By Mulengera Reporters
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has announced that, starting February 1, 2026, a wide range of imported goods will no longer require pre-clearance approval from the office of the Commissioner of Customs. The agency said this change aims to improve efficiency, reduce delays at customs, and make it easier for businesses to bring in goods.
According to the URA notice, importers and licensed customs agents are now allowed to declare eligible goods directly in the ASYCUDA Customs clearance system. They are required to submit documentation to support their claims for tax exemption. The Customs Document Processing Centre (DPC) will validate and process these declarations in accordance with the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) 2004, as amended, and the VAT Act Cap. 349.
The URA explained that the list of goods exempted from pre-clearance is available online, and importers are encouraged to use it as a guide when making declarations. The agency emphasized that while the list provides guidance, it does not replace written law or regulations and should be cross-referenced with the relevant legislation.
The public notice also provides several channels for inquiries. Taxpayers can visit any URA office, send an email to [services@ura.go.ug] (mailto:services@ura.go.ug), call the toll-free lines 0800117000 or 0800217000, or use WhatsApp at 0772140000. Standard toll lines 0417-444602 and 0417-444603 are also available.
The URA said that the removal of pre-clearance requirements is part of its ongoing efforts to improve trade and support businesses in Uganda. By cutting unnecessary procedures, the authority aims to speed up imports, streamline customs operations, and create a more business-friendly environment.
This initiative is part of the agency’s broader mission of “Developing Uganda Together” and represents a key step toward modernizing the country’s import system and reducing administrative bottlenecks at customs. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
