Uganda Imposes Cascara Specifications for Import Compliance

Uganda has introduced strict product specifications for Cascara imports, establishing mandatory quality standards to ensure safety and consistency in herbal product supply chains.

Compliance Requirements for Cascara Imports Under Uganda’s DUS 2466:2026

Uganda has established mandatory quality and safety standards for cascara (coffee husks and skins) imports through Draft Uganda Standard (DUS) 2466:2026, enforced by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). The regulation aims to ensure consumer safety, prevent deceptive practices, and harmonize trade by specifying technical requirements, testing methods, and labeling obligations for cascara products^{1, 2}.

1. Scope and Applicability

• Products Covered:

Cascara processed from fresh coffee beans, including coffee husks, skins, and coffee substitutes containing coffee (HS code 090190; ICS code 67.140)^{1, 2}.

• Geographic Scope:

Applies to all trading partners importing cascara into Uganda².

• Regulatory Authority:

Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is the responsible agency for enforcement, compliance monitoring, and handling stakeholder comments^{1, 2}.

2. Key Compliance Requirements

A. Product Specifications and Testing Methods

The standard mandates the following parameters and corresponding test methods for cascara imports:

Note: While the standard prescribes test methods, explicit numerical limits (e.g., maximum permissible levels for moisture, ash, or contaminants) are not specified in the provided sources. Importers must await the finalized DUS 2466:2026 or contact UNBS for definitive thresholds^{1, 2}.

B. Sampling Procedures

• Sampling Method:

US ISO 4072 (Green coffee in bags) applies for cascara sampling¹.

• Frequency:

Not specified; importers should adhere to UNBS guidelines or international best practices (e.g., US ISO 2171 for cereals/pulses)¹.

C. Labeling Requirements

• General Labeling:

Must comply with US EAS 38 (Labelling of Pre-Packaged Foods – General Requirements), including:

• Product name ("Cascara" or "Coffee Husk/Skin").
• Net weight/volume.
• Ingredient list (if blended with other substances).
• Country of origin.
• Batch/lot number.
• Expiry date (if applicable).
• Manufacturer/importer details¹.

• Additional Disclosures:
  • Any additives must align with US CXS 192 (General Standard for Food Additives)¹.
  • Allergen declarations (if applicable)¹.

D. Food Safety and Hygiene

• Hygiene Practices:

Importers must ensure cascara is processed, stored, and transported in compliance with US EAS 39 (General Principles of Food Hygiene – Code of Practice), covering:

• Sanitation and pest control.
• Temperature control (if applicable).
• Traceability and recall procedures¹.

E. Certification and Documentation

• Mandatory Documents:
  • Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by UNBS or an accredited body, verifying compliance with DUS 2466:2026².
  • Test Reports from accredited laboratories confirming adherence to specified parameters (e.g., microbiological, heavy metals, ochratoxin A)¹.
  • Import Permit (if required by UNBS or other Ugandan authorities)².
• Customs Clearance:

Cascara shipments must be accompanied by the above documents for verification by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and UNBS at the port of entry².

3. Timeline and Stakeholder Engagement

• Comment Period:

The draft standard (DUS 2466:2026) is open for public comments until 17 August 2026 (60 days from notification)^{1, 2}.

• Adoption and Enforcement:
  • Proposed Adoption Date: To be determined (TBD)¹.
  • Entry into Force: TBD; likely 6 months post-publication of the final standard².
• How to Submit Comments:

Stakeholders may send feedback to UNBS via:

• Email: info@unbs.go.ug
• Post: P.O. Box 6329, Kampala, Uganda
• Website:¹(https://www.unbs.go.ug)^{1, 2}.

4. Penalties for Non-Compliance

While the provided sources do not specify penalties, non-compliance with Ugandan standards typically results in:

• Rejection of consignments at the border².
• Fines or legal action under the Uganda National Bureau of Standards Act, Cap. 327 (e.g., for mislabeling, adulteration, or failure to meet safety standards).
• Blacklisting of importers or manufacturers for repeated violations².

5. Summary Table of Key Requirements

Summary Answer

Uganda’s DUS 2466:2026 introduces mandatory quality and safety standards for cascara imports, enforced by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). Key requirements include laboratory testing for contaminants (e.g., heavy metals, ochratoxin A, pathogens) using prescribed methods (AOAC 985.01, US ISO 15141, US ISO 6579), labeling compliance with US EAS 38, and adherence to food hygiene practices (US EAS 39)^{1, 2}. While the draft standard specifies test methods, numerical limits (e.g., maximum moisture or ash content) are not yet finalized¹. Importers must submit comments by 17 August 2026 and prepare for certification and documentation (e.g., Certificate of Conformity) upon enforcement^{1, 2}. Non-compliance may result in shipment rejection or legal penalties under Ugandan law². For definitive thresholds, stakeholders should monitor UNBS updates or request the finalized standard.

Sources

1. ↩ DUS 2466:2026, Cascara – Specification , First Edition https://docs.wto.org/imrd/directdoc.asp?DDFDocuments/T/G/TBTN26/UGA2411.docx
2. ↩ DUS 2466:2026, Cascara – Specification, First Edition https://docs.wto.org/imrd/directdoc.asp?DDFDocuments/T/G/SPS/NUGA490.docx