URA Intercepts Illegal Cosmetics In New Enforcement Drive

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has intercepted over 10,000 kilograms of illegal cosmetics in the Central Business District of Kampala.

They intercepted some of these in the district’s peripheries including Mini Price, Nalukolongo and Northern Bypass.

A URA spokesperson, Ibrahim Bbosa, said the smugglers disguised cosmetics as Movit products. They then loaded them on two trucks with registration licenses UAU 839E and UBB 993F.

He said they intercepted these at Nalukolongo and the Northern By-pass in Kampala.

Bbosa said the illegal cosmetics included Caro light lightening cream, Diproson, Skin Light, Clairmen lightening cream, Coco pulp, citrolight, Cocoderm lightening cream, white secret lightening, body lotion, and body oil and soaps.

“These cosmetics are prohibited in Uganda because they contain hydroquinone and mercury chemicals. These are scientifically proven to be one of the leading causes of skin cancer. The East African Community Customs Management Act also prohibits the importation of such harmful products. And it protects society from consuming such goods in the region,” Mr. Bbosa said at a press briefing.

Furthermore, he explained that the importation of such smuggled illegal products also creates unfair competition on the market.

He explained saying that these smugglers don’t pay taxes. This is also a disadvantage to traders who deal in safe cosmetics and pay taxes.

According to the Act, a penalty of 50% of the value of goods or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both is handed to those caught in violation of the law.

On his part, Geoffrey Balamaga, URA’s Enforcement Manager, revealed some of the parts most fond of smuggling such cosmetic products.

He said this mostly happens in the areas around Lake Albert, the porous points of Mpondwe, Hoima area, Congo Borderline in the west, Bunagana, Butogota, and others.

He also said between June 2020 and June 2021, URA enforcement teams seized 3,492 cartons of assorted contraband cosmetics. These all totaling to 39,748kgs.

Check Also;

• Uganda Revenue Authority Releases 2021 Tax Evaders’ Shame List
• URA Committed To Doubling Revenue Collection
• Security Intercepts Over 100 Congolese Refugees

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