🇺🇬 Uganda → the world · via Kenya

Ugandan Shea Butter (Nilotica) — Export Supply

Northern Uganda's shea trees are the East African subspecies Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. nilotica.

Overview

Northern Uganda's shea trees are the East African subspecies Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. nilotica. Nilotica shea butter is softer, creamier and higher in olein than West African shea, melting easily on the skin — prized by cosmetic brands. It is wild-harvested and processed by women's cooperatives.

Main markets: USA, Europe, UK, Japan — cosmetics and personal care.

Types, grades & specifications

Typical specifications; exact parameters are confirmed per lot on the quotation, inspection report and certificate of analysis.

Type 1 of 3 · 🇺🇬 Uganda

Unrefined Nilotica Shea Butter (Grade A)

Cold-processed, unrefined, ivory-coloured butter with nutty aroma and soft texture.

Sample: $6.50/kg (indicative) Quote this type Order sample

Specifications

Origin	V. paradoxa subsp. nilotica
FFA	≤ 3%
Moisture & impurities	≤ 0.2%
Olein content	higher than West African shea
Colour	ivory to light yellow
Organic options

Type 2 of 3 · 🇺🇬 Uganda

Refined Shea Butter

Deodorised white shea butter for cosmetics needing neutral odour.

Sample: $5.50/kg (indicative) Quote this type Order sample

Specifications

FFA	≤ 0.5%
Colour	white
Odour	neutral

Type 3 of 3 · 🇺🇬 Uganda

Shea Nuts (kernels)

Dried shea kernels for butter processors.

Sample: $1.60/kg (indicative) Quote this type Order sample

Specifications

Moisture	≤ 8%
Fat	≥ 45% (dry)
FFA	≤ 7%

Producing regions in Uganda

Region	Notes
Lira, Otuke, Alebtong, Amuru	Lango and Acholi shea parklands.
West Nile (Arua, Moyo) & Teso	Wild shea collection.

Season

Nut collection: April–August; butter produced year-round.

Packaging

Unrefined: 5–25 kg tubs, 180 kg drums
Refined: cartons / drums

Export routes

Kampala → Malaba / Busia → Nairobi → Mombasa: 3–5 days by road; or truck to Naivasha ICD and SGR to Mombasa
Kampala → Mwanza (Lake Victoria) or road via Mutukula → Dar es Salaam (Central Corridor)
Air: Entebbe Intl (EBB) — fish, flowers, fruits, vegetables; or via Nairobi JKIA

Documents

Certificate of Origin (EAC / COMESA / general)
Phytosanitary certificate (MAAIF)
Coffee export registration & quality certificate
UNBS certificate (processed foods)
Fish health certificate (fisheries)
Transit documents (regional bond, RECTS) through Kenya

HS codes: 1515.90 / 1517.90 (shea butter)

Uganda-origin goods transit Kenya under bond and keep Ugandan origin. Coffee for the EU must meet EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) traceability requirements; we work with exporters who map farm plots.

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Ready to import from Kenya?

Tell us the product, variety, quantity, Incoterm (FOB / CIF / CFR / DAP) and your destination port or airport. We reply with a formal quotation, usually within one business day.

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