BUREAU VERITAS – Government Services

DATA SHEET - UGANDA
PRE-EXPORT VERIFICATION OF CONFORMITY TO
STANDARDS (PVOC) – GENERAL GOODS
1. Regulation
Authority:

Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS)

Notification (*):

Pre-Export Verification of Conformity to Standards for general goods as per the UNBS Act
cap 327 and the Import Clearance Inspection Regulations

Starting date:

1st June 2013

Renewal date:

24th February 2023

Appointed company(ies):

Bureau Veritas and other companies as stated on UNBS web site

Scope of the regulation:

Conformity assessment of goods exported to the Republic of Uganda

Assessment based on:

Remark:▪
▪
▪
▪
▪

Documentary review
Control testing if necessary
Physical inspection
Facilitation procedures
Conclusion of the assessment

N/A

2. Products subject
Subjected goods (*):

General goods:• Group I – Toys
• Group II – Electrical & electronics including solar equipment• Group III – Automotive products and inputs• Group IV – Chemical products (including cosmetics, fertilizers, petroleum based
products…)• Group V – Mechanical material and gas appliances• Group VI – Textile, leather, plastic and rubber products• Group VII – Furniture (wood and metal articles)• Group VIII – Paper and stationery• Group IX – Safety (Personal Protective Equipment)• Group X – Food and food products• Group XI – Used products
For more details, please refer to the Products List available on UNBS website:
https://www.unbs.go.ug//content.php?src=categories-of-goods-covered-underpvoc&content
Note: New and used motor vehicles are subject to another Pre-export Verification Of
Conformity (PVoC) program specific for motor vehicles, see the list of appointed PVoC
service providers:
https://www.unbs.go.ug//attachments/menus/31/CONTACT%20DETAILS%20FOR%20AP
POINTED%20PVOC%20SERVICE%20PROVIDERS%20FOR%20MOTOR%20VEHICLE
S.pdf

Second-hand goods:

Specific requirements (used tyres are forbidden)

Prohibited goods:

See annex 1

Counterfeited goods:

Not allowed

Exempted goods:

•
•
•
•

A consignment whose Free on Board (FOB) value does not exceed US$ 2000
Consignments of commodities profiled as low risk.
Consignments of imports by importers profiled as low risk and registered as
Authorised Economic Operators (AEO).
Government project specific commodities whose procurement has an inbuilt or

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BUREAU VERITAS– DATA SHEET –demonstrated quality assurance system that guarantees conformity to national
standards.
• Raw materials and direct inputs used in the manufacturing process, including
packaging material imported for use in a manufacturing process and not for sale.
• Diplomatic cargo.
• Personal effects of returning residents and expatriates.
• Commodities manufactured in or originating from a Partner State of the East
African Community.
• Industrial machinery and accessories; including spare parts for a manufacturing
process and not for re-sale.
• Farm machinery, agro processing equipment and spare parts not for resale.
• Mining equipment and spares not for resale.
• Branded or engraved hospitality and tourism industry equipment.
• Classified military, police, prisons and State House cargo.
• Religious books and literature such as Bibles, Qurans and other related printed
matter.
• Energy meters and water meters
For more details, please refer to the Products List available on UNBS website:
https://www.unbs.go.ug//attachments/menus/16/THE%20UNBS%20(INSPECTION%20&%
20CLEARANCE)%20REGULATION%202022.pdf, & Letter BO/PVOC/020 issued by
UNBS on March 9th 2023.
Although the categories of goods presented above are exempt from PVoC, theexporter/importer will require a letter of exemption directly from UNBS or related Uganda
governmental authority at point of clearance.
Restricted goods:

See annex 2

Minimum value subject to theprogramme:

USD 2,000 - Goods with FOB value <2000 USD may be shipped without PVoC certificate.
However, they will be subject to destination inspection by UNBS.

3. Technical requirement
Conformity requirements:

Compliance of goods to applicable compulsory Uganda standards shall be demonstrated
with test reports issued by an ISO 17025 accredited laboratories or a UNBS recognizedlaboratory.
•

National deviations: (*)

•
•
•
•

•

•
•

Labelling requirements:

Other specific requirements:

Type of plugs and sockets: 3 squared pins (BS 1363). Other kind of plugs could
be accepted if provided with a compliant plug adapter (male part being compliant
to BS 1363)
Voltage: products connected to the mains shall be rated for 220V or 230V or
240V
Frequency: products connected to the mains shall be rated for 50Hz (notapplicable to lamps).
Country of origin marked on the product or primary packaging
Inspection of fishing gear: In addition to the applicable compulsory Uganda
standards, the “Fish (Fishing) Rules, 2010, Statutory Instruments N0.33,
particularly, Part II – Prohibited Nets and Fishing with Nets – Clause 3, 4, 6, 7
and 19 shall be applied.
Inspection of new Tyres: In addition to the applicable compulsory Uganda
standards, the guideline as per 24th January 2023 shall be applied. Tires shallnot be stacked inside the others.
The marking shall be at least in English
All imports with a marked limited shelf life shall have at least:- seventy five per cent (75%) remaining shelf life from the date of expectedarrival in Uganda, if food products- fifty per cent (50%) remaining shelf life from the date of expected arrival in
Uganda, if non-food products

N/A

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BUREAU VERITAS– DATA SHEET –4. Application
Applicant:Exporter or importer

Application name:- Application request submitted by the exporter/importer through the UeSW (Uganda
Electronic Single Window): https://singlewindow.go.ug/stp/#/register
Note: Watch the following link to know how to apply for the PVoC Certificate via the UeSW:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpNPwNW006U

and- Request For a Certificate (Request possible on https://verigates.bureauveritas.com) to a
Bureau Veritas local contact.
Required documents:

•
•
•
•
•

Final/proforma invoice (including Importer TIN code)
Packing list
Transport document (Bill of Lading/Air Way Bill/ CMR…), if available
Test reports traceable to the shipped goods provided by exporters, as percompulsory Uganda standards
Product declaration form (product designation, brand, model, quantity, size,
batch number, HS code (EAC CET), production and expiry dates whereapplicable…)

Required information:

Declared FOB value

Application office(s):BureauVeritasoffices(seecontacts
list
https://verigates.bureauveritas.com/programmes/uganda )on

Verigates:

5. Control testing requirements
Applicable cases:

Test report not available or not acceptable

Laboratory criteria:

ISO 17025 accredited laboratory

Testing:

According to applicable compulsory Uganda standards

6. Physical inspection requirements
Scope of inspection:

Review of markings as per applicable compulsory Uganda standard(s) and identificationof products

Destination inspection:

Not allowed

Remote inspection:

Not allowed

Witness of loading and
Sealing:-

Mandatory for all products processed under route A & D (Full Container Load FCL)
Mandatory for specific high risky products (see below TABLE 1) processed underroute B (Full Container Load - FCL)
Upon request and wherever feasible for all other cases

Note: in case of Less than Container Load - LCL and Loose cargo, the shipped goods
shall be individually identified with a stamp or a sticker for all products processed underroute A, D & B (for specific high risky products).
TABLE 1 (specific high risky products under route B)
Product Description

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Country of Origin

BUREAU VERITAS– DATA SHEET –Electricals including extension cables,
sockets,switches,
bulbs
(CFL,
incandescent, fluorescent), juice blenders,electric irons, shaving machines, electric
cables, generators, lead acid batteries, andprimary batteries

China, India, South Africa and United ArabEmirates

Solar panels, solar kits and solar batteries

China, India and United Arab Emirates

Cosmetics

China, India, South Africa, United ArabEmirates, and West Africa

Farm
implements
includingmachetes, Axes and sickles

hoes,

China, and United Arab Emirates

Toilet paper

China, India, and United Arab Emirates

Toothpaste

China, India, and United Arab Emirates

Reinforcement bars

China and United Arab Emirates

Baby diapers

China, Egypt, and UAE

Sanitary towels

China, Egypt, and UAE

CementChina and United Arab Emirates

Sampling:

In case of control testing (see section 5 as above)

Type of report issued:

Inspection report (IR)

7. Facilitation procedures•••

Route B - Product Registration - for goods already registered by Bureau Veritas
Route C - Manufacturing Licensing - for goods already licensed by Bureau Veritas
Route D - for consolidated cargo imported by registered consolidators with UNBS

The following products are however not eligible for registration under Routes B and C (i.e. are subject to certification under
Route A only): (*)
Sugar
Cereals and pulses such as Rice, wheat, beans, Maize etc
Fertilizers
Animal and Fishery products (fresh and frozen- not further processed)
Fresh Dairy Products
Fresh horticultural products
Tires
Used or second hand good

8. Conclusion of the Assessment••

Certificate of Conformity (CoC)Non Conformity Report (NCR)

9. Fees
Paid by Exporter(Ad Valorem fee as a percentage of the declared FOB value)
Route A:

0.50% of FOB

Route B:

0.45% of FOB

Route C:

0.25% of FOB

Route D:

0.50% of FOB

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BUREAU VERITAS– DATA SHEET –Minimum fee: 235 USD, maximum fee: 3,000 USD

The above fees cover the documentary verification and the physical inspection of goods but do not include:•

Testing: to be quoted on case by case basis•

Re-inspection due to vain inspection;•

Containers sealing: to be quoted on a case by case basis;•

Cost incurred by the seller in presenting the goods for inspection and/or testing•

Other fees not mentioned above

10. Contact
See contact sheet for details on Verigates: https://verigates.bureauveritas.com/programmes/uganda
Plot 59, Cementers Plaza, 3rd Floor-Office-B, Luthuli Avenue, Bugolobi – Kampala
P.O. Box 104427-Uganda.
Phone: +256 708 280 002/0/3/4/5 – Fax : +256 902 971 000 - email: pvoc.uganda@bureauveritas.com

11. Other relevant information
https://verigates.bureauveritas.com/programmes/uganda(*) Updated information
The information contained herein is for the purpose of facilitating Pre-Shipment Inspection and does not relieve Exporters or Importers fromtheir obligations in respect of compliance with the import regulations of the country of importation. Although every effort has been made toensure the correctness of the information, as at the date of issuance of this data sheet, Bureau Veritas does not accept any responsibility forerrors or omissions and, furthermore, the information may subsequently be subject to change as may be announced by the Authorities in
the country of importation. Consequently, Exporters are advised to check with Bureau Veritas, prior to shipment of the goods, if there is any
doubt concerning the issuance of a Certificate of Conformity.

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BUREAU VERITAS– DATA SHEET –Annex 1: List of prohibited goods
Schedule (Part A) of the East African Customs Management Act, the Finance Act and its amendments(https://www.eac.int/documents/category/eac-customs-management-act), Letter BO/PVOC/020 issued by
UNBS on March 9th 2023 & THE FISH(FISHING) RULES 2010, S.I NO.33 of 2010

1.

All goods the importation of which is for the time being prohibited under this Act or by any written law for the time
being in force in the partner state.

2.

False money and counterfeit currency notes and coins and any money not being of the established standard inweight and fineness.

3.

Pornographic material in all kinds of media, indecent or obscene printed paintings, books, cards, lithographs orother engravings and any other indecent or obscene articles.

4.

Matches in the manufacture of which white phosphorous has been employed.

5.

Any article made without proper authority with the Armorial Ensigns or court of Arms of a partner state or havingsuch Ensigns or Arms so closely resembling them as to be calculated to deceive.

6.

Distilled beverages containing essential oils or chemical products which are injurious to health, including thijone,star arise, benzoic aldehyde, salicyclic ester, hyssop and absinthe. Provided that nothing in this paragraphcontained shall apply to “Anise and Anisette” liquors containing not more that 0.1 per centum of oil of anise anddistillates from either pimpinella anisum or the star arise allicium verum.

7.

Narcotic drugs under international control.

8.

Hazardous wastes and their disposal as provided for under the base conventions.

9.

All soaps and cosmetic products containing mercury.

10. Used tyres for light commercial vehicles and passenger cars.
11. The following Agricultural and Industrial Chemicals:a. Agricultural Chemicals:
2.4-T
AldrinCaplafol
Chlordirneform
Chlorobexilate
DDT
Dieldrin
1.2-Dibroacethanel
Flouroacelamide
HCH
Hiplanchlor
Hoscachlorobenzene
LindoneMercury compounds
Monocrolophs (certain formulations)
Methamidophos
Phospharrmion
Methyl-parathion / Parathionb. Industrial Chemicals:
Crocidolite
Polychlorominated biphenyls (PBB)
Polychlorinted Biphenyls (PCB)
Polychlorinated Terphyenyls (PCT)Tris (2.3 dibromopropyl) phosphate
Methylbromide (to be phased out in accordance with
the Montreal protocol by 2007)
c. Counterfeit goods of all kinds.
d. Plastic articles of Jess than 30 microns for the conveyance or packing of goods.
12. All cosmetics containing restricted and prohibited components such as Hydroquinone, Mercury… as per applicable
compulsory Uganda standards requirements for cosmetic products.
13. All alcoholic products whose packaging is less than 200 ml
14. Below types and specifications of fishing nets Monofilament fishing net:
a. Gill nets: the length of which when stretched is greater than one hundred yards or the depth of which isgreater than thirty meshesb. seine nets, cast-nets, monofilament nets and trawl-nets.

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BUREAU VERITAS– DATA SHEET –Annex 2: List of restricted goods
Schedule (Part B) of the East African Customs Management Act, the Finance Act and its amendments(https://www.eac.int/documents/category/eac-customs-management-act)
1.

All goods the importation of which is for the time being regulated under this Act by any written law for the time being
in force in the Partner State.

2.

Postal franking machines except and in accordance with the terms of a written permit granted by a competentauthority of the partner state.
Traps capable of killing or capturing any game animal except and in accordance with the terms of a written permit
granted by the partner state.

3.
4.

Unwrought precious metal or precious stones.

5.

Arms and ammunitions specified under chapter 93 of the Customs Nomenclature.

6.
7.

Ossein and bones treated with acid.
Other bones and horns- cores, unworked defatted, simply prepared (but not cut to shape) degelatinized, powder
and waste of these products.

8.

Ivory, elephant unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape.

9.

Teeth, hippopotamus unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape.

10. Horns, rhinoceros, unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape.
11. Other ivory unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape.
12. Ivory powder and waste.
13. Tortoise shell, whalebone and whalebone hair, horns, antlers, hoovers, nail, claws and beaks, unworked or simply
prepared but not cut to shape powder and waste or these products.
14. Coral and similar materials, unworked, or simply prepared but not otherwise worked shells of molasses,
crustaceans or echinoderms and cattle-bone, unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape powder and waste
thereof.
15. Natural sponges of animal origin.
16. Spent (irradiated) fuel elements (cartridges) of nuclear reactors.
17. Worked ivory and articles of ivory.
18. Bone, tortoise shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of pearl and other animal carves.
19. Ozone Depleting Substances under the Montreal Protocol (1987) and the Vienna Convention (1985).
20. Genetically modified products.
21. Non indigenous species of fish or egg of progeny.
22. Endangered Species of World Flora and Fauna and their products in accordance with CITES March 1973 andamendments thereof.
23. Commercial casings (second hand tyres).
24. All psychotropic drugs under international control.
25. Historical artefacts.
26. Goods specified under chapter 36 of the Customs Nomenclature (for example, percuassion caps, detonators,
signalling flares).
27. Parts of guns and ammunitions, of base metals (Section XV of the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding
System), or similar goods of plastic under chapter 39 of Customs Nomenclature.
28. Armoured fighting vehicles under heading No 8710 of the customs Nomenclature.
29. Telescope sights or other optical devices suitable for use with arms, unless mounted on a firearm or presented withthe firearm on which they are designed to be mounted under Chapter 90 of the Cu11fpms Nomenclature.
30. Bows, arrows, fencing foils or toys under Chapter 95 of the Customs Nomenclature.
31. Collector's pieces or antiques of guns and ammunition under heading No. 9705 or 9706 of the Customs
Nomenclature.
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