Uganda Customs — The Process
All goods imported into Uganda must be cleared by URA Customs through the ASYCUDA World system. Understanding the process saves time, money, and avoids costly delays and penalties.
Step-by-Step Customs Clearance Uganda
- Goods arrive at Mombasa port or Entebbe Airport
- Engage a URA-licensed customs clearing agent
- Prepare all import documents
- Agent submits import declaration on ASYCUDA World
- ASYCUDA selects into a lane: Green (auto-release), Yellow (documentary check), Red (physical examination)
- URA calculates import duties, VAT, and other taxes
- Pay assessed taxes via URA electronic payment
- URA issues release order — goods cleared
Documents Required for Uganda Import
- Commercial invoice (value, quantity, description)
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (sea) or airway bill (air)
- Certificate of origin (for preferential tariff claims)
- Pre-export verification certificate (PVOC) — for regulated goods
- Import licence for controlled goods (pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food)
Uganda Import Duties Calculation
| Tax | Rate | Base |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty (EAC CET) | 0%, 10%, or 25% | CIF value |
| VAT on imports | 18% | CIF + Import Duty |
| Withholding Tax on imports | 6% | CIF value |
| Infrastructure Levy | 1.5% | CIF value |