Manufacturers Urge UNBS to Expedite Product Certification Process

Manufacturers in Uganda are demanding a significant overhaul of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) to address what they describe as a dysfunctional system. Concerns have been raised about the bureau’s core mandate of enforcing quality standards being sidelined, leading to a rise in counterfeit and poor-quality products. This situation is reported to be eroding investor confidence and impeding industrial growth.

One of the primary grievances highlighted is the excessively long timeline for product certification. What should be a straightforward process can reportedly take over three years, with no guarantee of eventual approval even after repeated follow-ups. This protracted delay not only frustrates manufacturers but also forces some to release goods to the market without the necessary certification, or to abandon their ventures altogether.

Calls have been made for a comprehensive review of the UNBS Act to clarify the governance and operational roles within the organization. Suggestions include strengthening the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity to Standards (PVoC) program through electronic systems, artificial intelligence, and closer collaboration with customs and border agencies. The current reliance on third-party verification companies has also come under scrutiny, with questions raised about the legitimacy of some of these entities.

Representatives from the small-scale industries sector pointed out that inconsistent enforcement allows uncertified competitors to undercut legitimately certified businesses. They also emphasized the need for transparency in fee structures and the availability of standards documentation in local languages. Harmonizing standards with regional neighbours was also proposed to ensure Ugandan manufacturers are not disadvantaged in the East African market.

Lawmakers acknowledged these concerns, prompting discussions on how to make certification more affordable for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and addressing staffing shortages at UNBS to improve processing times. The need for equitable treatment of both local manufacturers and foreign investors was also stressed.