The Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), Rizig Dominic Samuel, has met with representatives of clearing agencies to discu...
The Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), Rizig Dominic Samuel, has met with representatives of clearing agencies to discuss customs clearance challenges, operational efficiency and measures to facilitate trade at the country’s points of entry.The meeting, held on Tuesday, was led by Deng Daniel, president of the South Sudan Freight Forwarders Association. The delegation congratulated Rizig on his appointment before raising concerns about customs procedures and delays at the Nimule border crossing, Juba International Airport and other entry points.Rizig acknowledged that delays at border crossings, complex procedures and uncertainty in the clearance process increase the cost of doing business. He reaffirmed the SSRA’s commitment to addressing these challenges in collaboration with relevant government institutions and private-sector stakeholders.He called for simplified customs procedures, stronger cooperation among stakeholders and reduced clearance times to ensure the prompt release of goods and vehicles once all customs requirements have been met.The delegation also briefed the commissioner general on the progress of SSRA-led capacity-building training for clearing agencies. The programme aims to improve understanding of customs legislation, clearance procedures and regulatory requirements while promoting professionalism and compliance.According to the officials, customs clearance operations are restricted to officially registered and licensed agencies with physical offices at authorized ports of entry. The measure is intended to curb the activities of unlicensed agencies and intermediaries.On customs compliance, Rizig emphasized the importance of accurate declarations and complete documentation, warning against the under-declaration or over-declaration of goods.He directed the Customs Compliance and Enforcement Division to intensify efforts to combat smuggling, illicit trade, improper inspections and irregular transit movements to protect government revenue and strengthen border security.Rizig also urged customs personnel to maintain professional standards, improve service delivery, facilitate legitimate trade and ensure compliance with customs laws and regulations.The engagement underscores the SSRA’s efforts to improve customs administration, reduce trade-related bottlenecks and strengthen cooperation with private-sector actors involved in the movement of goods across South Sudan’s borders.Photo Credit: SSRA Media
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