Concerns about new EU organic certification requirements are raised by Ugandan exporters.

Concerns have been raised by exporters and stakeholders in Uganda’s organic agriculture industry regarding new restrictions from the European Union (EU), claiming that they could dramatically raise operating costs.

All organic products exported to the EU are required by the legislation, known as 2018-848, to be certified and tested by laboratories situated within Europe. Local players contend that this requirement could have a significant negative impact on their business operations.

Concerns have been expressed regarding the additional expenses Ugandan exporters will face due to the requirement for laboratory testing and certification headquartered in the EU. These charges include the cost of engaging foreign organizations and paying for international courier services.

Expert in agricultural certification and professor Dr. Charles Walaga noted that Uganda lacks local laboratories and certification organizations, making exporters dependent on more expensive services from outside the country.

Christable Tumwebaze from Feed the Future Uganda, an initiative financed by USAID, expressed support by pledging to cooperate with NOGAMU to enhance working conditions for the export of organic products.

“We are committed to ensuring that Ugandan organic products can continue to access international markets despite these new challenges,” Tumwebaze said.

Ugandan exporters are facing a dual struggle as the deadline for complying with EU regulations draws near: preserving access to profitable European markets while navigating the additional expenses and logistical obstacles imposed by the new standards.

The future of Uganda’s organic exports on the international scene will depend on the results of continuing negotiations and adaptation efforts.