Importing commodities into Uganda: pre-shipment documentation

1. Importer's details

• Valid URA Tax Identification Number (TIN) certificate
• Certificate of Incorporation or Business Registration, where applicable
• Full physical address, telephone number and email
• Details of the authorised contact person for the shipment
• Letter of Authority appointing us as your Clearing and Forwarding Agent (appointment on the customs portal)

2. Commercial documents

Obtain these from your supplier:

• Purchase Order issued to the supplier
• Proforma Invoice
• Sales Contract, where applicable
• Final Commercial Invoice
• Detailed Packing List

Invoices should show supplier and importer details, detailed descriptions, quantities, unit prices, total value, currency, country of origin, Incoterm and package information — and must be consistent with the purchase order, packing list, proof of payment and transport documents. Inconsistencies may lead to customs queries or rejection of the declaration.

3. Transport documents

• Sea freight: Bill of Lading once issued
• Air freight: Air Waybill (AWB)
• Freight invoices or evidence of freight charges
• Consolidated cargo: Master (MBL) and House (HBL) Bills of Lading
• Container numbers, seal numbers and shipment details once available

4. Certificate of Origin

• Certificate of Origin from the supplier or competent issuing authority, supporting verification of the country of origin

5. Proof of payment

• Telegraphic Transfer (TT) or bank transfer confirmation
• Letter of Credit documentation
• Bank draft or other recognised banking documents
• Other evidence of payment or credit instruments

Proof of payment should match the transaction value on the Commercial Invoice.

6. Insurance

• Marine Cargo Insurance Certificate or Policy, where the cargo is insured

7. Regulatory documents (depending on the goods)

• UNBS / PVoC documentation or Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
• Import Permit or other statutory approval for controlled goods
• Phytosanitary Certificate for agricultural and plant products
• Fumigation Certificate where required
• Certificate of Analysis or product testing documents
• Health-related or sector-specific approvals
• Any other licence, permit or certificate required for the commodity

8. Information required before shipment

Why exact descriptions matter

We can't determine the full customs and regulatory requirements from a general description such as "commodities". If you plan to import "machines", for example, we need the type of machine, its function, model, condition, capacity, material composition and intended use. This lets us establish the correct classification and identify any additional permits.