Uganda's Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) Program
Exporting to Uganda now requires a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for products regulated under the Uganda Pre-Export Verification of Conformity to Standards Programme (PVoC). This program, implemented by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), assures the quality and safety of imported goods, protecting consumers and facilitating trade.
Understanding the Uganda PVoC Program
The PVoC program verifies the conformity of regulated products to Ugandan standards before they are exported. This program, established under the UNBS Act of 1983, aims to safeguard consumers from substandard products and ensure that all imported goods meet national safety and quality standards.
Product Categories Subject to PVoC
The PVoC program covers a broad range of product categories, including:
Automotive Products
Chemical Products (including cosmetics)
Electrical and Electronics
Food and Food Products
Furniture (including wood and metal articles)
Mechanical Materials and Gas Appliances
Paper and Stationery
Protective Safety Equipment
Prohibited Products:
Certain products are prohibited from import under the East African Community Customs Management Act, such as:
Soaps and cosmetics containing mercury
Unauthorized articles using Armorial Ensigns or Coat of Arms
Distilled beverages with essential oils or chemical products
False money and counterfeit currency
Hazardous wastes and their disposal
Matches manufactured with white phosphorus
Narcotic drugs under international control
The Certification Process
The certification process for Country of Export Verification under the PVoC program is designed to ensure a streamlined and efficient path to compliance. Here’s a brief overview:
Submission of Documents: Required documents, such as a signed application form, test reports, pro-forma invoice, and packing list, are submitted to an approved inspection body.
Verification and Testing: The inspection body reviews the test reports and conducts necessary inspections.
Issuance of CoC: A CoC is issued upon successful verification, which must be uploaded to the Uganda Electronic Single Window (UESW) portal.
Final Validation: At Ugandan customs, the CoC is validated, and the shipment is cleared.
Why Choose MOSADAQAH for Your Certification Needs?
At MOSADAQAH for Government Facilities, we are your trusted agent in navigating the complexities of the PVoC program. Although we are not a certification body ourselves, we partner with authorized bodies to provide you with the best certification solutions, ensuring compliance in the most time- and cost-efficient manner. Our expertise and network allow us to facilitate a smooth certification process, helping you avoid potential customs delays and minimizing the risk of importing non-compliant products.
Technical Information
Certificate Validity: The Certificate of Conformity is valid for one shipment and for three months after its issuance date.
CoC Threshold: 2,000 USD
CoC – Shipment Invoice Relationship: One shipment invoice per Certificate of Conformity.
Routes Available: Route A, Route B, Route C, Route D
Applications: Preferably submitted through the UESW portal.