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The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Authority, represented by Commissioner General John Musinguzi, recently engaged with clearing and forwarding agents to discuss and emphasize adherence to newly established guidelines aimed at facilitating a smoother flow of trade.
Clearing and forwarding agents had raised concerns regarding the limitations imposed on the warehousing of goods imported for re-export. This prompted Musinguzi to address the matter directly.
Earlier this year, the URA introduced guidelines that restrict the warehousing of certain imported goods intended for re-export. Among the items affected by these regulations are cooking oil, biscuits, canned beer, tomato paste, sugar, and dry cell batteries.
According to Musinguzi, these measures are designed to safeguard the market for local manufacturers, as many of the restricted goods are produced domestically. Additionally, the decision stems from instances where traders have been found diverting goods imported for re-export from warehouses.
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Despite the rationale provided by URA, the new guidelines have not been universally embraced by clearing agents. Many have expressed their concerns and urged the authority to reconsider its stance.
Addressing a gathering of agents at the URA headquarters in Nakawa, Musinguzi appealed to them to comply with the revised guidelines and lend their support to the proposal for a central container depot.
He proposed the establishment of a centralized facility where all incoming goods would be meticulously cataloged, including descriptions, weights, and values, to be recorded in the government’s database. This meticulous documentation would ensure accountability and traceability, particularly for goods destined for warehousing.
Musinguzi elaborated that if the government can be assured that all incoming goods for re-export are accurately documented, it might reconsider its decision to restrict warehousing, as it would mitigate the risk of goods disappearing illicitly.
In his remarks, Abel Kagumire, the Commissioner of Customs, commended the clearing agents for their contributions to revenue mobilization. He pledged the authority’s commitment to providing further training to enhance their capabilities in the field.
| Restricted Goods | Reason for Restriction |
|---|---|
| Cooking oil | Protecting local manufacturers |
| Biscuits | Promoting local production |
| Canned beer | Supporting domestic industries |
| Tomato paste | Preventing diversion of imported goods |
| Sugar | Ensuring fair market competition |
| Dry cell batteries | Enhancing accountability and traceability of re-exported goods |
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