Export Your Goods to South Sudan With Ease

PCA Newsletters9/12/2024 8:00:00 AM

The Republic of South Sudan has introduced a pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) program for all goods imported into the country. The scope of the program covers all products imported into South Sudan with a value above USD 2,000 from all countries worldwide.

South Sudan gained independence in 2011 after years of civil war and in 2016 the country joined the East African Community (EAC). Exporters and importers have an excellent opportunity to participate in the growth of the youngest nation in the world through trade. 72% of the population is below the age of thirty while 83% lives in rural areas. The country has a huge potential for growth in various economic sectors.

Program objective

The objective of this program is to ensure all imported goods conform to relevant South Sudanese standards and technical regulations. This is to protect consumers and the interests of local manufacturers by preventing the importation of unsafe goods, counterfeit and/or non-compliant goods.

Take the opportunity now!

SGS signed a five-year contract with the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) for the provision of PVoC services for all goods imported into the country. The program started on May 1, 2021 and importers of goods into South Sudan are required to present a certificate of conformity (CoC) at ports of entry for the clearance of consignments.

Shipping into South Sudan? The process is simple: submit a request for a CoC through the SGS Exporter portal for the inspection of your consignments. Then attach your invoice (proforma or commercial), respective test report/s, Certificate of Analysis (CoA), and product technical specifications and/or material safety datasheet.

SGS is here to guide you

Three certification methods are available to the trade: Routes A, B and C; depending on the nature of goods and level of compliance.

Route A: applicable to suppliers/manufacturers importing products into South Sudan, who present regular shipments or export products identified to be of high risk.

Route B (registration): a fast-tracked route, applicable to suppliers/manufacturers with valid quality management systems and frequent shipments to South Sudan, that are homogenous. Registration is renewable annually, subject to consistent compliance.

Route C (licensing): this is a licensing process: a fast-track route offered to manufacturers with valid quality management systems in place who frequently import homogenous goods to South Sudan. Certificates are issued after proven conformance to the country’s standards for the manufacturing process. Licenses are renewable annually, subject to consistent compliance.

Note: applications must be placed, and inspections completed, before consignments leave their country of origin.

What happens to goods shipped without a CoC?

The penalty for goods arriving without a CoC ranges from 15% to 40% of the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value. Importers who repeat importation without CoC will have their import licenses withdrawn and face further relevant legal action according to the relevant laws.

How much does it cost to have goods inspected and issued with a CoC?

The table below details the fees, but does not include:

Sampling and testing
Product registration: (Route B)
Manufacturer licensing: (Route C)
Re-inspection

Routes	Ad valorem as a % of the freight on board value	Minimum fee in USD
A	0.50%	437.50
B	0.45%	375.50
C	0.40%	343.50

Feel free to contact your local SGS PVoC team who are looking forward to hearing from you!

Learn more about South Sudan – Conformity Assessment Program.

This article can also be found in our PCA Newsletter (Q3/2024) – which keeps you up to date with developments in technical barriers to trade and product conformity assessment.