UGANDA – The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has initiated a batch sampling and laboratory analysis process for maize flour exports to South Sudan.
This effort aims to support trade between the two countries and aligns with UNBS’s mandate to ensure the quality of locally manufactured products, enhancing Uganda’s competitiveness in regional and international markets.
This activity comes in response to a directive from the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS), which requires all traders and clearing agents exporting goods to South Sudan to provide a Certificate of Conformity and a Certificate of Analysis from a reputable laboratory.
Eng. John Paul Musimami, the Deputy Executive Director – Compliance at UNBS, emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for trade.
UNBS has collaborated with millers exporting to South Sudan to meet the export market’s requirements, ensuring smooth business operations.
Certificates of Analysis were handed over to the first batch of maize exporters whose maize flour underwent laboratory testing. Traders expressed their gratitude to UNBS for its swift response and support.
Mr. Kabondo Jacob, the National Coordinator of the Uganda Millers’ Association, commended UNBS for its assistance and noted that the exercise to comply with South Sudan’s requirements has commenced.
He urged UNBS to streamline the turnaround time for laboratory testing and analysis from two days to one day.
He also encouraged fellow traders to embrace UNBS’s temporary solution for exporting maize flour and grains to South Sudan.
Compliance with standards
UNBS has advised all maize grain and flour exporters to obtain copies of essential maize standards and adhere to specified requirements.
These standards include; US EAS 2:2017, Maize Grains — Specification (3rd Edition); US EAS 44:2019, Milled Maize (Corn) Products — Specification (4th Edition); US EAS 38:2014, Labelling of Pre-Packaged Foods – General Requirements.
Specified requirements encompass various aspects, such as providing a secure and motorable yard for truck sampling, using sealable trucks for sample custody, labeling products according to standards, and bearing the costs of handling casual workers during sampling and laboratory analysis.
The sampling process occurs between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm EAT, and exporters are responsible for ensuring the safety of UNBS seals, sealed trucks, and their contents.
UNBS emphasized the importance of self-policing, with exporters independently responsible for maintaining order and security of sealed consignments.
Non-compliance with the guidelines or any violations may result in the nullification of the entire exercise, and UNBS reserves the right to withdraw from the arrangement in such cases.
Through these measures, UNBS aims to facilitate trade while upholding product quality and safety standards, ultimately strengthening Uganda’s economy and trade relations with South Sudan.
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