The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has cautioned clearing agents and consolidators against unauthorised releases and corruption tendencies, which frustrate UNBS efforts of curbing substandard imports on the market.

The remarks were made by the UNBS Imports Inspection Manager, Mr Martin Imalingat, during a sensitization meeting with clearing agents and consolidators held at the Entebbe International Airport.

“A good number of clearing agents and consolidators suspected to have been involved in unauthorised releases are in court and others have already been penalised.” Mr Imalingat added.

He further noted that UNBS requires all goods imported into the country to conform to the requirements of the respective Uganda standards for consumer safety and protection as well as ensuring value for money.

During the engagement, the UNBS Principal Inspector, Mr Samuel Tumwesigye, sensitised the stakeholders about the UNBS imports processes; Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVOC) and Destination Inspection (DI), to better service delivery.

The stakeholders were grateful for the engagement and asked for a solution to the delays in clearing goods entering the country.

Mr Tumwesigye hinted at the Uganda Electronic Single Window (UESW) Single Transaction Process (STP) that is to be rolled out by UNBS to make the clearing of imports as quick as possible.

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards has zero-tolerance to corruption.

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards is committed to developing, promoting and enforcing standards in the protection of the Health and Safety of the public and the Environment well as facilitating Fairtrade and Competition.