Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) oversees the regulation and certification of agricultural exports to ensure quality, traceability, and compliance with international standards. Anyone intending to export agricultural products from Uganda must register with the Department of Crop Inspection and Certification (DCIC). Below is a detailed guide on how to register as an agricultural exporter in Uganda.
Eligibility
You are eligible to apply if you:
- Are 18 years or older and legally residing in Uganda.
- Own or manage a farm, pack house, or export company.
- Have a valid trading license and meet agricultural product handling standards.
- Are exporting commodities not on the restricted or banned list.
Procedure
1. Apply in Writing to the Commissioner
Submit your written application to the Commissioner, Department of Crop Inspection and Certification (DCIC) under MAAIF.
- Address your letter to the Secretary to the Commissioner, DCIC, Namalere Offices.
- The application must be on company letterhead and include:
- Telephone number
- Email address
- Postal address
- Physical location
Attach all supporting documents listed below.
2. Request for Inspection and Registration
Your letter should formally request:
- An export registration number, and
- An inspection of your pack house, out growers, or farm by DCIC inspectors.
3. Submit Your Documents
Submit your completed application with attachments to the DCIC office. The Ministry will then schedule a system audit within 10 working days to verify compliance with agricultural export standards.
4. Undergo Audit and Assessment
During the audit, inspectors will assess:
- Documentation and understanding of export market requirements
- Pest management procedures
- Calibration and use of spraying equipment
- Traceability records
- Hygiene and safety of produce handlers
If the audit is successful, you will proceed to electronic registration.
5. Online Registration (Electronic Certification)
After approval from the audit, you must complete your registration online via the MAAIF Crop Inspection and Certification Portal.
Steps for Online Registration:
- Open a web browser (preferably Firefox).
- Visit https://www.agriculture.go.ug/online-certification/.
- Click “New User” on the login form to access the registration page.
- Choose whether you are applying as an Individual or a Company.
- Fill in your details accurately and click Submit.
- Check your email for a confirmation message.
- Click the Set a Password button and return to the homepage to create your password.
- Password must contain at least 6 characters, including a letter, a digit, and a special character.
- Log in using your email and password to access your exporter account.
Once registered, you can track the status of your phytosanitary certificate or import/export permit through the online system.
Required Documents
When applying for registration, attach the following documents:
- Export Promotion Board Certificate
- Company Registration Certificate
- Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) TIN
- Identification copies (National ID or Passport of directors)
- Contracts or MOUs with growers (if applicable)
- Contracts with authorized exporters or pack houses (if sourcing externally)
- Details of farm locations, crops under production, acreage, and export destinations
- Copy of product label showing company name, address, and code marks
- Demonstration of compliance with pest management, traceability, and hygiene standards
Fees
The fees for registration and certification vary depending on the crop type, inspection scope, and certification services requested. Applicants should contact the Department of Crop Inspection and Certification for specific fee details during application.
Validity
The exporter registration and certification are valid for one year, after which renewal is required to maintain active export status.
Processing Time
Processing typically takes 30 days, including audit, documentation verification, and registration approval.
Office Locations & Contacts
Department of Crop Inspection and Certification (DCIC)
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
- Ensure all your wiring, spraying, pest management, and packaging systems follow MAAIF’s guidelines.
- Familiarize yourself with export documentation requirements and ensure compliance with the Food Act.
- Obtain a valid Trade License and Export License before shipment.
- Consider engaging a licensed clearing agent to assist with documentation and customs procedures.
Need for the Document
Registering as an agricultural exporter allows you to:
- Legally export agricultural produce from Uganda.
- Access phytosanitary certification for your consignments.
- Demonstrate compliance with international market standards.
- Promote traceability and accountability within Uganda’s agricultural value chain.
Information Which Might Help
Farmers and exporters are advised to maintain documented Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), including:
- Scheduled planting, weeding, and pest control records
- Proper storage and disposal of chemicals
- Hygiene and worker safety standards
- Traceability and quality control systems
- Trained technical assistants and calibrated spraying equipment
By following these procedures, you can register as an agricultural exporter in Uganda and gain official authorization from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) to trade in regional and international markets.
