Customs clearing is the process of preparing and submitting all the necessary documentation to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to ensure imported or exported goods comply with legal and regulatory requirements. This includes calculating taxes and duties, verifying compliance, and facilitating cargo release from ports or borders.

Freight forwarding is the coordination and management of transporting goods from one location to another, often internationally. Freight forwarders organize the logistics — including booking shipping space, handling documentation, arranging cargo insurance, and selecting optimal routes (by sea, air, or road) — to ensure goods are delivered efficiently and safely.

At Tropical Clearing & Forwarding Ltd, we handle both: clearing your goods with URA and managing the transportation from origin to destination.

To clear goods into Uganda, the following documents are typically required:

1. Commercial Invoice – Shows the value, quantity, and nature of goods.
   
   

2. Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Air Waybill (for air freight) – Acts as a shipment receipt and evidence of the contract of carriage.
   
   

3. Tax Identification Number (TIN) – Registered with URA; every importer must have an active TIN account.
   
   

4. Packing List – Details how the goods are packed and the contents of each package.
   
   

5. ASYCUDA Declaration – The electronic customs form generated and submitted through URA’s ASYCUDA World system.
   
   

6. Inspection Certificates – For regulated goods, including PVOC (Pre-Export Verification of Conformity) for goods from certain countries.
   
   

7. Certificate of Origin – Required if claiming tax exemptions under trade agreements like EAC or COMESA.
   
   

8. Import Permit – For controlled goods such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, used items, or perishables.
   
   

Our team at Tropical ensures all these documents are in order, minimizing clearance delays and avoiding unnecessary penalties.

The total turnaround time depends on documentation readiness, type of cargo, and port conditions. Here’s a general estimate:

• Port release (Mombasa): 2–3 days (after offloading and payment of port charges)
  
  

• Customs clearance (Kenya/Uganda side): 2–4 days if documents are in order
  
  

• Inland transport to Kampala: 2 days
  
  

Estimated total time: 7 to 10 working days

At Tropical, we work proactively to reduce delays by pre-clearing goods even before arrival and ensuring smooth communication with both port authorities and transporters.

Uganda applies several taxes and charges on imports based on the nature, value, and origin of the goods. These include:

1. Import Duty – Typically ranges from 0% to 60%, depending on the product and whether it qualifies for exemptions under regional agreements (e.g., EAC or COMESA).
   
   

2. Value Added Tax (VAT) – Charged at a standard rate of 18% on most imports.
   
   

3. Withholding Tax (WHT) – Applied on the customs value of the goods, often at 6%, unless exempt.
   
   

4. Infrastructure Levy – Generally 1.5% of the customs value

5. Import Declaration fee(IDF)-  1%  levy that is charged on every import declaration that is assesed in the ASYCUDA  WORLD system
   
   

6. Excise Duty – Applied only to specific goods like alcohol, soft drinks, fuel, and cosmetics.
   
   

7. Environmental Levy – May apply to items like electronics or vehicles (especially used ones).
   
   

8. URA Processing Fees & Port Charges – Fixed fees per shipment.
   
   

📌 Example: If you're importing goods valued at USD 5,000, total taxes can range between 30–45% depending on the product code (HS Code).

Tropical helps clients determine exact taxes in advance and takes care of tax payment and URA assessments on your behalf.

1. Licensing & Registration
   
   

   • Ensure the agent is licensed by URA and registered with industry bodies like UCIFA or UFFA.
     
     

2. Experience in Your Cargo Type
   
   

   • An experienced agent knows how to handle specific items — e.g., perishables, cars, electronics, or medical equipment — and can avoid over-taxation.
     
     

3. Transparency of Charges
   
   

   • Reliable agents offer clear breakdowns of service fees, port charges, and tax estimates upfront — no hidden charges.
     
     

4. Tracking & Communication
   
   

   • Good agents offer regular updates on cargo status and are reachable throughout the process.
     
     

5. Network & Partnerships
   
   

   • A strong agent has good working relationships with URA, port officials, and transport companies for faster clearance and delivery.
     
     

At Tropical Clearing & Forwarding Ltd, we pride ourselves on professionalism, transparency, and timely service — giving our clients peace of mind while we handle the rest.

Wondering whether to ship by air or sea? This article breaks down the key differences, costs, speed, reliability and helps you choose the best freight solution for your cargo imports and exports in Uganda.

Air freight is the fastest way to transport cargo internationally. It usually takes between 2 to 5 days for your goods to arrive in Uganda from major cities like Dubai, Guangzhou, or Istanbul. This makes it ideal for urgent deliveries or time-sensitive products such as electronics, medical supplies, or samples. However, air freight is generally more expensive than sea freight, especially when transporting heavy or bulky items.

On the other hand, sea freight is a more economical choice, especially for bulk shipments. It typically takes between 20 to 40 days depending on the shipping route and port congestion. Sea freight is perfect for goods like furniture, building materials, stock for resale, or large personal effects that are not urgently needed. While it takes longer, the cost savings can be significant, particularly for businesses importing large volumes.

In summary, choose air freight if speed is your top priority and you're shipping small to medium-sized cargo. Choose sea freight if you’re looking for affordability and you're moving large or non-urgent items.

No matter which shipping option you choose, Tropical Clearing and Forwarding Ltd is fully equipped and ready to handle your cargo from start to finish. Whether it's by air or by sea, we ensure a smooth, efficient, and stress-free experience. Let us take care of the logistics so you can focus on growing your business.