Research Of The Uganda Tariff System

As the most fundamental and important regulatory tool of a country's trade policy,tariffs have great significance to protecting its economy,increasing government tax revenue,stabilizing the domestic market,and promoting the development of free trade.At present,China is Uganda's third largest trading partner,and the latter is the its ninth largest investing destination in Africa.The economic exchanges between China and Uganda will inevitably involve the tariff and trade system of the two sides.Like most African countries,Uganda's tariffs adopt a differential tax system,meaning the tariffs are levied depending on objects.The taxation is mainly based on the different trade organizations to which they join,and among which the most important one is the East African Community Customs Union.Uganda comprehensively regulates the country's import and export trade under the "East African Community Customs Administration Regulations",and collects tariffs in accordance with the common external tariff rate.At the same time,as Uganda is also a member of the East African South African Community,it levies tariffs on goods from members of the Community in accordance with ” The Law of the Eastern and Southern African Community on Customs Administration”.In addition,as Uganda has signed unilateral tariff preferential agreements with many countries and regional organizations,products originating from Uganda are exported to many countries or regions to enjoy tariff preferences.It enjoys preferential tariffs especially in the two major global markets of the United States and the European Union.All products invested and produced in Uganda are exported to European and American countries,almost without tariff and quota restriction.These preferential policies have attracted a large number of investors,and Chinese investors can also seize the opportunities.Since 2013,China has surpassed India as the largest investor in Uganda and Uganda's largest source of imports.With the advancement of the "Belt and Road" initiative,China-Uganda economic and trade cooperation will surely leap to a higher level.China is Uganda's largest source of imports,and its full understanding of the Uganda's tariff system is the cornerstone to ensure the long-term and stable development of its import and export trades with Uganda.Uganda's tariffs have not yet formed a complete system.Its tariff-related acts are scattered in various bills,without a separate tariff act.Clarifying the Uganda's tariff system can provide relevant services for importers andexporters who are engaged in trades or want to start a business in Uganda,and inspire Chinese entrepreneurs to develop Uganda and even the East African market.