Uganda’s honey and bee product industry is one of the most promising sectors in agricultural trade. To ensure product safety and compliance with international standards, all exporters of honey, beeswax, propolis, royal jelly, or related products must obtain an Export Permit for Bees and Bee Products from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). The process involves inspection, certification, and laboratory testing to guarantee product quality and traceability. Here’s how to apply for a bee products export permit in Uganda.
Eligibility
The following individuals and entities are eligible to apply for a bee products export permit:
- Beekeepers supplying bee products for export.
- Exporters of raw or processed bee products.
- Operators of processing facilities handling bee products for export.
- Laboratories and suppliers recognized by UNBS or Chemiphar (U) Ltd that conduct analysis for export products.
- Licensed businesses registered with the Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB).
Procedure
1. Apply to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF)
- Write a formal application to the Commissioner, Livestock Health and Entomology (CLHE), under MAAIF.
- The application should be made in the prescribed form provided by the Ministry and addressed to the Commissioner, Department of Livestock Health and Entomology, Entebbe.
- Attach the required documents and include contact details (email, phone, and postal address).
2. Obtain a Generalized System of Preference (GSP) Certificate
- If you are exporting to non-EU countries such as the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, or Switzerland, obtain a GSP certificate from the Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB).
- UEPB certifies consignments after verifying proper exporter declarations.
3. Declare Your Consignment with Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)
- Complete a Customs Declaration Form at the point of export.
- Attach the following documents:
- Health Certificate
- Certificate of Origin
- Packing List
- Commercial Invoice
4. Product Inspection by MAAIF
- The Commissioner, Livestock Health and Entomology (CLHE) may inspect your bee products and premises to verify compliance with national and international standards.
- Inspections ensure that:
- Bee products are free from contaminants.
- Packaging and labeling meet export requirements.
- Processing facilities adhere to hygiene and safety regulations.
5. Laboratory Analysis
- Before the export permit is issued, submit laboratory test results from:
- Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), or
- Chemiphar (U) Ltd.
- Tests verify product purity, moisture content, and absence of harmful residues.
6. Pay Applicable Fees
- Pay the required fees to MAAIF or the CLHE department.
- Attach the bank payment slip to your application.
- Typical charges include:
- US$15–20 (UGX 50,000) per consignment for inspection.
- UGX 100,000 for the Bee Export License.
7. Submit the Application
- Submit your completed and signed application, together with supporting documents and proof of payment, to the Commissioner, Livestock Health and Entomology (CLHE).
8. Permit Approval and Issuance
- Upon approval, MAAIF issues a National Health Inspection Certificate confirming compliance with health and quality standards.
- Present this certificate to MAAIF for the issuance of the final Export Permit.
Required Documents
- Export Permit application form.
- National Health Inspection Certificate from CLHE.
- Laboratory Analysis Report from UNBS or Chemiphar (U) Ltd.
- Import Permit from the destination country.
- Health Certificate confirming product safety.
- Certificate of Analysis issued by an approved laboratory.
Fees
- Inspection and certification fees: US$15–20 (approx. UGX 50,000).
- Bee Export License fee: UGX 100,000.
Validity
The bee export permit is valid for one year and must be renewed before expiry for continued export operations.
Processing Time
The maximum processing time for the bee products export permit is 21 days, including laboratory analysis and inspection.
Office Locations & Contacts
Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF)
Plot 16–18, Lugard Avenue, Entebbe, Uganda
P.O. Box: 102, Entebbe
Tel: +256 414 320004
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.agriculture.go.ug
Instructions
- Beekeepers and exporters must comply with all provisions of MAAIF regulations.
- All processing and packing facilities must be approved and follow good hygiene practices.
- Beekeepers must be listed with the Commissioner, Livestock Health and Entomology (CLHE).
- Laboratory tests are mandatory for every export consignment.
Need for the Document
Obtaining a bee products export permit ensures that Uganda’s bee exports:
- Meet international safety and trade requirements.
- Are traceable from beekeeper to export point.
- Protect consumers by guaranteeing quality and purity.
- Promote Uganda’s honey and apiculture industry in global markets.
Information Which Might Help
- When exporting within the East African Community (EAC), obtain an EAC Certificate of Origin from UEPB (costs about US$2 or UGX 5,000).
- For exports within COMESA, a COMESA Certificate of Origin is required.
- For exports to other international destinations (e.g. South Africa, India, Israel, Dubai), a Certificate of Origin is issued by the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI).
- Uganda Organic Certification Ltd (UgoCert) provides certification for organic bee products.
By following these steps, exporters can successfully obtain a bee products export permit in Uganda, ensuring their honey and related products meet all national and international standards for safe global trade.
