The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has rolled out new measures aimed at streamlining passenger baggage clearance at Entebbe International Airport.
Effective July 1, 2024, these updates align with amendments to the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA), increasing the passenger baggage exemption threshold from USD 500 to USD 2000 for travelers who have been out of the country for more than 24 hours.
In a statement, URA highlighted that the exemption applies strictly to personal items in the passenger’s name and does not cover gifts or goods intended for commercial purposes.
“The passenger baggage allowance applies to accompanied baggage in the names of the benefiting passenger and does not apply to gifts or goods for distribution to other persons or items for commercial/for sale purposes,” the statement read.
Passengers are required to declare their goods to URA officials and present authentic receipts to confirm their value.
With the increasing number of flights connecting Uganda to major trading hubs like China, India, Dubai, and Turkey, URA noted a rise in non-compliance.
Some passengers have been disguising commercial goods as personal baggage to benefit from tax exemptions.
Robert Kalumba, URA’s Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs, explained that these new measures are designed to curb such practices while ensuring smoother customs clearance.
“We urge passengers to familiarize themselves with the new guidelines. These measures are not only aimed at facilitating trade but also ensuring smoother customs clearance for all,” he said.
The updated procedures also set strict limits on the weight of commercial goods that can be carried as passenger baggage. Goods exceeding 50 kilograms or with commercial value will be transferred to the cargo terminal for normal customs clearance.
These items include phones, perfumes, motor vehicle spare parts, IT equipment, and goods belonging to companies.
Passengers failing to pay taxes on dutiable goods within two hours of arrival will also have their baggage moved to the cargo terminal.
Returning Ugandan residents who have lived abroad for at least a year will be allowed to bring back personal and household effects tax-free, provided the goods are for personal use and not contraband.
However, URA warned that items such as used refrigerators, computers, and televisions are banned and will be forfeited upon entry.
URA has called on travelers to familiarize themselves with these changes to avoid inconveniences, emphasising that compliance will lead to quicker and more efficient customs processes at the airport.
