Basic information
Outline of the system
Import licensing (or certification) system is regulated by the External Trade Act. The licensing (certification) system is administered by the Directorate of Foreign Trade in the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Product coverage
Imports of all categories are subject to automatic licensing (and which are not on the Negative List of Banned Imports).
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Automatic import licensing (certification) is mainly for statistical and record purposes, handling of trade enquiries and guidance in decision-making.
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The certification system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The licensing system is operated under the External Trade Act requirements.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Authority exists to suspend the system whenever it is determined that such action is appropriate.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Notice of such action has to be published in the Government Gazette.
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for licences.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Directorate of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Trade and Industry
Address
Plot No. 6/8 Parliamentary Avenue, P.O. Box 7103, Kampala
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Ministry of Trade and Industry
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
A sample application form is available for reference in the Ministry.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
An importer is required to submit the following documents:
-Certificate of Registration or Incorporation of the company/firm;
- A trade licence (wholesale or retail).
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Application for a licence can be made any time during a working day.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or importation may be made.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Licences are always granted immediately on request.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Licences can be obtained within a shorter time-limit (2-3 hours) or for goods arriving at the port of entry without a licence.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
An importer has to approach only one administrative organ in connection with an application.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
There are no special conditions attached to the issuance of a licence.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Yes
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
There is a licensing fee or administrative charge of U Sh 1,500 per licence (about US$1.25).
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issuance of licences.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
None.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
The reasons for any refusal are given to the applicant in writing and normally relate to the goods on the Negative List of Banned Imports.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or importation may be made.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
There are no other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing requirements prior to importation.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
A licence is valid for six months from the date of issue and is automatically extended for a further six months. Thereafter the validity can be extended as and when the applicant so wishes.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of it.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Licences are not transferable between importers.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported, on payment of local currency equivalent.