Minister Cancels Trade Licences Over Procedural Concerns
(JUBA) – The Ministry of Trade and Industry of South Sudan has issued a sweeping order cancelling all unused import licences issued between 1 July 2024 and the present day, citing credible reports of procedural irregularities in their issuance. The move is aimed at restoring integrity in the licensing system and ensuring full compliance with national trade laws.
The order was made public through Ministerial Order No. 14/2025 A.D. signed by Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk, the Minister of Trade and Industry, on 18 July 2025. According to the directive, all affected import licences will be recalled for verification and possible replacement. The order took immediate effect upon issuance.
The ministry cited Presidential Decree No. 105/2025, alongside provisions in Article 114 of the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan (2011, as amended), and Section 18 of the Import and Export Act 2012 as the legal basis for the order.
The cancellation affects all import licences that were issued but not yet used since 1 July 2024. This period covers more than a year of trade activities, which will now be subjected to scrutiny to identify any irregularly obtained licences.
Minister Atong Kuol said the decision was based on “credible reports of procedural irregularities” in how the licences were distributed. While the Ministry has not disclosed the number of licences affected, officials confirmed that some were possibly obtained unlawfully or issued without proper oversight.
Any individuals found to have issued or obtained licences in violation of procedures will face both administrative and legal consequences under applicable South Sudanese law.
From now on, all import licences will be issued strictly through the Ministry’s headquarters in Juba. This centralisation is intended to increase transparency, prevent fraudulent practices, and improve institutional accountability in the country’s import system.
The order is expected to impact a wide range of importers and businesses operating across South Sudan, particularly those who rely on decentralised processes to acquire import permits in various states. All such actors will now have to channel their applications directly through the Juba based headquarters.
Overview of Key Order Elements
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Enforcement | 18 July 2025 |
| Affected Licences | All unused import licences from 1 July 2024 onward |
| Reason | Procedural irregularities in licence issuance |
| Issuing Authority | Ministry of Trade and Industry |
| New Issuance Policy | All permits must now be issued at Ministry HQ in Juba |
| Penalties for Violators | Administrative and legal action |
The Trade Ministry has copied the directive to key departments, including the Legal Advisor, Technical Adviser, Economic Security Division, and all heads of directorates, for immediate action and coordination.
Business leaders and importers have been advised to cooperate with the verification process and reapply under the new procedure to avoid disruption to their trade activities.
The Ministry has also provided public contact numbers and an email address for further inquiries.
This measure comes at a time when South Sudan’s economy continues to struggle with inflation, forex shortages and low industrial productivity. Any disruption to import flows may have ripple effects on prices and availability of essential goods in markets across the country.
The South Sudanese Pound (SSP) remains under pressure, with the official exchange rate standing at over SSP 4,600 to $1 as of July 2025. Importers whose cancelled licences involved large shipments may now need to reconvert funds or renegotiate terms, which could affect business costs and timelines.
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