UNBS launches e-portal to streamline import inspections and cut clearance delays

Under the UNBS Inspection and Clearance of Imports Regulation, 2022, all products covered by compulsory standards must undergo inspection before entering Uganda. Following inspection, goods are issued with an Import Clearance Certificate (ICC) before leaving customs-controlled areas.

According to Eng James Kasigwa, UNBS executive director, consignments accompanied by a valid Certificate of Conformity (CoC) and Certificate of Road Worthiness (CRW) will now be released unconditionally and without delays under the new system.

The e-portal offers several key features, including automated Certificate Issuance, enhanced transparency, and importers can track fees, inspection progress, and approvals via a personal dashboard.

Others are requests and approvals for Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) exemptions can now be submitted via a mobile app, streamlined sample testing – Automatic online submission and monitoring of samples for laboratory testing speeds up the process, improved turnaround tracking – where both government agencies and importers can track turnaround time (TAT) to reduce delays and enhanced cybersecurity & auditing.

Kasigwa noted that the improvements will reduce the cost of doing business, benefiting both government agencies and the private sector by making Uganda’s import processes more predictable and efficient.