Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried
Industry PositionProcessed Agricultural Product
Market
Raisins (dried grapes, HS 080620) in Uganda are primarily an imported dried-fruit product, with import supply documented from multiple origins in UN Comtrade-derived trade data. In 2023, Uganda’s recorded imports of dried grapes were led by Türkiye, followed by the United Arab Emirates, China, Iran, and India by import value. Uganda’s national standards body (UNBS) publishes a compulsory Uganda Standard for raisins aligned to Codex STAN 67-1981, shaping quality and conformity expectations for imported product. Imports of goods covered by compulsory standards may be subject to Uganda’s Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) and entry-point inspections, which can materially affect clearance timelines and compliance risk.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supplied mainly by imports; limited evidence of significant domestic production or export role in trade statistics for HS 080620
SeasonalityRaisins are typically available year-round in Uganda due to shelf-stable storage and import-driven replenishment rather than local harvest seasonality.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Cleaned product (washed or unwashed) with defect control expectations (e.g., extraneous plant material, stems) consistent with Codex STAN 67-1981 / US CODEX STAN 67:1981.
- Import acceptance risk is sensitive to visible foreign matter, insect damage, and non-uniform or abnormal color/texture relative to type/style referenced in the standard.
Compositional Metrics- Moisture content is capped by type/style in Codex STAN 67-1981 (e.g., maximum 18% for most styles/types; higher maxima specified for Malaga Muscatel type and seeded (seeds removed) style).
Packaging- Bulk containers may be used for onward repacking into consumer-size packs; packaging should protect against moisture uptake and contamination during transit and storage.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas supplier/packer → (where applicable) PVoC conformity assessment in export country → sea freight to Kenyan port of Mombasa → overland transit into Uganda (Northern Corridor) → UNBS/URA entry-point document and physical inspection → importer/wholesaler storage → retail and foodservice distribution
Temperature- Ambient transport is typical, but dry, cool storage is important to maintain compliance with moisture limits and reduce spoilage/mold risk.
Shelf Life- Shelf-life and quality stability are sensitive to moisture uptake during storage and distribution; moisture-barrier packaging and dry warehouses are practical controls.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighUganda’s national standards body (UNBS) lists a compulsory standard for raisins (US CODEX STAN 67:1981). If imported raisins are non-conforming to the compulsory standard and/or lack required conformity documentation under UNBS import inspection and PVoC rules (e.g., Certificate of Conformity where applicable), clearance can be delayed or the consignment can be rejected or subjected to destination inspection.Align product specs and labeling to US CODEX STAN 67:1981, confirm whether PVoC applies based on product coverage and FOB value threshold, and ensure CoC/IDF/origin/shipping documents are consistent before shipment.
Logistics MediumAs a landlocked market, Uganda’s import lead times and landed costs can be exposed to congestion, corridor disruptions, or elevated inland transport costs on the Northern Corridor linking Uganda to the Kenyan seaport of Mombasa.Use buffer stock and schedule shipments with additional lead-time contingency; work with forwarders experienced on the Mombasa–Uganda corridor and maintain document readiness to reduce border dwell time.
Food Safety MediumQuality failures tied to moisture non-compliance, foreign matter, and defects can create entry or buyer acceptance risk, given that Codex STAN 67-1981 / US CODEX STAN 67:1981 define moisture caps and minimum quality requirements for raisins.Require supplier COA against Codex/UNBS moisture and defect criteria, use moisture-barrier packaging, and implement incoming inspection (visual defects/foreign matter) on arrival prior to distribution.
FAQ
Does Uganda have a compulsory standard for raisins?Yes. The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) publishes a compulsory Uganda Standard for raisins listed as US CODEX STAN 67:1981 (Standard for raisins), which aligns to the Codex standard for raisins.
Which countries supplied most of Uganda’s recorded raisin (HS 080620) imports in 2023?UN Comtrade-derived data (via the World Bank WITS portal) shows Uganda’s 2023 imports of HS 080620 (dried grapes/raisins) were led by Türkiye, followed by the United Arab Emirates, China, Iran, and India by import value.
When is a PVoC Certificate of Conformity (CoC) relevant for importing raisins into Uganda?UNBS import inspection guidance indicates that goods above USD 2,000 FOB that are covered by compulsory standards are subject to PVoC, and the importer must present a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) at the entry point. Because UNBS lists a compulsory standard specifically for raisins, importers should verify CoC applicability for their shipment.