By URN
Traders who import uninspected used goods will now not pay a surcharge, following its waiver by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards.
The standards body says the six-month waiver of the 15 percent Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) surcharge targets all used goods under the General Goods Category.
The move is aimed at addressing the challenges that are encountered in implementing the Cross Border Trade on Second Hand Goods standard (US ISO 2004:2017).
The policy adjustment is therefore aimed at easing the importation of used commodities and takes effect October 28, 2024, for the next six months, till April 27 next year.
However, the move excludes those products that are covered under three standards including US EAS 356:2019 (Used Textiles), US EAS 386:2020 (Used Footwear) and US EAS 845:2017 (Used Road Vehicles).
This is aimed at ensuring that the textiles and footwear meet acceptable standards and that the used vehicles are roadworthy.
“UNBS has noted the need to put in place a framework to address the challenges met in the implementation of US ISO 2004:2017; Cross Border Trade on Second Hand Goods standard,” says James Kasigwa, the Executive Director, UNBS.
Now all consignments of used goods shall be subjected to Destination Inspection during the period.
Eng Kasigwa says that for used earth-moving equipment and used cranes, previous registration and supporting documents shall be required to treat such a consignment as a used commodity.
Uganda implements strict import regulations to ensure the safety and quality of products entering its market, compelling all businesses exporting products subject to mandatory Ugandan standards to secure a certificate demonstrating compliance before shipment.
The 15 percent PVoC surcharge is a penalty imposed by UNBS on goods Shipped into the country without a Certificate of Conformity (CoC), on top of the importer paying inspection and laboratory fees.
The surcharge is based on the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of the goods.
The PVoC program is aimed at ensuring that products meet regulatory standards and are of good quality.
Unregistered goods (Category A) carry a PVoC inspection fee of 0.5 percent of the Free on Board (FOB) value of the product, with a minimum fee of 235 Dollars, while registered goods (Category B) are charged at 0.45 percent.
In real figures, however, the maximum fee is 3,000 dollars.
The certificate of conformity (CoC) is a document that verifies that imported goods are in line with the applied regulations and standards of the destination country.
The documentation required for PVoC inspections varies depending on the type of product being assessed, but it can include duly filled application forms, technical specifications, and test reports from an accredited laboratory.
The PVoC agent performs PVoC inspections by checking the conformity of products with the relevant standards and regulations through visual inspections, sample testing, and review of conformity documents.
The turnaround time for PVoC services with agents varies depending on the type of product being assessed, but once all requested conformity documents are submitted by the applicant, inspection is scheduled within two days.
Apart from inspection, other fees charged may include testing fees, loading supervision container sealing costs, and registration and licensing costs.
“Importing non-compliant products can result in significant financial losses due to customs delays, fines, and even product recalls. It can also damage a company’s reputation and lead to legal issues,” says Tuv Rheinland, one of the six PVoC agencies contacted by UNBS.
Some products may be exempt from PVoC services such as those intended for personal use or those covered under specific trade agreements, however, for all those exemptions an official communique by UNBS has to be obtained.
The companies contracted to conduct PVoC services on behalf of Uganda are SGS Uganda Limited, TÜV Rheinland Middle East FZE, Intertek International, QISJ Uganda, Helmsman Quality_And Technology Services Co., Ltd. (HQTS), Bureau Veritas Uganda
