The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has called on clearing agents to support importers in following proper inspection and clearance procedures. This is part of efforts to improve service delivery and ensure that all imported goods meet required safety and quality standards.

This message was delivered by UNBS Executive Director, Eng. James Kasigwa, while meeting with executive members of the Uganda Clearing Industry and Forwarding Association (UCIFA) at the UNBS head office in Bweyogerere.

Eng. Kasigwa expressed concern that some goods are entering the country without going through proper inspection by UNBS. He warned that such products pose health risks to consumers and also damage the local economy.

“Substandard goods unfairly compete with high-quality local products,” he said. “This affects Uganda’s goal of boosting exports, reducing imports, and growing local industries.”

To address this issue, UNBS is urging clearing agents to play a more active role in helping businesses follow the rules. They are also being asked to start using a new online portal that UNBS has introduced to make the inspection and clearance process faster and more transparent. This portal is integrated with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) system to ease coordination.

The UCIFA Chairperson, Mr. William Namutale, also encouraged clearing agents to take the lead in promoting standards for imported goods.

“As UCIFA, we serve as the bridge between UNBS and importers. We must work together to ensure fair trade and increase compliance with safety and quality requirements,” he said.

UNBS emphasized that protecting consumers from harmful products and supporting local industries depends on the full cooperation of all players in the import chain, including clearing agents, freight forwarders, and importers.