URA engages clearing agents on new export tax system

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has conducted a training session for clearing agents and declarants today at its Nakawa headquarters, focused on the upcoming export fiscalisation process.

The session centered on the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System (EFRIS) and its crucial role in the automation of export invoices, linked with the ASYCUDA system. The goal is to improve taxpayer services and enhance revenue collection for Uganda’s growing economy.

The training addresses key communication gaps in export and domestic tax systems, particularly the challenges of determining taxpayers’ turnover and gathering feedback on improving URA’s processes. It comes ahead of the planned roll-out of the system, which will affect exports to non-East African Community (EAC) countries such as South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The initiative will encompass various types of exports, including direct exports, temporary exports, and re-exports.

Benard Kasoma, Acting Manager of the DTS and EFRIS at URA, highlighted that the main objective of the session was to inform stakeholders about the new initiative on export fiscalisation. “URA values stakeholder engagement and education regarding its initiatives before the full implementation of new systems,” Kasoma said. He emphasized that customs clearing agents play a pivotal role in this process, as they are integral to the success of the new fiscalisation system.

Kasoma added that URA had already begun consultations with DT tax agents and is actively working with manufacturers and the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) to ensure the smooth implementation of the system.

Henry Kwaligonza, another URA official, pointed out that customs operations are closely linked with the roles of both agents and taxpayers. Therefore, understanding the impact of the export fiscalisation process is critical for those in the customs business.

The upcoming fiscalisation process is part of URA’s broader digital transformation agenda, aimed at improving the efficiency of Uganda’s business operations. One key aspect of the initiative is to bridge the data exchange gap between customs and domestic tax systems, particularly concerning VAT refunds. Kasoma emphasized that manufacturers who are entitled to refunds would benefit from streamlined processes, ensuring faster and more accurate communication. This will ultimately ease business operations, ensuring that Uganda remains competitive in the global market.

“By integrating EFRIS with export invoices, exporters will benefit from better record-keeping, which will support VAT claims and reduce turnaround times for submitting those claims,” Kasoma concluded. “This will ensure compliance with both domestic tax and customs regulations, helping Uganda’s business environment to thrive.”

With this step, URA is aligning itself with global best practices in tax administration, encouraging transparency, efficiency, and ease of business for exporters and stakeholders alike.