(Entebbe) – The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has introduced updated procedures for clearing passenger baggage at Entebbe International Airport, effective July 1, 2024, to enhance compliance and efficiency in customs operations.
The new guidelines come in response to amendments in the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) that raised the allowable limit for passenger baggage from $500 to $2,000 for travelers who have been outside the country for more than 24 hours. It is important to note that this allowance applies only to baggage that passengers accompany and does not cover gifts, items intended for distribution to others, or goods for commercial sale. Additionally, items belonging to a company cannot be imported as accompanied baggage under this exemption.
Under Section 46 of EACCMA, passengers must declare their goods to URA officers and present authentic purchase receipts verifying the value of items intended for exemption. The allowance does not extend to goods sent by other individuals for delivery to third parties in Uganda. The exemptions are subject to specific quantity limitations and conditions outlined in item 5 of the fifth schedule of the EACCMA.
As Uganda increases its trade activities through 19 scheduled flights to major hubs including China, India, Dubai, and Turkey, there is a growing concern over potential non-compliance. Some passengers may attempt to disguise commercial goods as personal baggage to benefit from the exemptions. To address these challenges, URA has implemented these updated customs clearance procedures.
The key changes in passenger baggage clearance include:
- Timely Tax Payment: Passengers arriving with goods that require tax payments will undergo a simplified customs clearance process. Taxes assessed must be paid within two hours to prevent congestion. If passengers do not comply, their baggage will be moved to the cargo terminal for further processing.
- Baggage Weight Limit: Baggage exceeding 50 kg that contains items of commercial value will be transferred to the cargo terminal for standard customs clearance. Passengers will need to use their tax identification numbers for these goods. Items considered dutiable include phones, shoes, perfumes, clothing, phone accessories, motor vehicle spare parts, and IT equipment.
Specific limits are also set for certain goods brought into Uganda by travelers from abroad, including a maximum of 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine, 250 ml of perfumes and toilet water, and a total weight of 250 grams for tobacco products.
- Returning Residents Exemption: Ugandan residents returning after at least one year abroad may exempt their personal and household items from taxes, provided these goods were used and intended for personal use in their previous residence. However, certain items such as used refrigerators, computers, and televisions are prohibited and will be forfeited to the state after the applicable penalty is paid.
Robert Kalumba, URA’s Assistant Commissioner for Public & Corporate Affairs, emphasized the importance of these changes. He urged passengers to become familiar with the new guidelines, stating, “These measures are not only aimed at facilitating trade but also ensuring smoother customs clearance for all.”
