Manufacturers to Verify Raw Material Imports at Borders

(JUBA) – South Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Industry has ordered the establishment of verification offices operated by the Association of South Sudan Manufacturers (ASSM) at major border entry points to help verify imported raw materials destined for local industries.

The new measure, contained in Ministerial Order No. 2 of 2026, took effect on 26 June and is intended to strengthen document verification, improve coordination between manufacturers and border authorities, and speed up the clearance of industrial raw materials entering the country.

Under the order, ASSM verification offices will be established at all major border posts across South Sudan. The offices will be responsible for pre verifying and validating manufacturing related shipping documents, including certificates of origin, commercial invoices and packing lists.

The offices will also authenticate raw material specifications to ensure imported goods match industrial licences and quotas issued to member manufacturers.

According to the order, the verification offices will act as a liaison between customs officials and manufacturers to help resolve documentation issues that could delay the movement of raw materials needed by local industries.

The ministry said the verification process will take place alongside existing inspections and document checks conducted by the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards and the Customs Division of the South Sudan Revenue Authority.

All documents verified by the association will be required to carry the organisation’s official security verification stamp.

The Association of South Sudan Manufacturers will also be required to submit weekly clearance and verification reports to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

The order directs border authorities, security agencies and members of the business community to cooperate with ASSM officers in carrying out their duties.

The ministerial order was issued by Trade and Industry Minister Dr Margaret Labanya Mathya under powers granted through a presidential decree dated 29 April 2026, together with provisions of the Transitional Constitution, the Import and Export Act 2012 and the National Bureau of Standards Act 2012.

The ministry said the new verification offices are expected to improve coordination at border crossings and support the supply of industrial inputs needed by manufacturers operating in South Sudan.