All coffee exported from Uganda must comply with national export standards set by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA). The following three requirements are of particular importance to international buyers.

Moisture Content: 10–12%

Coffee with excessive moisture is susceptible to mould and deterioration during sea freight, while over-dried coffee loses weight and flavour. Moisture content is therefore measured using calibrated meters before and after milling.

Defect Count

Defects include black beans, broken beans, insect damage and foreign seeds. Each grade has a maximum permitted defect count per sample. Careful sorting ensures that each lot remains within the applicable limits.

Cleanliness

Export coffee must be free of stones, sticks, husks and other foreign matter. Cleaning and final inspection are carried out before the coffee is bagged.

Compliance with these standards protects buyers and upholds the international reputation of Ugandan coffee.