By the end of July, all coffee export processes will be digital, the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) has said.
According to the coffee regulator, exporters will apply for export licenses, contract registrations, pre-shipment inspection requests, loading inspection requests, and CESS payment online, eliminating any delays for export companies.
“To enable a smooth transition for exporters to enroll onto the Uganda Electronic Single Window, Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) in partnership with Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) trained coffee exporters over three weeks,” the regulator stated.
The training was open to all coffee exporters.
Mr. Nicholas Ssesinde, the Manager Information Systems at UCDA, said the system will simplify the export process and save time since exporters do not need to physically visit UCDA to deliver export documents as has been the practice.
“The system is simple to use and everything can be handled by a click on a computer,” Ssesinde said.
Process
Exporters will upload all the necessary export documents online.
The documents will then be verified by UCDA staff who will provide immediate feedback.
“Imagine, in the past, some exporters had to travel long distances to submit export documents to UCDA and in case the documents had issues, the exporter had to travel back. This will be no more. The system eliminates back and forth processes which are a cost to export companies and hindrances to trade,” says Mr. Ssesinde.
Rogers Wasibi, General Manager Mt. Elgon Coffee and Honey Cooperative who travelled from Mbale in the eastern region to attend the training said that the system is a welcome initiative that will ease the way they do business.
“As a newly-registered coffee export company, we are glad that this system has come at such a time. We have been having challenges of travelling to Kampala every time we need to conduct business with UCDA. This simplifies the processes,” Wasibi noted.
Uganda’s coffee exports have risen significantly hitting 6.13 million bags worth $1.14 billion for the twelve months (July 2023-June 2024).
The growth in exports requires an efficient system that can handle the export demands.
The single window system is a trade facilitation initiative that enables coffee exporters and value chain actors to submit regulatory documents such as contracts, clearance certificates and licenses online.
It enhances efficiency and reduces the time taken to clear coffee by enhancing the sharing and exchange of information between private sector stakeholders and UCDA.
The system will operate 24/7, providing exporters a seamless service.