By Diana N. Kintu
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has announced the enforcement of new guidelines governing the management of licensed customs bonded warehouses, in a move aimed at strengthening accountability, security and regulatory compliance.
In a press statement released by the authority, URA directed all bonded warehouse operators to introduce controlled access systems to record the identities of individuals entering the premises and the purpose of their visit. Staff and visitors accessing bonded facilities will also be required to wear reflector jackets at all times.
Under the new measures, loaders and casual workers must be issued with distinct uniforms and identification numbers. Warehouse operators are further required to maintain updated records of such workers, including their photographs and National Identification Numbers (NINs).
URA emphasised that all goods stored in bonded warehouses remain under customs control. Warehouse keepers are obliged to produce goods upon request by customs officials, and any loss, substitution or failure to account for goods will constitute an offence under Section 67 of the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA).
“Any failure to account for goods will attract penalties, payment of duties, and possible licence revocation,” the notice stated.
The authority also directed that bonded warehouses must maintain adequate facilities and equipment to facilitate customs operations, including proper examination of goods, accurate record-keeping systems and suitable storage conditions.
Compliance with the new guidelines will be monitored through regular inspections and the application of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). URA noted that performance assessments will inform the renewal of bonded warehouse licences for 2027 and subsequent years.
The authority warned that non-compliance would trigger enforcement measures, including financial penalties and automatic cancellation of licences.
All licensed bonded warehouse operators have been instructed to take immediate steps to align their operations with the new requirements.