The Uganda National Bureau of Standards has launched an online portal for imports inspection and clearance that will result in faster clearance of goods at low cost to traders.

The $100,000 e-portal will enable importers and cargo clearing agents to have advance information on incoming cargo and an integrated system for disseminating status of import requests including results of laboratory analysis.

The portal is expected to result in 20 per cent reduction in transaction time and up to 15 per cent reduction in indirect costs associated with import inspection services from UNBS.

“The portal will save them time and money by providing an easy access to information, quicker lodging and approval of applications and import clearance certificates, easy access to various standards permits, and ease in monitoring business transactions,” said Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Amelia Kyambade.

Traders will be able to apply for Inspection Clearance Certificate, receive updates after each stage via email, bank payment advise, digital clearance certificates and more.

The database will also sensitise the traders on import/export requirements including import licensing requirements hence making them better informed of the import/export procedures.

It will form a critical component of the e-Single Window concept by providing a one-stop location for information required by traders.

“We expect that the portal will be a tool for raising level of awareness of the traders on the regulations and procedures of import/export business,” said Ms Kyambade.

The e-portal will reside on the Asycuda World – a Customs electronic clearance system used by Uganda revenue Authority. All other government agencies involved in import and export clearance processes will be linked to the same electronic system to have imports/exports cleared on-line.

Source: The East African

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