Uganda, as one of the fastest-growing economies in East Africa, has implemented strict import regulations to ensure the safety and quality of products entering its market.
Central to these regulations is the Uganda Certificate of Conformity (CoC), or in more accurate terms Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) program. All businesses exporting products subject to mandatory Ugandan standards must secure a certificate demonstrating compliance before shipment.
In this brief article, we’ll provide insights into the Uganda PVoC Program.
What Is the Uganda CoC (PVoC)?
The Uganda PVoC is a certification that attests the products exported to Uganda conform with the applicable Uganda standards. This certificate is an integral component of Uganda’s PVoC programme, operated by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). The UNBS has designated PVoC Service providers to issue certifications upon successful compliance.
Uganda PVoC Provider
As noted, the UNBS has selected service providers to assess goods at the country of origin and issue the Uganda PVoC upon compliance.
HQTS is an approved Uganda PVoC Service Provider, offering certification across various regions for exports to Uganda, including countries like India, the United Arab Emirates, China, and Vietnam.
Click here to seek guidance from our industry experts and facilitate your next shipment to Uganda.
Why Is the Uganda PVoC Important for Exporters?
The Uganda PVoC/CoC not only ensures goods are compliant with the Schedule of Compulsory Ugandan Standards but also offers several core benefits:
- The Uganda PVoC will help you get swift clearance of goods.
- Protecting the Ugandan market from substandard products.
- It saves cost for the importer through less re-exportation and product destruction issues.
What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?
It’s important to note that all goods covered by the Uganda Standards under the Schedule of Compulsory Uganda Standards must hold an Uganda PVoC. Shipping non-compliant products will result in a non-conformity report (NCR), and these products will not be allowed to enter Uganda.
What Products Are Exempt From the Uganda PVoC?
There are certain products thare are exempt from PVoC certification, but instead subject to inspection at the destination. These products include:
- Consignments with an FOB value under USD 2,000 (excluding motor vehicles).
- Goods profiled by Uganda as low risk.
- Specific government project commodities.
- Diplomatic cargo.
- Personal belongings of returning residents and expatriates.
- Religious literatures.
- Industrial machinery, farm equipment, and mining apparatus intended for manufacturing and not resale.
For any further questions regarding the exemptions, consult the UNBS directly. Alternatively, reach out to our experts at HQTS for guidance on Uganda PVoC.
How to Get Uganda CoC?
We’ve outlined the Uganda PvoC application steps earlier in our how to get Uganda PVoC Guide. Below is a brief summary of the overall application.
1. Preparation
Familiarise yourself with the standards, quality, and labelling requirements relevant to your product. Below is a list of products that require Uganda PVoC certification.
2. Contact an Approved Uganda PVoC Provider
Contact an authorised Uganda CoC provider, such as HQTS, to receive a comprehensive overview of the steps relevant to your product and company. There are four primary routes to consider, depending on whether you’re an occasional exporter, frequent exporter, high-volume frequent exporter, or a UNBS-registered consolidator as seen below.
3. Testing in Laboratory
Ensure products undergo testing in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory and obtain a test report. Make sure that you have an invoice for the consignment.
4. Inspection and Techincal Review
The Uganda PVoC agency will arrange a physical inspection of your goods. The inspector will gather documentation, adhere to a sampling plan, execute inspection procedures, take photographs, create an inspection report, and seal the container upon completion of the inspection.
Concurrently, the Uganda PVoC provider will review the technical files, inspection report, test reports, and other documentation related to your application.
5. Issuing Uganda PVoC
Upon satisfactory results and full compliance with Ugandan Standards, the Uganda PVoC service provider grants the Certificate of Conformity.
What Are the Uganda PVoC Fee?
Below is a general fee structure under Uganda PVoC as of July 2023. Note that inspection fees for used motor vehicles differ, and the table may be subject to updates. For the latest details, contact UNBS or your Uganda PVoC Service Provider.
Conclusion: Uganda CoC (PVoC Certification) for Exports to Uganda
The Uganda Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is a testament to an exporter’s conformance to the Uganda Standards. This certificate is mandatory for exporting regulated products to Uganda.
If you need assistance with the Uganda PVoC or have queries about the programme, contact HQTS. We are authorised by the UNBS as a Uganda PVoC service agent and can assist you in various locations worldwide.
