmen t list and calibration/ verification schedule –  Annex 4 .  
Additional 
information • Company organization chart& names and qualificatio ns of production & QC personnel Annex 5.  
• Documented procedures describing how non-conformin g purchased raw materials and finished 
products are identified, recorded and handled Annex 6.  
• Documented procedure describing how customer compl aints are recorded and handled Annex 7.  
• Production flow/process layout  Annex 8.  
• Product analysis reports  Annex 9.  
• Product Labels and Markings  Annex 10.  
• Any other sector specific requirements  Annex 11.  
D: DECLARATION AND UNDERTAKING  
In connection with this application, I/We: 
a) Undertake to ensure the product manufactured and  the manufacturing processes comply with the releva nt standard and the 
product certification requirements respectively. 
b) Undertake to supply all information required by UNBS for the purpose of evaluation of the product(s ) to be certified; 
c) Undertake to make samples of product(s) and mate rials available to UNBS for evaluation and testing;  
d) Agree to give the auditors reasonable access dur ing normal working hours to the premises wherein th e product  specified 
in the application is manufactured for the purpose of evaluating materials, production processes, fini shed product, quality 
assurance facilities, records; 
e) Undertake to pay UNBS all costs of processing th is application and maintenance of certification; 
f) Agree that UNBS may release information obtained  in the course of processing the application to the  public or government 
authorities so far as is prudent to warn in the opi nion of UNBS. The client shall be informed accordin gly prior to release of 
any information. 
g) Undertake to sign the UNBS Product Certification  Agreement before grant/renewal of the certificatio n license. 
h) I/We also undertake not to involve UNBS, its dir ectors, officers and authorized representatives in any legal proceeding on 
any disputes between us and other parties. 
I, hereby, declare that all information given in th is application form is correct to my knowledge. 
An authorized 
representative of 
the applicant shall 
put his signature in 
this section  Signature  Applicant’s stamp 
Name  
Designation  
Date  
Please return form duly completed to:   
Certification Division,  
Uganda National Bureau of Standards, 
Bypass Link Bweyogerere Industrial Area & Business Park, Kyaliwajala Road, Bweyogerere, Buto, 
P.O. Box 6329, Kampala, Uganda. 
Tel. 041-222367, 041-505995, 031-262688; Fax 041-28 6123 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
15 
 SCHEDULE 5 
Application form for registration and authorization  to use distinctive mark for 
Importers 
 
IMPORT STANDARDIZATION MARK (ISM) APPLICATION FORM   
The Executive Director,   
Uganda National Bureau of standards,   
P.O. Box 6329,   
KAMPALA. 
CUSTOMS ENTRY NUMBER  (Not applicable for licensed goods)   
IDF NUMBER (Not applicable for licensed goods)   
CERTIFCATE OF CONFORMITY (COC) NO. (For goods 
accompanied with COC)   
TEST REPORT NO. (For goods subjected to destination inspection)   
LICENCE CERTIFICATE NO  ( For licensed products - route C of the 
PVOC program)  
  
 
 
     Description of the commodity upon and in 
respect    
Trade mark or brand which is in use in 
respect       
            
  
S/N    of which the Import standardization mark is 
to be      
Quantity    
      of the commodity      
     used          
              
              
 1             
              
 2             
              
 3             
              
 4             
              
 5             
              
 6             
              
 7             
              
 8             
              
 9             
              
 10              
       
Name of Importer................  Postal address……………………………Email………………………   
Physical address……................................. ........................ 
Tel……………………… …… ………………………………   
Contact 
Person…………………………………............Designation......... ................................................... .................    
16 
 It is hereby certified that the information supplie d herein by the undersigned is true and correct. Th e 
undersigned agrees to abide by the Terms and Condit ions stipulated at the back of this form   
Signature………………………………Date……………… ………… ……………………………………………… 
  
Attachments (Tick as appropriate)  FOR UNBS USE ONLY  
  
Packing list. Customs Entry Import  Declaration Form 
(IDF)  Application Received and Checked   
by………………………  
Certificate of Conformity (CoC) Test  Report PVoC  
License  No.   of  ISM   
stickers…………………..Printed  
 
Amount  paid………………………………….R 
eceiptNo…   
Copy  of receipt of payment for ISM Stickers Copy  of 
receipt of PVoC penalty (where applicable)   
ISM Stickers checked and released   by……………   
   
  
NOTE:   
1. Payment shall be made at the time of filing the application  
2. Fill each consignment on separate form  
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS  
 
1. The Importer shall affix the ISM only on certifi ed products.  
2. The Importer shall establish and maintain a syst em of product recall, and 
addressing complaints filed by its clients or consu mers concerning its certified 
products and shall maintain records thereof.  
3. The Importer shall ensure that its certified pro duct conforms at all times to a 
specified standard and shall be liable for any dama ge caused by the said product 
to its consumers.  
4. The importer shall pay the applicable fees and c harges as billed by UNBS.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
17 
 SCHEDULE 6 
FEES AND CHARGES FOR USE OF A DISTINCTIVE MARK 
A) Manufacturers  
S/N  FESS CATEGORY  AMOUNT/RATE  
1. Application fee Local Cos.: - UShs. 100,000  
SMEs:- Free 
Offshore Cos.: - USD 100  
2. Audit fees (including Travel & 
subsistence) Cos. Within Kampala: - 1,000,000;  
Up-country Cos.: - 1,500,000   
Offshore Cos.: USD 3000 + Air Ticket  
3. Testing charges for independent 
testing Variable  
4. Annual permit fees SMEs: - UShs350,000 per produ ct brand 
Large: - UShs 800,000 per product brand 
Offshore: - USD 2,000 per product brand 
5. Marking fees  
 
 
B) ISM 
 
UShs 15 per Distinctive Mark sticker or 0.5% of cos t of product