Regulated goods shipped to Uganda must be verified before they leave India under the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme. They then travel with a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by an appointed inspection body. Goods that arrive without one face destination inspection, penalties, delays or rejection. Uganda is landlocked, so most goods pass through Mombasa or Dar es Salaam, which makes correct paperwork essential. Global Approbation handles testing, inspection and the CoC from India.
UNBS PVoC at a Glance
| Regulator | Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) |
|---|---|
| Certificate | Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued before shipment by a UNBS-appointed PVoC service provider |
| Route A | Test and inspect each consignment; best for occasional exporters |
| Route B | Product registration for regular exporters of consistent products, with shipment inspections |
| Route C | Product licensing for manufacturers with a quality management system and factory audit |
| 2026 update | Legal Notice No. 14 of 2025 added 30 new and 27 amended compulsory standards from 1 January 2026, and key CoC fields can no longer be amended without UNBS approval |
| Without a CoC | Destination inspection, penalties, delays or rejection at the port |
Products Commonly Certified
- Electrical & electronic goods
- Auto parts, tyres & batteries
- Building & construction materials
- Steel & metal products
- Textiles, garments & footwear
- Toys & children’s products
- Plastics & packaging
- Chemicals, paints & cosmetics
How Global Approbation Handles Uganda PVoC
- Classification. HS code and Uganda compulsory standard confirmed.
- Request for Certificate. RFC lodged with the PVoC provider covering India.
- Testing. Samples tested, or accredited reports reviewed.
- Inspection. Pre-shipment inspection, and sealing where required.
- CoC. Certificate issued and shared with your importer for clearance.
Uganda PVoC: Frequently Asked Questions
Is a CoC required for every shipment to Uganda?
Yes, for regulated products. Each consignment needs a valid CoC unless it is exempt. Registration and licence routes make this faster and cheaper for regular exporters.
Who issues the CoC for goods from India?
A UNBS-appointed PVoC service provider covering India, after testing and inspection.
Can I use my Kenya PVoC test reports?
Often, yes. East African standards are closely aligned, so accredited test data used for Kenya can frequently support Uganda certification. Each country still issues its own CoC.
What changed for Uganda in 2026?
From 1 January 2026, 57 changes to Uganda’s compulsory standards (30 new, 27 amended) took effect, and UNBS locked key CoC fields such as product, model, quantities and standards against unapproved changes.
Regulations, standards and deadlines change. Scope, testing route and timelines are confirmed product by product after our applicability review. Global Approbation is a consultancy and does not itself issue certificates; approvals are granted by the relevant authority, accredited laboratory or certification body.