We are committed to streamline trade at border posts.

UGANDA - It's encouraging to see the proactive measures being taken by the Ugandan government, particularly the Department of Crop Inspection and Certification in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, to address challenges in the agricultural product trading sector. The collaborative efforts between government technocrats and the business community, as highlighted in the sensitization meeting organized by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) in partnership with the Uganda Maize Quality Project, are commendable.

Dr. Paul Mwambu's decision to direct agricultural inspectors to be posted at Matugga and Gulu by Friday, September 15th, 2023 after discussing operational arrangements with UNBS, demonstrates a commitment to streamlining the trade of agricultural products, especially maize, at border posts. This move should help reduce delays in the transportation of goods and contribute to smoother cross-border trade.

Furthermore, the intention to engage with the Uganda Revenue Authority to establish a one-stop center is a valuable step towards improving trade facilitation and efficiency, benefiting both producers and consumers.

Dr. Mwambu's call for all stakeholders to play their part in ensuring safe and quality food production and trade is a reminder of the collective responsibility we all have in promoting the country's reputation for quality. Enforcement of government laws is crucial in achieving this goal and ensuring compliance with relevant standards.

On the UNBS front, the Acting Executive Director, Daniel Richard Makayi Nangalama, highlights the agency's role in consumer protection through certification, enforcement, and monitoring activities. The issuance of guidelines and measures to combat illicit activities, uphold consumer safety, and meet international trade requirements is essential for maintaining the integrity of Uganda's agricultural products in the global market.

The notice regarding the South Sudan government's ban on Ugandan maize exports underscores the need for strict adherence to standards. The standards mentioned, such as US EAS 2:2017 for Maize Grains and US EAS 44:2019 for Milled Maize Products, provide a clear framework for exporters to follow. Establishing secure and appropriate yards for truck assembly and providing sealable trucks for sampled products demonstrates a commitment to product integrity and safety. Overall, these initiatives and collaborative efforts between government agencies, standards organizations, and the business community are essential for promoting the quality and safety of agricultural products in Uganda while facilitating trade and protecting consumer interests. It's a positive step forward for the country's agricultural sector.

The additional guidelines and requirements outlined by Daniel Richard Makayi Nangalama, the Acting Executive Director of UNBS, are essential for ensuring the quality, safety, and traceability of agricultural products, particularly maize, during the export process. These measures demonstrate a commitment to upholding industry standards and protecting consumer interests.

Here's a breakdown of the key points mentioned:

Handling Non-Compliant Products: Trucks that do not meet the required standards will be subject to further management following agreed-upon procedures. This ensures that substandard products are properly addressed and do not enter the market.

Ownership Documentation: Exporters are required to provide proof of ownership of the consignment, adding transparency to the export process. UNBS Certification Permit: Exporters must possess a valid UNBS Certification Permit, indicating that their products comply with the specified quality standards. Product Labeling: Exported products must have clear and indelible labels with specific information, including product name, manufacturer/packer details, brand name, batch number, net weight in SI units, storage instructions, "food for human consumption" statement, country of origin, date of manufacture, expiry date, and disposal instructions for used packaging. These labeling requirements are in accordance with relevant standards (Ref: US EAS 2, US EAS 44, and US EAS 38). Costs: Exporters are responsible for covering the expenses related to handling casual workers during the sampling process and the laboratory analysis of product samples.

Sampling Timing: Sampling activities are scheduled between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Responsibility for Sealed Trucks: The exporter is responsible for the safety and integrity of the UNBS seal, the sealed truck, and its contents throughout the transportation process.

Self-Policing: Exporters are encouraged to take independent responsibility for maintaining order and security of the sealed consignment. This promotes accountability within the export process.

Daniel Richard Makayi Nangalama's advice to exporters to ensure their products meet the required quality standards before presenting them for sampling is crucial. Any deviation from the guidelines, such as trucks disappearing from the parking yard or violations of the stated regulations, could lead to the nullification of the export arrangement by UNBS.

These guidelines and requirements are put in place to protect consumers, maintain product quality, and uphold the reputation of Ugandan agricultural products in both domestic and international markets. It is essential for exporters to adhere to these standards and cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure a smooth and compliant export process.