The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has urged all importers, clearing agents, transporters, and stakeholders to ensure that imported commodities covered by Compulsory Uganda Standards are presented to UNBS inspectors for mandatory inspection and clearance before being sold or distributed on the Ugandan market.
The directive, issued under the Inspection and Clearance of Imports Regulations of 2022, is aimed at protecting consumers from dangerous substandard products and safeguarding the environment.
“All imported commodities covered by Compulsory Uganda Standards must be presented to UNBS inspectors at the entry points or points of clearance to ensure that they are inspected and issued with the Imports Clearance Certificate,” said Eng. James Kasigwa, Executive Director of UNBS.
UNBS emphasized that clearing agents must verify that all products under compulsory standards are cleared, including those that may have been missed in the ASYCUDA system.
Any goods found to have bypassed the UNBS inspection and clearance process will be impounded, with responsible importers and agents facing legal action under applicable laws and regulations.
The agency also appreciated the cooperation of stakeholders in supporting compliance with mandatory inspection and clearance processes.
“We appreciate the efforts of all concerned stakeholders in facilitating the business community to comply with the mandatory imports inspection and clearance processes,” Eng. Kasigwa added.
This move reinforces the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety, quality, and environmental compliance of imported goods entering Uganda.