Standards Bureau Plans Pre-Approval for Imported Goods

(JUBA) – Imported goods may soon require pre-approval before entering South Sudan under a new plan by the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards to strengthen quality controls and stop non-compliant products from reaching the market.

The proposed system would require importers to provide details of products they intend to bring into the country before the goods are imported. Garang Mayor Nyariel, quality manager at the bureau, said the system would allow importers to establish in advance whether their products meet South Sudanese standards and requirements.

Under the proposed system, importers would submit information about their intended products for assessment before shipment. The bureau says the process is expected to eventually be supported by digital applications, making it easier for businesses to seek approval and guidance.

The proposal is part of wider efforts to improve South Sudan’s quality control system, which officials say faces challenges including limited testing capacity and laboratory infrastructure.

Deputy Head of the Metrology Laboratory Sunday Isaac Dongrin said stronger systems are needed to ensure that quality checks do not unnecessarily delay legitimate trade while still protecting consumers. He said inspection should be based on the level of risk associated with particular products and the compliance record of businesses.

“We should base our inspection on risk analysis and risk-based products,” Dongrin said.

The bureau currently relies on testing and inspection at entry points and market surveillance to identify products that do not meet required standards. Officials say products can also deteriorate after entering the country because of poor storage, making checks after importation necessary.

Nyariel said the planned pre-approval system would help move quality control toward prevention rather than relying mainly on action after goods have entered the country.

The bureau has also called for greater government investment to expand its testing capacity. Officials say stronger quality infrastructure would support both consumer protection and trade by allowing compliant businesses and products to move more efficiently.

The proposed pre-approval system has not yet been implemented. The bureau says it is working toward introducing it as part of efforts to strengthen regulation of imported goods in South Sudan.

In related news, the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards was recognised as one of the contributors to the African Organisation for Standardisation Fund for 2025 during the ARSO Gala Dinner hosted by the Kenya Bureau of Standards in Mombasa, Kenya.

Oiylang Dominic Kanuto, Executive Director of the bureau, received the recognition on behalf of the organisation and said the honour reflects the bureau’s continued commitment to advancing standardisation and strengthening regional cooperation across Africa.