Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormShelf-stable (canned/aseptic)
Industry PositionProcessed Food Product
Market
Tomato paste in Uganda is primarily supplied through imports, with UN Comtrade data (via World Bank WITS) showing 2023 imports for HS 200290 and notable sourcing from Italy and China. The same dataset reports outward trade of HS 200290 mainly to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, indicating a regional redistribution/re-export pattern alongside domestic consumption. Market access and continuity of supply are tightly linked to import clearance and conformity requirements administered by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), including PVoC documentation and import clearance steps for goods under compulsory standards. As a shelf-stable staple ingredient, tomato paste is used widely in household cooking and foodservice, and is available year-round with supply driven more by trade logistics than local seasonality.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market with regional re-export activity
Domestic RoleWidely used cooking ingredient for households and foodservice; supply is largely import-led with limited visible local branded production.
SeasonalityShelf-stable tomato paste is available year-round; availability is driven by import and distribution logistics rather than harvest seasonality.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Homogeneous (evenly divided) texture characteristic of the product
- Fairly good red colour and good flavour/odour are expected quality characteristics (Codex STAN 57-1981).
Compositional Metrics- Natural total soluble solids: tomato paste ≥24% (Codex STAN 57-1981)
- pH must be below 4.6 (Codex STAN 57-1981)
Packaging- Retail metal cans (commonly observed in 400g and 800g sizes in Uganda e-commerce listings)
- Multipacks/cartons for wholesale distribution
- Non-retail containers for repacking or further processing (allowed under Codex STAN 57-1981 when appropriately labelled)
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas processing/packing → international freight → inland transit to Uganda → UNBS/URA clearance → wholesalers → retail and foodservice
- Cross-border distribution onward to neighboring markets is reflected in HS 200290 export statistics (UN Comtrade via World Bank WITS).
Temperature- Ambient, shelf-stable transport; protect from prolonged heat exposure that can stress packaging and degrade quality.
Shelf Life- Shelf-life is strongly dependent on packaging integrity and storage; once opened, product is perishable and requires refrigeration and rapid use.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighShipment clearance can be blocked or severely delayed if the consignment is subject to UNBS compulsory standards and arrives without a valid PVoC Certificate of Conformity (CoC) and/or fails UNBS import inspection and clearance steps at the entry point.Confirm whether the SKU/HS code is under compulsory standards, secure the UNBS-recognized CoC pre-shipment under PVoC where applicable, and align labeling and documents to UNBS requirements before dispatch.
Logistics MediumAs a landlocked market reliant on multimodal corridors, tomato paste imports are exposed to freight-rate swings, inland trucking constraints, and demurrage risks when border/agency clearance is delayed.Build lead-time buffers, use shipment tracking, pre-clear documents early, and consider release/inspection workflows that reduce port and border dwell times.
Trade Policy MediumDuty liability and landed cost can change if EAC tariff measures are revised or if country-specific stays of application are introduced for processed tomato products, impacting importer pricing and demand.Monitor EAC/URA tariff updates for HS 2002.90 and structure contracts with tariff-change clauses where feasible.
Labor & Social- Compliance and enforcement focus on preventing trade in substandard goods increases reputational and disruption risk for importers relying on informal channels without robust supplier assurance (UNBS mandate and import inspection framework).
FAQ
Which HS code is commonly used for tomato paste trade statistics and tariffs in Uganda?Tomato paste commonly falls under HS 2002.90 (prepared or preserved tomatoes, other than whole or in pieces). Uganda’s published EAC CET schedules list HS 2002.90.00 for “Other” prepared/preserved tomatoes, which includes tomato paste.
What are the key import compliance documents to prepare for tomato paste entering Uganda?Commonly referenced documents include an import entry/Import Declaration Form, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin when needed. For regulated goods under UNBS compulsory standards, a PVoC Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is a core requirement highlighted by UNBS for import clearance.
How does Codex define tomato paste versus tomato puree?Codex STAN 57-1981 defines “tomato paste” as processed tomato concentrate with at least 24% natural total soluble solids (measured without added salt), while “tomato puree” is below that threshold (7% to under 24%).