As global markets pivot from saturated giants to emerging trade corridors, Uganda—East Africa’s rising star—is stepping up its regulatory oversight to ensure quality, safety, and environmental stewardship.

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has revised its Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) framework in April 2025, tightening import compliance to align with regional safety standards and consumer protection measures. The move echoes East Africa’s growing prominence in global logistics and trade, following Kenya’s lead as a regional hub.

Timeline for Enforcement of Regulations

Effective Immediately (April 2025): All updated documentation and inspection mandates are now in force.

Temporary Waiver Period: From October 28, 2024, to April 27, 2025, select used products may temporarily avoid the 15% surcharge—after which full penalties apply.

Technical Points of Regulatory Updates

Document Accuracy Now Critical：

• All documents (invoice, packing list, test reports) must match exactly in product name, model, and quantity.

• Test reports must come from ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs and must be valid at shipment time.

• Errors or outdated reports can result in rejection or confiscation.

• Mandatory Pre-Shipment Inspection for Used Vehicles

• Applies to vehicles from Japan, UAE, UK, and South Africa.

Non-compliance results in:

• 15% CIF surcharge, plus

• USD 140 destination inspection fee

Know Your Route – Certification Pathways

BACL Technical Expert Advice：

Uganda is no longer a sideline player—it's a strategic market gateway. To avoid unnecessary costs and shipment disruptions:

• Ensure your test reports are current and traceable to ISO/IEC 17025 labs.

• Choose the right route (A, B, or C) based on your export frequency and compliance history.

• Prepare early for vehicle shipments, as inspections can cause delays if left to destination checks.

As an internationally authoritative third-party testing and certification organization, BACL can provides you with：

• Full PVoC document validation and inspection coordination

• Lab testing under ISO/IEC 17025

• Advisory on route eligibility and documentation accuracy

• Multi-market compliance (UG, KE, TZ) via East Africa regional strategy

BACL Services：

BACL can provide you efficient and reliable global market certification services, such as IECEE CB Scheme NCB and CBTL, United States(NRTL, FCC, ENERGY STAR), Canada(ISED, SCC), EU(CE), United Kingdom (UKCA AB & AOC), Northern Ireland(UKNI), Korea(KC), Japan(MIC), Singapore(IMDA),China Hong Kong(OFCA), China Taiwan (NCC, BSMI), Egypt (NTRA, GOEIC), South Africa(SABS), Vietnam (MIC), Saudi Arabia (SASO, CITC), Philippines (NTC), Thailand (NBTC), Malaysia (SIRIM), India(BIS, WPC, TEC)and other services to assure your products still smoothly entering into the international trade market even when the international trade barriers are becoming increasingly fierce.