Country Guide: Uganda

Due to the current coronavirus/COVID-19 situation and restrictions in various countries, the below information may not be accurate. This pandemic is a fluid situation. Check with authorities for local laws and restrictions concerning movements.

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Updated: June 19, 2018

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Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Original passport with entry stamp 
  • Packing list in English
  • Detailed valued inventory in English, dated, and signed by the owner of the goods
  • Tax identification number (TIN)
  • Invoice for all new items
  • Letter of employment / copy of contract
  • Original bill of lading  (OBL), Express release and telex release - 2 copies
  • Work permit
  • Original residence permit 
  • PRO6 for diplomats
  • Exemption letter (diplomats)

 

Specific Information

  • For all first arrivals by air, owner of the goods’ original passport with entry stamp and a letter of employment are required.
  • Diplomatic imported shipments are exempted from physical customs examination
  • Port wharfage is 1.6%
  • Returing residents should have a Residence Permit from abroad
  • Non-exemption qualified cosignees duties are 25% import duty, 18% vat and other taxes are 10%
    • Grace period is 7 days

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Original passport
  • Certificate of incorporation / registration for a company / organization
  • Original log book / registration certificate or cancellation
  • De-registration certificate for used cars / boats / motorcycles
  • Original invoice for new cars / boats / motorcycles
  • Road worthiness certificate from the origin country
  • Original bill of lading / telex release / air waybill
  • TIN
  • Interpol report confirming ownership needed for importation within Southern African countries only, not the whole of Africa
  • Pre-inspection is for Japan and Dubai only where there is TBS authorized dealers, the rest of the countries, inspection will be done in the country for US $250-400
  • Car older than 8 years and qualified for exemption will be charged dumping fees for 30% of the CIF value, there is no exemption for more than 3000cc cars.
  • Exemption letter and allocation of number plates (diplomats)

 

Specific Information

  • Returning Ugandans and non-diplomats can import one vehicle, which must be owned more than 12 months to qualify for exemption from duties and taxes.
  • Require a pre-shipment inspection COC certificate preferably from a company contracted by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards e.g. SGS, Intertek, JEVIC, EAAR, etc.

Pets

Documents Required

  • Vaccination record
  • Veterinary health certificate
  • Pet passport
  • Import permit issued by Ministry of Agriculture in Entebbe, Uganda

 

Specific Information

  • Electronic identification (e.g., microchip) is highly recommended.
  • Veterinary health certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian within 15 days of import.
  • Documents must accompany animal.
  • The pet passport must show proof against rabies and other disease and is free of disease communicable to humans; the rabies vaccination must be done at least 30 days prior to import.
  • Certain breeds of dogs are prohibited from entry; contact agent for details.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • The following items may qualify for free import within the limits indicated:
    • Cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, tobacco not exceeding 250 grams in weight
    • Spirits including liquor not exceeding 1L and wine not exceeding 2L
    • Perfume and toilet water not exceeding 500mL, in which no more than 250 mL can be perfume
    • Hunting weapons (authorization from the Ministry of Interior is required)
    • Endangered species and products made from them (permission from CITES required)
    • Tax will be paid on goods in excess of allowed quantity
    • New items
  • To qualify for duty free allowance a passenger must be 18 years of age or older
  • Items over the allowed quantity attract tax of their intended use (home use included)

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics
  • Pornography
  • Cultural artifacts and objects of cultural importance
  • Explosive materials
  • Some wildlife species

Consignment Instructions

Recommended:  Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

 

 


Cultural and Other Information

CIA World Factbook

Wikipedia Entry for Uganda





IAM Note: Customs regulations can change at any time with or without notice. This document is provided as a guide and for information only. While IAM has exercised reasonable care in publishing this document, IAM makes no representation, either expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or applicability.