KAMPALA, May 21, 2026 — The Uganda Coffee Federation [UCF] has raised concerns over ongoing challenges affecting coffee exports from Uganda to China, particularly regarding the issuance of Certificates of Origin for exported coffee consignments.
In a communication addressed to its members yesterday, UCF explained that the current export documentation procedures are creating complications for exporters engaged in indirect coffee sales to the Chinese market.
According to UCF, all coffee exported from Uganda is presently issued with export documentation bearing the name of the consignee, generated from the final Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System [EFRIS] tax invoice value. However, Chinese authorities require the Certificate of Origin to be issued in the name of the actual importing or buying company in China.
UCF noted that this requirement has become problematic because, in many indirect coffee transactions, the consignee and the final buyer are not necessarily the same entity. Such arrangements are common in international commodity trade, where third-party intermediaries often facilitate transactions between exporters and end buyers.
The Federation stated that the issue is affecting several of its members and could potentially disrupt Uganda’s growing coffee trade relations with China if not addressed promptly.
“The Uganda Coffee Federation, together with the Coffee Department under the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, is engaging the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in China and the Uganda Revenue Authority to find a workable solution to the issue,” the statement signed by UCF Executive Director, Paul Martin Maraka said.
UCF is a non-profit company limited by guarantee and represents 40 member organisations involved in coffee trading, processing and exporting. The Federation says its membership accounts for more than 75 per cent of Uganda’s coffee exports, contributing significantly to national livelihoods, household incomes, taxes and export earnings.
Its membership includes exporters, producer organisations, producer cooperatives, roasters, shipping companies, consultants and training support providers within the coffee value chain.
The Federation has advised members experiencing difficulties related to the matter to contact the UCF Secretariat through its official communication channels for guidance and support.
A copy of the communication was also addressed to the Commissioner of the Coffee Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
UCF’s vision is to have sustainable coffee production and trade in Uganda and its Mission is to engage and work with all stakeholders to promote sustainable coffee production and trade to achieve its goal of sustaining and increasing volumes and quality of traded coffee.
Uganda’s coffee exports to China rose by more than 60 percent in the second half of 2025, as the country shifted from trade promotion to attracting Chinese investment in processing and industry. Shipments increased from 74,000 bags to more than 122,000 bags following a sustained market awareness campaign.
https://thecooperator.news/global-coffee-prices-decline-2-7-percent-in-april-2026-says-ico-report/
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