The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) will on July 1, 2022, commence the implementation of standards on all imported substandard fishing gear. 

Fishing gear means any device or tool that is used on water with an intended purpose of capturing or controlling for subsequent capture or harvesting, fish or other freshwater organisms.

On June 28, UNBS issued a notice informing all industry players that it is now a requirement for certain fishing gears to undergo Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVOC) in accordance with the requirements of The Fish (Fishing) Rules, 2010, which among other outlaws the use of some gears. 

UNBS deputy executive director Daniel Nangarama said there has been increased public complaints on the use of substandard fishing gear. 

“All importers should adhere to this notice and ensure that their imports are verified before being imported to avoid them from being destroyed and at their cost. UNBS implements the PVOC through the three appointed International Inspection companies; TUV Rheinland, Intertek International Limited and Société Générale de Surveillance S.A (SGS),” he said.

Nangarama said PVOC is an inspection programme carried out on goods in the countries of export for product about $2000 and are covered by PVOC.

The importer is required to present the certificate of conformity at the entry points for verification by the UNBS officials. 

He said with effect from July 2, 2022, all non-conforming fishing gear will be confiscated and destroyed at the importer’s cost.