From The Daily Monitor.

Uganda has announced regulations to curb what its trade minister described as the influx of substandard goods.

Uganda’s economy is over liberalized and control mechanisms are needed, Trade Minister Amelia Kyambadde said, according to a report in The Daily Monitor.

The Pre-Export Verification of Conformity Standards Program is set to become effective June 1.

The program isn’t exactly new. It was banned by former Trade Minister Kahinda Otafire in 2010 following reports of alleged corruption and fraud but was resurrected by Kyambadde in November despite resistance from some traders and manufacturers saying it would increase the cost of doing business and promote corruption, the report says.

Under the program, all imports will be inspected at the point of origin before they are shipped into Uganda.

The program is aimed at protecting the public from substandard goods that affect people’s health and environment. It is intended to increase consumer confidence and protect local manufacturers from substandard goods on the market, the report says.

Uganda has 760 different business licenses that potential investors must satisfy before businesses can begin operating there, according to The Daily Monitor. This slows down business.

To make Uganda an attractive investment destination, the country needs to reduce the number of business licenses needed, said Annette Mutaawe, a director with Trade Mark East Africa.

Trade Mark East Africa is an organization funded by a range of development agencies with the goal of growing prosperity in East Africa through trade.

Kyambadde said the Ugandan government is taking necessary steps to address the matter.

Read more at The Daily Monitor.