The clearance certificate Uganda process is managed by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) under the Income Tax Act and Customs Management regulations. It ensures that all importers and exporters of flowers, fruits, vegetables, and plants comply with customs requirements and national inspection standards before their goods are cleared.
An application for a clearance certificate must be submitted to the Uganda Revenue Authority using the prescribed form provided under the Income Tax law. Before approval, URA or relevant licensing authorities may inspect the products—such as flowers, fruits, vegetables, or plants—to confirm that they meet the set quality, safety, and customs standards.
The authority will only issue a clearance certificate after confirming that the applicant has properly lodged import or export entries through the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004. Each entry must list all commodities involved in the transaction. No clearance can be granted unless the applicant is duly licensed by the URA.
Applicants must pay all relevant customs clearance fees and attach proof of payment from the bank to the application. A Customs Bill of Entry, completed and signed by a licensed customs agent, must be included. These entries are processed electronically through the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA World), linked to URA’s main server for real-time data exchange from remote DTI (Direct Trader Input) terminals. Once verified and approved, the URA issues the clearance certificate to the applicant.
Required Documents
To obtain a clearance certificate, applicants must attach:
- Phytosanitary certificate
- Export license from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives
- Certificate of origin from the Uganda Export Promotions Board
- Movement Certificate EUR.1 (for exports to the EU)
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of lading or airway bill (depending on transport mode)
- Freight and insurance certificates
- Road or rail consignment note (where applicable)
Eligibility
All individuals and agencies engaged in the trade of flowers, fruits, vegetables, or plants within Uganda are eligible to apply for a clearance certificate.
Fees
The cost of obtaining a clearance certificate varies depending on inspection requirements:
- Clearance certificate: UGX 353,150.18 (UGX 170,000 + USD 50)
- Phytosanitary certificate: UGX 5,000
- Farm inspection (under MAAIF): UGX 55,000
- Total estimate per container: approximately UGX 183,150.18 + USD 50
Validity
A certificate issued under this ordinance is valid for one route or transaction and expires once that transaction concludes.
Processing Time
The maximum processing time for a clearance certificate is two working days, provided all documents are complete and accurate.
Office Location and Contact
Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)
Plot M193/M194, Nakawa Industrial Area
P.O. Box 7279, Kampala, Uganda
Toll-Free: (256) 800 117000
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ura.go.ug
Instructions
- The certificate is not transferable.
- Customs clearance is mandatory for all imported goods.
- Applicants must provide the following information: Proforma invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, inspection certificate, permits, and road transit document (C63).
Additional Information
The clearance process aligns with the EAC One Stop Border Post (OSBP) system, designed to simplify trade and reduce clearance delays. URA uses ASYCUDA World to monitor imports and exports efficiently, ensuring all goods comply with health and quality standards. Inspectors examine shipments for pests, contamination, or damage and may recommend fumigation, destruction, or referral to UNBS for quality control where necessary.
The clearance certificate Uganda is essential for legal trade operations. It ensures compliance with customs regulations, promotes export quality, and facilitates smooth movement of goods across borders.
