The coffee grading certificate Uganda is an essential document issued by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) to ensure all coffee exported from the country meets the required quality and export standards. According to UCDA regulations, no person or company is permitted to export coffee unless it has been graded and certified to conform to the approved export grades.
Applicants can obtain the certificate directly from the UCDA Head Office in Kampala. A qualified UCDA Quality Controller is responsible for grading the coffee and issuing the certificate using Form 5, as prescribed by the Authority.
Coffee may be graded under any of the following conditions:
- Before sale by the grower
- After processing
- Before sale to the public
- Prior to export
To begin the process, applicants must fill out Application Form 5, available at the UCDA offices. The coffee must be properly processed, handled, and stored to maintain its quality before inspection. Hulling—whether through dry or wet processing—is allowed only when the coffee cherries or parchment have a moisture content between 13% and 14%.
Once the form is completed, the applicant proceeds to pay the prescribed fee and attaches the bank payment slip to the application. The filled form and supporting documents must be submitted to the Coffee Quality Controller Officer responsible for the region where the coffee premises are located.
If the inspection is satisfactory, the applicant is issued a Coffee Grading Certificate within one working day from the date of submission. The certificate confirms that the coffee meets Uganda’s export standards and is suitable for international trade.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide:
- Proof of business registration or company certificate
- Company profile (including Memorandum and Articles of Association)
- Shareholders and management details
- Letter of confirmation from the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB)
- Completed application form
Eligibility
Any individual or company involved in coffee selling, processing, or exporting can apply for the coffee grading certificate Uganda.
Fees
The fee for the certificate is calculated as less than 1% of the exported quantity or consignment, charged monthly based on export volume.
Validity
The coffee grading certificate is valid for up to 90 days or as specified on the certificate itself.
Processing Time
The certificate is processed within one day, provided all required documents are complete and accurate.
Office Location and Contact
Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA)
Coffee House, Plot 35 Jinja Road
P.O. Box 7267, Kampala, Uganda
Tel: (+256) 414-256940 / 312-260470
Fax: +256-414-256994
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ugandacoffee.go.ug
Instructions
Every exporter must comply with UCDA grading regulations. Exporting ungraded coffee is a violation of the Coffee Regulations and may result in penalties.
Required Information
Applicants should include the following on the form:
- Name and address of the applicant
- Coffee ownership details
- Date and signature of applicant
- Signature of the UCDA Quality Controller
- Coffee grading details
Purpose
The coffee grading certificate Uganda ensures that exporters maintain high standards in processing, storage, and handling of coffee. It verifies quality before the coffee reaches international buyers and helps sustain Uganda’s reputation for producing premium coffee.
This certification also guides exporters on how to handle, preserve, and present coffee to meet the global quality standards required by importing countries.
