KAMPALA – The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has introduced updated measures to streamline passenger baggage clearance procedures at Entebbe International Airport, effective July 1, 2024. These guidelines consider the East African Community Customs Management Act’s fifth schedule amendments, increasing the passenger baggage allowable limit from $500 to $2,000 for passengers outside the country for over 24 hours.
The changes aim to facilitate trade and ensure smoother customs clearance for all passengers. Robert Kalumba, URA’s Assistant Commissioner for Public & Corporate Affairs, emphasized, “We urge passengers to familiarize themselves with the new guidelines. These measures are not only aimed at facilitating trade but also ensuring compliance with regulations.”
Key aspects of the updated procedures include timely tax payment, baggage weight limits, and returning residents’ exemptions. Passengers arriving with goods subject to tax payment will undergo a simplified customs clearance process. However, taxes must be paid within two hours to avoid congestion. Failure to comply will result in baggage being transferred to the cargo terminal for further processing.
Additionally, passengers with goods exceeding 50kg will have their baggage transferred to the cargo terminal for normal customs clearance, requiring a tax identification number. This applies to items such as phones, shoes, perfumes, clothes, phone accessories, motor vehicle spare parts, and information technology equipment.
Ugandan residents returning after at least one year abroad will have their personal and household effects exempt from taxes, provided the goods were used and are for personal use in their previous residence. However, contraband items such as used refrigerators, used computers, and used televisions are not allowed into the country and will be forfeited to the state after payment of the applicable penalty.
It is essential to note that passenger baggage allowance applies only to accompanied baggage in the passenger’s name, excluding gifts or commercial items. Exemptions are subject to quantity limitations and fulfillment of conditions specified in the EACCMA, 2004, as amended.
Passengers must declare authentic receipts of purchase to benefit from passenger allowance exemptions. The law provides specific limits for passengers arriving from outside Uganda, including:
- Spirits: maximum of 1 liter
- Wine: maximum of 2 liters
- Perfumes and toilet water: maximum of 250ml
- Cigarettes, cigars, cheroots, cigarillos, tobacco, and snuff: total weight not exceeding 250 grams
By introducing these updated measures, URA seeks to balance trade facilitation with compliance and revenue collection. As Uganda’s trade activities expand, with 19 scheduled flights to major trade hubs, these changes will help mitigate potential non-compliance risks.
Passengers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new guidelines to ensure a smooth customs clearance process.