Stricter conformity controls for exports to Uganda
SGS outlines UNBS regulatory updates affecting certificates of conformity and pre-export verification requirements for goods entering the Ugandan market.
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SGS has issued a technical notice highlighting recent regulatory changes introduced by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) that affect documentation control and mandatory conformity assessments for products exported to Uganda.
Tighter controls on certificates of conformity
UNBS has clarified enforcement rules governing amendments to certificates of conformity (CoCs) used within the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme. Under the updated guidance, several CoC elements are no longer eligible for amendment under any circumstances. These include the certificate number, issuance date, product name, model or batch identification, product description, applicable standards, and declared quantities.
Any proposed correction to these elements must now be formally submitted to UNBS for review and approval before implementation. Changes made without authorization are classified as non-compliance and may result in regulatory action or contractual consequences. This clarification places greater emphasis on accuracy during initial certificate preparation.
Impact on exporters and supply chain processes
The revised rules require exporters and conformity assessment bodies to implement stricter internal verification procedures prior to CoC issuance. Errors that were previously corrected through amendments now risk delaying shipments if approval from UNBS is required.
SGS is supporting exporters by reinforcing validation steps during certificate preparation, with the objective of reducing rework and minimizing disruptions to export timelines under the revised enforcement framework.
Expansion of compulsory standards under PVoC
In parallel with the documentation changes, UNBS has published Legal Notice No. 14 of 2025, which updates the Schedule of Compulsory Ugandan Standards. The notice introduces 57 revisions, comprising 30 newly established standards and 27 amendments to existing ones. These changes take effect on January 1, 2026.
Products falling within the scope of the updated schedule will be subject to mandatory PVoC inspection prior to shipment. This expands the range of goods requiring conformity assessment and increases the regulatory coverage of the Ugandan import control regime.
Compliance planning and regulatory significance
The combined effect of stricter CoC controls and an expanded list of compulsory standards increases the importance of early compliance planning for exporters. Accurate product classification, correct standard identification, and complete documentation are now more critical to maintaining uninterrupted access to the Ugandan market.
SGS continues to monitor regulatory developments from UNBS and provides technical guidance, product evaluation, and conformity assessment services to support exporters during the transition period and beyond.
These updates reflect a broader trend toward tighter import controls and enhanced consumer protection, requiring exporters to align quality, documentation, and conformity processes more closely with national regulatory frameworks.
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