Uganda is a lucrative and fast-growing market in East Africa. However, for those seeking to export goods to Uganda, it is essential to take note of the country’s inspection and verification program.
All regulated goods covered under the Uganda Pre-Export Verification of Conformity to Standards Programme (PVoC) need to hold the PVoC Certification from the country of origin. This also includes specialised equipment and materials used in oil and gas projects under the Petroleum Authority of Uganda under the PAU PVoC prgram.
HQTS has been officially appointed as provider of Uganda PVoC and PAU PVoC by the ugandan authorities. In this short article, we will guide you through the steps to apply for Uganda PVoC certificate and PAU PVoC for oil and gas equipment.
Table of Contents
What Is the PVoC program in Uganda?
The Uganda Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) is a inspection and verification program implemented by the UNBS. The program’s primary objective is to ensure that the products placed on the Ugandan market uphold safety and quality standards.
The UNBS has appointed six authorised inspection agents, such as HQTS, to assist with conformity assessment activities and issue the PVoC certificate.
Regulated Products in Uganda
The Uganda PVoC program covers a wide range of product categories, including:
- Toys
- Electrical and electronics, including solar panels and systems
- Automotive products and inputs
- Chemical commodities
- Mechanical materials and gas appliances, including construction materials and items
- Textile, leather, plastic, and rubber
- Furniture, including wood and metal articles
- Paper and stationery
- Protective safety equipment
- Food and food products
- Used commodities, including used motor vehicles
How to Get Uganda PVoC Certificate
There are four main routes, depending on the product category and the type of exports.
In this article, we will focus on route A for occasional exports.
1. Determining Applicable Standards in Uganda
Before initiating the PVoC application process, it is important to identify the specific standards and technical regulations applicable to your product category in Uganda. If you have any questions related to this, it is advisable to contact UNBS directly or an inspection agency like HQTS.
2. Contact UNBS Approved Inspection Agency
The next step is to directly approach one of the UNBS-approved inspection agencies in the country of origin. You can find the list of approved UNBS inspection agencies here.
You will first need to test your products in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory and later provide the required documents for the Uganda PVoC application process. These documents will include, at least:
- Product details with HS Code
- Test report
- Supplier quality certificates
- Product identity declaration form
3. Technical Review
The inspection agency will review the documents, create an Initial Assessment Form (IAF), and coordinate a time to conduct a physical inspection of your goods.
4. Uganda Inspection
The physical PVoC inspection will take place during the loading stage. The inspector will take a sample of the goods and verify them based on criteria such as:
- Packaging/Labeling: For example, check if the packaging and labeling contains the product information, supplier name, batch number, production date, expiry date, etc.
- Visual Check: The products will be checked for any visible damages.
- Loading Process: Supervise that the goods are packed well and not damaged during the packaging process.
- Photographs: Take photographs of the product, including its packaging, labeling, and markings.
5. Issuance of Uganda PVoC Certificate
Once everything is found to be in compliance with Uganda’s standards and technical regulations, the container will be sealed, and the Uganda PVoC Certificate will be issued.
All commodities subject to regulation and imported into Uganda are required to undergo inspections and verification to ensure compliance with the Uganda PVoC program. It is crucial to adhere to this program to avoid any complications in the clearance of goods.
In this article, we outlined some of the key steps how you can complete the Uganda PVoC programme. In any doubt, please feel free to contact us at HQTS. As an approved inspection agency by UNBS, HQTS is well-equipped to assist you throughout the Uganda PVoC application process.
What is the Uganda Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PAU-PVoC) Program for the Oil and Gas Sector
The Uganda Petroleum Authority (PAU) and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards have implemented a Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) Program for specialised equipment and materials used in oil and gas projects.
HQTS has been officially appointed by the Uganda Petroleum Authority as one of the few PAU PVoC service providers for the Tilenga, Kingfisher and EACOP projects.
Products falling within the scope of the Uganda PVoC Program are required to undertake an pre-export verification of conformity assessment in the country of origin by an approved service provider.
The Uganda Oil and Gas PAU PVoC Program
The Uganda Oil and Gas PVoC is a conformity assessment program for materials and equipment in the oil and gas industry. Products falling under the compulsory Uganda Standards must undergo conformity assessment activities, including inspection and testing at the country of origin, through an authorised Uganda PAU PVoC Provider.
A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) will be issued by the service provider upon demonstrating compliance with the applicable Uganda standards.
Why Choose HQTS for Uganda PVoC?
HQTS has signed an agreement with the Uganda PAU and UNBS to undertake PVoC services for imported oil and gas equipment and materials destined for Uganda. HQTS can help you conform to Ugandan standards and experience a seamless export to Uganda.
- HQTS is a contracted Uganda PVoC and Uganda PAU PVoC Service Provider.
- Fast, flexible, and reliable services for all your Uganda product compliance needs.
- 25+ global offices, including a presence in Kampala, Uganda.
- Over 25 years of experience in quality assurance.
- A dedicated team to assist at every step of the application process.
- In-depth industry knowledge of national and international standards.
Are you exporting oil and gas equipment and materials to Uganda? Contact us today to learn more about our Uganda PVoC services for Oil and Gas projects in Uganda.
