The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has launched a new e-portal to streamline the inspection and clearance of imported goods. Integrated with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) system and operating on predefined harmonized system (HS) codes, the platform is designed to simplify procedures and accelerate trade. 

A key benefit of the UNBS e-portal is a reduced turnaround time for import clearance. Once the clearance process is complete, the Import Clearance Certificate (ICC) is issued automatically, eliminating delays linked to manual processing. 

Additional advantages of the new system include:

• Online applications for ‘release under seal’ to the importer’s premises, significantly reducing demurrage charges

• Real-time tracking dashboards that provide visibility into clearance status for all stakeholders

Under the UNBS (Inspection and Clearance of Imports) Regulation 2022, all imported products covered by compulsory Ugandan standards must undergo clearance by UNBS. Approval requires an ICC before goods can exit customs-controlled areas. One of the mandatory documents is a certificate of conformity (CoC), issued under the pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) program. The PVoC ensures that products comply with Ugandan standards and technical regulations before shipment. 

SGS has been a trusted UNBS contractor under the PVoC program for more than 15 years, issuing CoCs for a wide range of products. This long-standing partnership reflects SGS’s commitment to supporting safe, compliant trade while protecting consumers and the environment from substandard or harmful goods. 

As the global leader in testing, inspection and certification, SGS brings unrivaled expertise in the delivery of product conformity assessment (PCA) services. Leveraging robust digital platforms and dedicated professional teams, they offer a fast, consistent and reliable service. 

Exporters can submit CoC requests through the SGS Exporter Portal, which offers online submission, request tracking and integrated communication tools for seamless interaction. In addition, SGS’s Uganda-based contract management office provides key account management and tailored solutions, ensuring clients benefit from efficient support and full compliance.