Standards Bureau Intensifies Crackdown on Substandard Imports at Nimule Border

(NIMULE) – South Sudan has intensified quality inspections at the Nimule border crossing as part of a wider push to block substandard goods from entering or leaving the country.

Teams from the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) are currently on the ground at Nimule Station conducting testing, inspection and market surveillance. The operation aims to ensure that only compliant and quality products pass through the border, in line with the Bureau’s mandate to protect consumers and safeguard the nation.

In a related development, the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards held a high level meeting on 17th July 2026 to discuss key operational issues affecting the Nimule Border Post and other strategic entry points across South Sudan.

Chaired by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Labanya Margaret Mathya, the meeting focused on strengthening institutional collaboration to enhance trade facilitation, improve coordination, reinforce compliance with national standards and address operational challenges at the country’s ports of entry.

The meeting confirmed the shared commitment of the Ministry and the Bureau to promoting efficient cross border trade, protecting consumers and strengthening South Sudan’s national quality infrastructure in support of sustainable economic growth.

Separately, on 17th July 2026, the Executive Director of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards, Oiylang Dominic Kanuto, received a delegation from Caritas Switzerland’s South Sudan Office for a courtesy meeting to explore areas of mutual cooperation.

The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between the two institutions, particularly in supporting traders, enhancing product quality and safety, and protecting public health through effective standards and quality assurance systems.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties expressing their commitment to fostering a strong partnership that contributes to sustainable trade and consumer protection in South Sudan.

Meanwhile, the Bureau commenced a five day training on conformity assessment requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection on 20th July 2026. The training ran until 24th July 2026.

The training brought together Quality Assurance Inspectors from the Bureau and is organised under the European Union funded MARKUP II Programme, implemented by the International Trade Centre.

Through the continued support of the European Union and the International Trade Centre under the MARKUP II Programme, the Bureau is advancing its technical capacity to facilitate safe trade, protect consumers and promote quality compliance in South Sudan.

In another development, a three day National Quality Policy Review Workshop concluded in July 2026 with a renewed commitment from participants representing academia, the private sector, development partners, government institutions and the Bureau to strengthen and advance South Sudan’s National Quality Infrastructure.

Representing the International Trade Centre, Dr Kuorwel Kuai Kuorwel confirmed the Centre’s commitment to supporting the Bureau. He said South Sudan’s rich natural resources can only compete in regional and international markets by meeting quality and safety standards. He noted that the National Quality Policy Framework will strengthen the country’s quality infrastructure and trade competitiveness.

In his closing remarks, the Executive Director of the Bureau, Oiylang Dominic, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their dedication throughout the workshop. He said the National Quality Policy will strengthen trade, consumer protection and alignment with international standards.

He called for a shift from planning to implementation and confirmed the Bureau’s commitment to working closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the National Quality Policy.