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Government announces tough export rules to China

Peter 4th Oct, 2024 Agriculture Pedson Mumbere
Government announces tough export rules to China

VP Jessica Alupo (4l) poses with Uganda and Chinese Government officials at the signing of the two protocols in Beijing China on September 8, 2024. COURTESY PHOTO


The government has introduced stringent regulations that prospective Ugandan exporters must follow if their agricultural products are to be accepted in the lucrative Chinese market.

Frank K. Tumwebaze, the Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries minister, told journalists at a media briefing on October 3 that exporters must be registered by both his Ministry and the Chinese government under a new protocol that the two entities signed last month.

To facilitate the entry of Ugandan products into China, the government has introduced three key export procedures.

  • First, all prospective export companies must apply and register with the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC).

Secondly, intending exporters must formally express their interest to export to China in writing to the Permanent Secretary of MAAIF. The ministry will conduct a pre-audit on the export compliance status of the companies and subsequently recommend them to GACC for registration.

Additionally, the government is setting up a dedicated task unit comprising technical officers within MAAIF whose role will be to expedite the export registration process and ensure compliance with GACC regulations.

  • Tumwebaze said adherence to these procedures is essential for Ugandan traders seeking to tap into the expansive Chinese market.

“The goal is not only to increase our exports but also to ensure that we do so responsibly and sustainably,” Tumwebaze stated.

By following the outlined protocols, Uganda aims to enhance its trade balance with China while ensuring the safety and quality of its agricultural exports.

According to recent figures, Uganda's trade relationship with China has shown significant potential. In 2022, Uganda exported approximately 1.1 trillion UGX (about $294 million) worth of goods to China, while imports from China totalled around UGX5.2 trillion (approximately $1.4 billion), resulting in a trade deficit of about UGX4.1 trillion (around $1.1 billion).

Specifically, Uganda's fish exports to China have increased by 15% over the past year, reaching around UGX185 billion, while dried chilies are projected to have a market potential of approximately UGX370 billion (about $100 million) in China if all requirements are met.

  • During the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation last month, the Vice President of Uganda, H.E. Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo Epel, witnessed the signing of two pivotal protocols on inspection and quarantine and sanitary requirements for the export of dried peppers and wild aquatic products to China, paving the way for Ugandans two products, particularly fish, to China.
  • Tumwebaze said while the Chinese market is yearning for products such as Nile perch fillets, headless and gutted Nile perch, fish maw, fish skins, fish scales, and silver fish is enormous, many of these products are not being exported through official channels, which is a concern for the Chinese government.

“The signing of this protocol is crucial to ensure that all wild aquatic products destined for China are safe for human consumption and approved by Chinese authorities,” he said.

He added that with the combined efforts of the Government and the private sector including producers, processors, and exporters, Uganda is well-positioned to meet the demands of the Chinese market while upholding the highest standards of food safety and quality.

“When all actors in the agricultural value chain become sensitive to market requirements at various stages, they produce better quality and, therefore, more competitive products,” he said.

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