A customs agent’s licence Uganda authorizes individuals or companies to represent importers and exporters in clearing goods through customs. It is issued by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) under the Customs Department and is essential for anyone involved in cross-border trade facilitation. Licensed customs agents ensure that goods comply with customs laws, duties, and documentation standards.
Procedure
1. New Application
Applicants must submit a written request for a customs agent’s licence to the URA Licensing Officer. The process begins once the application is received and assigned a reference number.
- The Licensing Officer reviews the application to verify that all supporting documents are attached.
- Qualified applicants are invited for an interview before the Licensing Committee.
- Successful applicants receive a recommendation for licensing and are officially notified.
- Approved applicants are instructed to pay the prescribed licence fee.
- After payment confirmation, the Commissioner of Customs authorizes the issuance of the licence.
- Unsuccessful applicants may appeal the decision, after which a hearing is conducted and a final decision made.
2. Renewal of Licence
Licences are renewed annually. Applicants must submit a completed Licence Renewal Form to URA before expiry.
- The Licensing Officer checks for compliance and ensures the company has no pending transactions or unresolved queries.
- If compliant, the officer recommends the renewal to the Commissioner’s office.
- Upon approval, the customs agent’s licence is renewed for another year.
- Licences will not be renewed if the applicant has any pending issues or non-compliance records.
Required Documents
Applicants for a customs agent’s licence Uganda must provide:
- Company registration certificate
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- National ID or passport copies of directors
- Certified recent passport photographs of all directors
- Proof of membership in a recognized clearing and forwarding association
- Bank reference letter confirming an active business account
- Company and directors’ Tax Identification Numbers (TINs)
- VAT registration certificate
- Valid Tax Compliance Certificate
- Certificates of good conduct for all directors
- Office lease or title deed proving physical business location
- Payment receipt for the application fee
Eligibility
Only individuals or companies that:
- Are formally registered and tax-compliant in Uganda
- Have established, verifiable offices equipped with operational tools such as computers and secure storage systems
- Employ trained personnel knowledgeable in customs clearance
are eligible to receive a customs agent’s licence.
Applicants with a criminal record or history of dishonest business practices are not eligible for licensing or renewal.
Fees
- Application Fee: UGX 40,000 (USD 10)
- Licence Fee: UGX 1,500,000 (USD 400)
Validity
A customs agent’s licence Uganda is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Processing Time
The maximum processing period is one month, depending on document verification and committee review schedules.
Office Location and Contact
Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) – Head Office
Plot M193/M194, Nakawa Industrial Area, Kampala, Uganda
P.O. Box 7279, Kampala
Toll-Free Number: +256 800 117 000
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ura.go.ug
Instructions
- Maintain a registered office whose physical address appears on the application form for inspection.
- Indicate your banking details and attach a letter from your bankers.
- Include certified IDs, passports, or other forms of identification for all directors and staff who will sign customs documents.
- Attach passport photographs certified by a Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths.
All applications and renewals must be submitted to the URA Licensing Office under the Customs Department.
Required Information
Applicants must include the following details in their forms:
- Full name and TIN/PIN
- Registered business address and plot number
- Contact telephone number
- Type of business (sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited company)
- Names, occupations, and nationalities of directors/partners
- Shareholding percentages and other business interests
- Whether the application is new or renewal
- Previous licence number and date of issue (if applicable)
- Experience in customs clearance
- Authorized capital and paid-up capital
- Names and ranks of employees and their citizenship
Need for the Document
A customs agent’s licence Uganda legally empowers companies or individuals to act on behalf of importers and exporters in customs transactions. In Uganda and many East African Partner States, using a licensed customs agent is mandatory for clearing goods through customs.
This licence ensures professionalism, transparency, and compliance with international trade regulations.
Information Which Might Help
Once licensing is approved, successful applicants receive an Authority to Pay Letter, which they must present before collecting their licence.
For renewals, URA ensures that:
- The agent has met all previous licensing conditions.
- There are no outstanding customs obligations.
- All tax returns and compliance documents are up to date.
If an applicant has unresolved issues, renewal will be deferred until all queries are settled.
