The Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), Rizig Dominic Samuel, has met with leaders of clearing agencies to discuss opera...
The Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), Rizig Dominic Samuel, has met with leaders of clearing agencies to discuss operational challenges affecting customs services and explore ways to improve trade facilitation and revenue collection.The consultative meeting, held in Nimule Town on Tuesday, focused on cargo clearance delays, the need for modern inspection equipment, working conditions and concerns over the involvement of unauthorized intermediaries in customs operations.Speaking after the meeting, Rizig described clearing agents as key partners in the country's revenue collection system, saying their role was essential to the effective administration of customs operations."Clearing agents account for a significant part of how successfully we collect revenue in the country," he said.He acknowledged the concerns raised by the delegation and said the Authority would address them according to their urgency and the level of intervention required. He explained that immediate issues would be handled administratively, while medium- and long-term concerns would be referred to the relevant leadership for consideration.Rizig also urged clearing agents to uphold professionalism, integrity and compliance with customs laws and regulations, warning against document forgery, smuggling and other unlawful practices."Let us do the right thing. Let us do better. I don't want to see anyone of you being stopped from doing business because of involvement in wrongdoing, document forgery, smuggling or any other form of malpractice," he cautioned.He emphasised the importance of accurate customs declarations and complete supporting documents, while directing the relevant division to strengthen enforcement against smuggling and other illegal trade activities.Deng Daniel, president of the South Sudan Freight Forwarders Association, welcomed the engagement, describing it as an opportunity for clearing agents to present their concerns directly to the Authority's leadership.He said the delegation raised issues relating to trade facilitation, cargo clearance delays and the working environment, adding that the Commissioner General had responded positively to their concerns.Among the major issues raised was the lack of modern cargo scanners at customs facilities. The agents said the equipment uses X-ray technology to inspect goods inside trucks and containers without requiring physical offloading.They noted that the absence of scanners increases reliance on manual inspections, contributing to clearance delays and higher operational costs.The delegation welcomed the Commissioner's indication that the procurement of modern cargo scanners would be prioritised, saying the equipment would improve inspection efficiency, reduce delays and facilitate legitimate trade.Daniel also raised concerns about unauthorized intermediaries operating in the customs clearance process, alleging that some were linked to smuggling and other malpractice. He called for measures to ensure that clearance services are handled by duly registered and recognised agencies.Rizig encouraged regular consultations between the SSRA and clearing agents, stressing that sustained dialogue, cooperation and mutual accountability were essential to resolving challenges affecting customs operations.The meeting is part of the Authority's efforts to strengthen stakeholder relations, improve customs administration, facilitate legitimate trade and enhance compliance to safeguard government revenue.Photo Credit: SSRA
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