Trade Ministry Investigates Juba Company Over Illegal Shisha Imports

(JUBA) – The Ministry of Trade and Industry of South Sudan has started an investigation into Shaba General Trading Company after reports of unauthorised shisha imports. The unannounced inspection was carried out by Minister Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk on December 18, 2025.

She was joined by the Undersecretary Hon. Ustaz Yel Luol Koor, the Director General of External Trade, and other senior ministry officials.

The Ministry said the visit was to check reports that Shaba General Trading, part of Ezra Group, brought in shisha products without permission. The company is only allowed to import certain tobacco products and cigarettes.

During a meeting with the company’s Managing Director, officials found that Shaba Trading had not followed the law. It imported shisha products without the Ministry’s approval, which is against national rules.

The Ministry is now reviewing the findings to decide what action to take. South Sudan’s import and export laws allow authorities to:

Ministry officials said all businesses must follow the law. “Ignoring Ministry rules weakens trade regulations and will be met with strict action,” they said. The Ministry will announce its decision on Shaba General Trading in the coming days.

According to the Trade Ministry Press Unit, this action shows South Sudan’s focus on enforcing trade rules and keeping the import market fair and legal.