To export or market fish and fish products in Uganda, one must obtain a fish sanitary certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF). This certificate confirms that the fish consignment meets national and international health and quality standards. Without it, no batch of fish can legally be placed on the Ugandan market or exported abroad.
Applicants can apply for the certificate at any time during the financial year through the Directorate of Fisheries Resources. The process begins by filling out the official Fish Sanitary Certificate Application Form, which can be obtained from the ministry. The applicant must ensure that all details are accurate and specify whether the request is for a new certificate or a renewal.
Once the form is completed, attach the required documents as prescribed by the Directorate of Fisheries. These include the sanitary health certificate, details of the consignment or batch, quality management reports, packaging and labeling specifications, and laboratory test results from an approved facility. For exporters, an Establishment Approval Number and a traceability code must be provided to ensure accountability in the supply chain.
After preparing all the documentation, pay the application fee of UGX 20,000 per batch or consignment. Attach the payment receipt to your application before submission. Deliver the complete application to the competent authority or Fisheries Officer at the Ministry. The review process is efficient — if no issues arise, your fish sanitary certificate will be ready within two working days.
Local fish sanitary certificates can also be collected from the Town Clerk of the respective Municipality, Division, or City Authority, once all procedures are complete. For imported fish consignments, importers must provide a valid sanitary health certificate issued by the competent authority in the country of origin. This certificate must be in English and not older than fifteen days.
All applications are handled by:
Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources
Directorate of Fisheries, MAAIF
Plot 16–18 Lugard Avenue, Entebbe, Uganda
P.O. Box 102, Entebbe
Tel: 041 4320004 | Email: [email protected]
Applicants must provide details about the fish species, number of species, production facility, transportation methods, and intended use of the certificate. They should also declare the health status of the fish and ensure compliance with all sanitary and environmental regulations.
The fish sanitary certificate is valid for one year, expiring on December 31 each year. It serves as official proof that the fish and fish products are safe for human consumption and meet Uganda’s fisheries and export quality standards.
This certificate is essential not only for exporters but also for local traders who handle large volumes of fish. It safeguards public health, ensures traceability, and supports Uganda’s growing fish export industry by maintaining international confidence in the country’s aquatic products.
