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How to get a gold export license in Uganda: 2025 Top Guide

Why Export Gold from Uganda?

Before diving into the specifics of obtaining a gold export license, let’s explore why Uganda is an attractive destination for gold exporters:

• Rich Gold Deposits: Uganda is home to significant gold deposits, particularly in Karamoja, Busia, and Mubende, contributing to its status as a leading gold producer in East Africa.
• Growing Export Market: According to the Bank of Uganda, gold accounts for approximately 44% of the country’s total export revenue, with earnings reaching $2 billion between February 2020 and February 2021.
• Strategic Location: Uganda’s proximity to global trade hubs like Dubai and its membership in the East African Community (EAC) facilitates international trade.
• Government Support: Uganda offers export incentives, such as tax exemptions and duty drawback schemes, to promote gold exports.

However, exporting gold requires navigating a complex regulatory landscape to ensure compliance with local and international laws.

Obtaining a gold export license in Uganda is the cornerstone of this process. Below, we outline the step-by-step requirements and procedures to secure this license and succeed in Uganda’s gold export market.

How to get a gold export license in Uganda: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Understand Uganda’s Gold Export Regulations

To legally export gold from Uganda, you must comply with the country’s mining and trade regulations, primarily governed by the Mining Act of 2003 (amended in 2021) and overseen by the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM). Key regulations include:

• Licensing Requirements: Only licensed entities can export gold. This includes obtaining a Mineral Dealer’s License and a Gold Export Permit.
• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Compliance: Exporters must demonstrate that their gold is sourced legally and free from conflict or illicit activities.
• Tax Compliance: Exporters must pay a 0.1% export tax on the value of gold, along with a $200 levy per kilogram of exported gold, as per the Mining (Amendment) Bill 2021.
• Quality Certification: Gold must be assayed for purity and weight by a government-approved laboratory, such as the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) or Simba Assay Laboratory.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties, shipment confiscation, or license revocation. Partnering with a reputable company like Gold Buyers Africa or Novalex Gold Limited can help ensure compliance.

2. Register Your Business

Before applying for a gold export license, you must register your business with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB). This step establishes your legitimacy as a legal entity authorized to engage in international trade. Here’s how to do it:

• Choose a Business Structure: Register as a company limited by shares, a partnership, or a sole proprietorship. A company limited by shares is recommended for international trade due to its credibility.
• Required Documents:
  • Proof of identity (e.g., passport or national ID)
  • Company incorporation documents
  • Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the URA
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Process: Submit your application to the URSB online or in person. The process typically takes 3–7 days, and costs range from UGX 200,000 to UGX 500,000 (approximately $55–$140 USD), depending on the business structure.

Once registered, you’ll receive a Certificate of Incorporation, which is a prerequisite for applying for a Mineral Dealer’s License.

3. Obtain a Mineral Dealer’s License

The Mineral Dealer’s License is a mandatory requirement for trading and exporting gold in Uganda. Issued by the DGSM, this license authorizes individuals or companies to buy, sell, and export minerals. Here’s what you need to know:

Eligibility:

• Registered business with the URSB
• Valid TIN from the URA
• Compliance with AML and KYC regulations

Application Process:

1. Submit an application to the DGSM, available through the Uganda Mining Cadastre eGov Portal
2. Provide proof of business registration, TIN, and financial capacity.
3. Undergo background checks to verify legitimacy and ensure no involvement in illegal activities.

Cost: The Mineral Dealer’s License costs approximately $1,500–$3,000 USD, depending on the scope of operations.

Validity: The license expires annually on December 31 and must be renewed.

4. Apply for a Gold Export Permit

The Gold Export Permit is the core document required to ship gold internationally. Issued by the DGSM, it confirms that the exporter complies with Uganda’s mining regulations. Here’s how to obtain it:

1. Required Documents:
   • Mineral Dealer’s License
   • Assay report from a government-approved laboratory (e.g., Simba Assay Laboratory or UNBS)
   • Certificate of Origin from the Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB)
   • Customs declaration form
   • Proof of tax compliance (e.g., payment of the 0.1% export tax and $200/kg levy)
   • AML/KYC documentation, including supplier licenses and transaction histories
2. Process:

• 1. Submit the application to the DGSM, either online via the Mining Cadastre Portal or in person at their offices in Entebbe.
  2. Provide detailed information about the gold, including its source, purity, weight, and destination.
  3. Pay the permit fee, which ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 USD, covering documentation, verification, and clearance
  4. Await approval, which typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on the completeness of your application.

5. Ensure Gold Quality and Certification

All gold for export must undergo assaying to verify its purity and weight. This step is critical to meet international standards and avoid legal complications. Key points:

1. Assaying Process:
   • Submit gold samples to a government-approved laboratory, such as Simba Assay Laboratory or UNBS.
   • The laboratory issues an assay certificate detailing the gold’s purity (e.g., 99.9% pure) and weight.
2. Importance:
   • The assay certificate is mandatory for customs clearance and ensures the gold meets international buyer standards.
   • It also verifies that the gold is free from conflict or illegal sourcing, aligning with OECD Due Diligence Guidance.

6. Prepare Customs Documentation

Exporting gold requires meticulous documentation to comply with URA regulations and international trade standards. Essential documents include:

• Commercial Invoice: Details the gold’s value, quantity, and buyer information.
• Packing List: Specifies the weight, packaging, and handling instructions.
• Bill of Lading/Airway Bill: Required for shipping via sea or air.
• Certificate of Origin: Issued by the UEPB, verifying that the gold originates from Uganda or a declared source (e.g., not from conflict zones like the DRC).
• Customs Declaration Form: Submitted to the URA for clearance, detailing the shipment’s contents and compliance with tax requirements.
• Environmental and Labor Compliance Certificates: Increasingly required to demonstrate adherence to sustainable mining practices and fair labor standards.

Partnering with a certified customs clearing agent can streamline this process and ensure compliance.

7. Pay Applicable Taxes and Fees

Exporting gold from Uganda incurs specific taxes and levies, which must be settled before shipment:

• Export Tax: A 0.1% tax on the gold’s value, payable to the URA.
• Export Levy: $200 per kilogram of gold, as per the Mining (Amendment) Bill 2021.
• Administrative Fees: Vary depending on the permit and documentation processes, typically included in the $1,500–$3,000 permit cost.

Consult the URA to confirm current tax rates and explore incentives like duty drawbacks for processed gold.

8. Arrange Secure Logistics

Transporting gold requires secure and insured logistics to protect your investment. Key considerations:

• Choose Reputable Couriers: Partner with trusted companies like DHL, Brinks, or Malca-Amit, which specialize in high-value goods.
• Insurance: Insure the shipment to cover potential losses or theft.
• Destination Requirements: Verify the importing country’s regulations, such as import licenses for Dubai (via the Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre) or the USA.

9. Partner with a Reputable Gold Dealer

To streamline the export process, consider working with a licensed gold dealer like Buy Gold Bars Africa Ltd, Trade panel, or Gold Buyers Africa. These companies offer:

• Licensing Support: Assistance with obtaining the Mineral Dealer’s License and Gold Export Permit.
• Documentation Expertise: Help with assay reports, certificates of origin, and customs clearance.
• Secure Logistics: Partnerships with trusted couriers for safe transport.
• Compliance Guidance: Ensuring adherence to AML, KYC, and environmental regulations.

Best Practices for Successful Gold Export

To maximize profitability and avoid pitfalls, follow these best practices:

1. Source Gold from Licensed Miners: Purchase gold from registered suppliers to ensure legal sourcing and avoid penalties.
2. Stay Updated on Regulations: Monitor changes in Uganda’s gold export laws via the URA, DGSM, or UEPB websites.
3. Use Third-Party Assay Labs: Always verify gold purity through accredited labs to meet international standards.
4. Build Relationships with Buyers: Establish trust with international buyers in markets like Dubai, India, or Switzerland.
5. Work with Professionals: Engage export agents, legal advisors, or clearing agents to navigate complex regulations.

Challenges and Solutions in Gold Export

Exporting gold from Uganda comes with challenges, but proactive measures can mitigate risks:

Challenge: Complex documentation requirements
Obtaining a gold export license in Uganda involves extensive paperwork, including permits, certificates, and compliance documents. Solution: Partnering with experienced exporters like Gold Buyers Africa helps streamline the process, ensuring accuracy and faster approvals.

Challenge: High taxes and levies
Exporting gold attracts significant taxes and levies, potentially reducing profit margins. Solution: Explore tax exemptions for refined gold and consult the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to implement cost-saving strategies and optimize export-related financial planning.

Challenge: Risk of scams or illegal sourcing
Fraudulent dealers and illegal gold sourcing are prevalent in Uganda’s gold market. Solution: Conduct thorough due diligence, verify supplier licenses with the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM), and work only with credible exporters.

Challenge: Logistical risks (e.g., theft or loss)
Transporting gold internationally poses risks like theft, loss, or tampering during transit. Solution: Use insured, secure couriers, track shipments in real-time, and ensure compliance with international shipping and insurance standards to protect your investment.

Costs of Obtaining a Gold Export License

The total cost of obtaining a gold export license and related permits varies based on several factors:

• Business Registration: UGX 200,000–500,000 ($55–$140 USD).
• Mineral Dealer’s License: $1,500–$3,000 USD.
• Gold Export Permit: $1,500–$3,000 USD.
• Assaying Fees: Vary depending on the laboratory, typically $100–$500 per sample.
• Taxes and Levies: 0.1% of the gold’s value plus $200 per kilogram.
• Logistics and Insurance: Vary based on shipment size and destination.

Total estimated cost: $3,500–$7,000 USD, excluding taxes and logistics.

Why Choose Uganda for Gold Export?

Uganda’s gold export market offers unparalleled opportunities due to its rich deposits, strategic location, and supportive trade policies.

By obtaining a gold export license and complying with regulations, you can tap into lucrative markets like the UAE, India, and Switzerland. Partnering with trusted dealers and staying informed about regulatory changes will ensure long-term success.

Let’s Export Gold from Uganda Together!

Ready to enter Uganda’s thriving gold export market?

Partner with us to navigate the licensing process, secure high-purity gold, and export with confidence. Our team of experts will guide you through every step, from business registration to customs clearance, ensuring a seamless and profitable experience. Contact us today to start your gold export journey in Uganda and unlock the potential of this lucrative industry!