Uganda Import Procedure

Total Steps: 10
Documents (Approx): 16
Bodies / Agencies:
  • Ministry of Agriculture
  • National Seed Certification Services Unit
  • Plant Quarantine & Inspection Services Unit
  • Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)

  1. Pre-Clearing Procedure

  2. Register as a Seed Dealer

    Body in charge: Ministry of Agriculture, National Seed Certification Services Unit
    Documents: Seed Merchant Form
    Cost: UGX 200,000 annually | Time: 7 days

  3. Notice to Import Seeds

    Body in charge: Ministry of Agriculture
    Documents: Proforma Invoice
    Cost: Nil | Time: 1 day

  4. Obtain Plant Import Permit

    Body in charge: Ministry of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine & Inspection Services Unit
    Documents: Proforma Invoice, Notice to Import
    Cost: Nil | Time: 1 day

  5. Apply for a Seed Import Certificate

    Body in charge: Ministry of Agriculture, National Seed Certification Services Unit
    Documents: Proforma Invoice, Notice to Import, GMO-free certificate (if applicable)
    Cost: UGX 5,000 | Time: 1 day

  6. Contract a Clearing Agent

    Body in charge: URA (licensed clearing agents)
    Documents: N/A
    Cost: Based on agent | Time: N/A

  7. Obtain Consignment Documents (UCR & IDF)

    Body in charge: Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)
    Documents: Commercial Invoice, Seed Import Permit
    Cost: Nil | Time: 1 day

  8. Clearing Procedure

  9. Forward Cargo Clearance Documents to Agent

    Body in charge: Importing Company
    Documents: Phyto from origin, ISTA Certificate, COMESA Certificate, Packing List
    Cost: Nil | Time: Dependent on importer

  10. Declare Consignment & Pay Taxes

    Body in charge: Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)
    Documents: UCR, Import Permit, Invoice
    Cost: Nil | Time: 10–20 minutes

  11. Plant Quarantine Physical Inspection

    Body in charge: Ministry of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine & Inspection Services Unit
    Documents: Import Permit, Phytosanitary Certificate, Notice to Import (SR14), ISTA Certificate, Invoice, Certificate of Origin
    Cost: Nil | Time: 1 day

  12. Physical Release of Consignment

    Body in charge: Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)
    Documents: N/A
    Cost: Nil | Time: 7 days