Uganda Revenue Authority has intensified enforcement on custom s bonded warehouse operators, rolling out sweeping compliance measures and warning that failure to implement or meet the required standards will come with automatic cancellation of operating Licenses.
The stance brings out a big shift in oversight of bonded facilities critical in Uganda’s trade system where imported goods are stored under control before duties are paid or goods are exported. Because taxes on these are suspended while in bond, bonded warehouses represent significant revenue exposure to government, make accountability and security central to Uganda Revenue Authority’s mandate.
According to the Public notice issued by Uganda Revenue Authority all Licensed customs bonded warehouses operators were informed of the enforcement measures to harness the operation and management of their bonded warehouses. “URA will monitor compliance through inspection and key performance indicators shall inform the renewal of the bonded warehouse license for 2927 and subsequent year and failure to comply will trigger enforcement measures including penalties and automatic cancellation of the license, the Public notice said.
The bonded warehouses are required to give staff identification where loaders and casual workers must be issued distinct uniforms and unique identification numbers, safety and accountability of goods and any loss , substitution or accounted goods constitute an offence, facilities and equipment must be maintained in adequate, functional and must support customs operations including examination of goods, record keeping and proper storage.