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AGOA Guides and Infographics

Welcome to the AGOA Guides and Infographics page, where you can find valuable resources and visual aids to help you navigate the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Whether you are a business owner, exporter, or simply interested in understanding AGOA, our guides and infographics provide you with essential information in a clear and concise format.

 

Welcome to the definitive resource for businesses in Uganda, poised to seize the unparalleled opportunities that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) offers. Whether you’re an enterprising entrepreneur, an astute exporter, or a visionary leader, this is your gateway to unlocking a world of boundless trade possibilities.

In Uganda, AGOA is not merely a trade agreement; it stands as a transformative force that bridges continents, expands markets, and nurtures economic growth. It’s a catalyst that empowers African nations and swings wide open the doors for American businesses, establishing a symbiotic relationship that thrives on mutual success.

This isn’t just a journey; it’s a monumental expedition into the realms of trade prosperity and economic advancement. The path to harnessing AGOA’s potential is not for the hesitant; it beckons those who demand success and understand that precision in execution is non-negotiable.

Our AGOA Guides and Infographics page isn’t just a reference; it’s a command to conquer. Within these pages, you’ll find meticulous, Uganda-tailored instructions, comprehensive procedures, and invaluable insights. These resources will not only guide you but command your success in the realm of AGOA.

Step 1: Register Business

It is a statutory requirement that every business operating in Uganda be registered and/or fully incorporated. This registration is important for businesses and export-related transactions as it demonstrates the credibility and legality of the entity. The business registration process is managed by Uganda Registration Services Bureau.

To register a local company limited by shares, you need to reserve the company name and then file the following documents with the Registrar of Companies under the Uganda Registration Services Bureau:

  1. Companies Registration Form (s.18)
  2. Memorandum and Articles of Association (if any)
  3. Other company forms
  4. A1 – Statement of Nominal Capital

To register a local company limited by guarantee, you need to reserve the company name and then file the following documents with the Registrar of Companies:

  1. Company Registration Form (s.18)
  2. Memorandum and Articles of Association

When the documents are ready, complete a self-assessment using forms found at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau and pay the registration fees and stamp duty. Upon registration, the Registrar will issue a certificate of incorporation within two working days.

After the company has been registered, the following forms must be filled out (company returns):

  1. Form 20 – particulars of directors and secretaries (within 14 days)
  2. Form 18 – notice of situation of registered office and postal address (within 14 days)
  3. Form 10 – return of allotment (within 60 days)
  4. Annual return form for a company limited by shares (to be filed once every year)

A foreign company, meaning one which is incorporated in another country, must be registered to carry out business in Uganda.

To register a foreign company, the following documents must be submitted to the Registrar of Companies under the Uganda Registration Services Bureau:

  1. Certified copies of Memorandum of Articles of Association/Charter/Constitution and certificate from the country of origin duly witnessed
  2. Form 24 – particulars of directors and secretaries
  3. Form 13 – statement of all subsisting charges
  4. Form 25 – list of names and address of persons resident in Uganda authorized to accept services on behalf of the company
  5. Form 26 – address and principal office of the company

When the documents are ready, complete a self-assessment using forms found at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau and pay the registration fees and stamp duty. Upon registration, the Registrar will issue a certificate of incorporation within two working days.

Step 2: Prepare and Obtain Export Documents

Documents and authorizations required for export transactions include:

  • Documents and authorizations required for export transactions include:

    • Commercial Invoice: A bill given from the seller to the buyer of products, required for most imports into the U.S. The invoice must contain complete names and addresses, detailed product descriptions, quantities, Harmonized System (HS) codes, total values, country of origin, and a certification statement.

    • Bill of Lading or Airway Bill: A contract between the owner of the products and the carrier, necessary for proving ownership and arranging payment.

    • Export Packing List: Specifies the materials in individual packages and their weights in U.S. and metric values, helpful for customs officials at inspection points.

    • Certificate of Origin (non-textile): Indicates where products being imported were manufactured, produced, or grown.

    • AGOA Textile Visa (Textiles Certificate of Origin): Required specifically for textile and apparel products.

    • Manufacturers Certificate for AGOA visa: Required for AGOA benefits.

    • Phytosanitary Certificate: Required for plants and agricultural products.

     

A commercial invoice is the bill given from the seller to the buyer of products. It is required for most imports into the U.S. The buyer needs the invoice to prove ownership and arrange payment. It may also be used for the transaction of goods not intended for further sale, returned products, and goods intended only for temporary import, among others.

The invoice must contain the following information:

  • Complete name and address of the buyer or importer, seller or manufacturer, and the shipper.
  • Detailed description of the products with quantities and the Harmonized System (HS) codes of the goods.
  • Total value per item.
  • Country of origin, with reason for export.
  • Statement and signature certifying that the invoice is true.

Bill of Lading

The bill of lading is a contract between the owner of the products and the carrier. There are two types:

  1. A straight bill of lading, which is non-negotiable.
  2. The negotiable/shipper’s order bill of lading, which can be bought, sold, or traded while goods are in transit and is used for letter-of-credit transactions.

The buyer usually needs a copy of the bill of lading as proof of ownership to take possession of the goods. For air carriers, the bill of lading is known as an airway bill.

An export packing list specifies the material in individual packages and shows their net, legal, tare, and gross weights in U.S. and metric values. The export packing list is normally attached to the outside of the package in a clearly marked waterproof envelope. It is a useful document for customs officials who use it to check consignments at inspection points.

If the export uses wood packaging, the wood must be treated in accordance with the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) No. 15. The exporter must therefore liaise with the Department of Crop Resources in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries.

The certificate of origin is a document indicating where products being imported were manufactured, produced, or grown. It ensures that products originating in certain countries get the preferential treatment to which they are entitled. This applies to all products, except apparel which has a special stamp on the Certificate of Origin called “AGOA Apparel Visa.”

A certificate of origin is usually issued by exporting countries’ state agencies. It includes information such as contact information for the importer, exporter, and producer; the basis for which preferential treatment is claimed; and a description of the imported merchandise. Importers are required to have the certificate in their possession at the time of the claim and to provide it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers upon request.

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