Market
Frozen raspberries in Uganda appear to be a niche product with both small import flows and small export flows recorded under HS 081120 (frozen raspberries/blackberries/currants/gooseberries). Recent trade data shows Uganda importing this HS category (notably from Belgium in 2023) and exporting it (primarily to the United Kingdom in 2024). Domestic availability is evidenced in Kampala specialty retail, indicating localized urban demand. Market access and commercial viability are highly sensitive to cold-chain integrity and to SPS/food-safety compliance and documentation expectations for export destinations.
Market RoleNiche exporter and importer (HS 081120 frozen berry category)
Domestic RoleNiche urban retail and foodservice product (observed in Kampala specialty retail)
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighMarket access can be blocked by SPS/food-safety compliance failures and documentation gaps; Uganda’s FFV sector has highlighted systemic compliance issues and large numbers of historical export rejections in premium markets, creating a high risk of detention or rejection for non-conforming consignments.Use MAAIF registration and phytosanitary processes, maintain batch-level traceability, implement ISO 22000/HACCP, and align pre-shipment testing and documentation to importer and destination-market requirements.
Logistics MediumCold-chain breaks (temperature abuse, thaw/refreeze) during multimodal transport and storage can degrade quality and elevate food-safety and rejection risk for frozen berries.Require validated cold-chain SOPs, temperature logging from pack-out to delivery, and contingency planning for power/reefer failures; contractually define temperature limits and claims procedures.
Food Safety MediumFrozen berries have been linked to viral contamination outbreaks (e.g., hepatitis A) in major importing markets, raising scrutiny of hygiene, worker health controls and traceability in berry supply chains.Strengthen hygienic design, sanitation, and worker health controls; validate water quality, enforce GMP/SSOPs, and conduct risk-based microbiological/viral hazard controls aligned with buyer requirements.
Labor And Social MediumUganda has documented worst forms of child labor, with agriculture a major sectoral concentration, creating ESG and legal exposure for export buyers if farm/packhouse labor practices are not controlled.Implement supplier codes, age-verification controls, grievance mechanisms, and third-party social audits focused on outgrower/farm labor and seasonal labor recruitment.
Sustainability- MRL (maximum residue limit) compliance and agrochemical stewardship expectations in export-oriented FFV supply chains (sector support/training highlighted by Uganda’s FFV apex body).
- Cold-chain energy intensity and temperature-control reliability risks for frozen products (quality loss and waste if temperature deviates).
Labor & Social- Child labor and forced labor risks are documented in Uganda, with agriculture identified as a major sector for child labor; exporters should apply robust due diligence for farm-level and packhouse labor conditions (especially if sourcing via smallholder/outgrower models).
Standards- ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management Systems)
- HACCP (US 130:2017)
FAQ
What HS code is commonly used to classify frozen raspberries in trade statistics?Frozen raspberries are commonly classified under HS 081120, which at the HS-6 level includes frozen raspberries and certain other berries (e.g., blackberries and currants).
Does Uganda import or export frozen raspberries?Yes, small import and export flows are recorded for Uganda under HS 081120. In 2023, imports were reported mainly from Belgium, and in 2024 exports were reported mainly to the United Kingdom; note that HS 081120 aggregates several frozen berries, not raspberries only.
Which Ugandan agency issues phytosanitary certificates for plant products exports?MAAIF states that Uganda’s National Plant Protection Organization function sits within the Department of Crop Inspection and Certification, and it issues phytosanitary certificates (including through ePhyto processes) for plant and plant-product exports that meet target-market requirements.
Which food safety certifications are available in Uganda that may support frozen-fruit exporters?UNBS lists certification services that include ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management Systems) and HACCP (US 130:2017), which are commonly used to demonstrate food safety management capability to buyers.