South Sudan
South Sudan Customs Contacts
Website: http://www.ss-cs.org/
Email: inquiry@ss-cs.org
Address: Haile Selassie Street OPP. JIT Supermarket, P.O Box Juba, South Sudan
South Sudan is a landlocked country situated in northeastern Africa that gained its independence from Sudan in 2011. South Sudan is bordered by Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic.
Tariffs
The South Sudan Customs Services exemptions unit handles tax exemptions. UN agencies and NGOs are exempt from import duty, excise duty, vehicles, customs warehouse rent (CWR) and VAT; however, there are certain exemption procedures that must be adhered to by UN agencies or organizations.
Apart from UNMISS and UN agencies, tax exemptions can only be granted to registered taxpayers, and organizations must register for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) at a Directorate of Taxation branch office. A special tax exemption can be granted to non-UN/NGO organizations but such exemptions are granted on a per case basis and only under certain circumstances.
To be granted a tax exemption on imports, organizations must apply for an exemption at the South Sudan Custom Service unit within the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MoFEP) and submit the requited documentation related to the cargo. Only the minister of MoFEP can grant tax exemptions.
Once fully processed, an exemption letter will be issued by the South Sudan Customs Service, which will form part of the clearance documents to be presented to customs and border check points.
Instructions for import:
1.An importer must be authorized to do so and must have proof;
2.Applicants must be aware of any existing embargoes on the country;
3.Applicants must always take note of any changes and updates on the laws and notice to importers;
4.All imports are subjected to customs control;
5.Be aware of restricted and prohibited imports;
6.Minors should be represented by mature persons;
7.Ensure that the goods being imported meet the required standard;
8.Ensure that all customs fees are cleared in the customs enclosure and importers must be issued with receipts for any payments made;
9.An importer must be aware of the customs procedures, rules and regulations of the country ;
10.Applicants are argued to seek advice in cases of anything they may not be sure of;
11.Applicants are also advised to avoid omissions and no errors in submitted declarations;
12.An applicant must be aware of commodities that require him / her to an special import permits, certificates and authorization.
Required Information
1.Details of the importer (Name and address)
2.Particulars of goods to be imported (type, name, quality and quantity)
3.Value of goods to be imported
4.The place and date of purchase
5.The name and style of the firm from whom the goods are purchased
Procedure
1.An importer in order to be successful must start the procedure by visiting the responsible government authority to the procedure of importing and the requirements for importing to South Sudan successfully. At this stage, the exporter endeavors to get detailed information on how to import to the country for instance information about the documents required, where to get them from and the fees attached to the documents required;
2.Thereafter the importer proceeds with preparing all the necessary / required documents. The documents differ basing on the type and origin of imports, these documents may include import permits, certificates and any other additional documents as may be required by specific imports;
3.When all documents are obtained, the importer then goes to the customs authority to declare goods for customs clearance and technical control. Here the importer obtains an import declaration form, fills it and submits it together with necessary documents to the authority;
4.When the authority receives the declaration documents, they are reviewed and good are verified against the submitted document. At this stage, the Customs authority in the process of verifying goods has the right to examine them and if necessary may open or may request the importer to open the imports for verification. The authority if found necessary in the process of verifying may also examine and re-weigh the goods. Upon approved, the customs officer issues an assessment with duties and taxes to the importer who in response is required to clear all the duties and taxes;
5.When the import clears taxes and duties, the customs release of goods of which the importer should also declare to the port authority at the entry point. The port authority also verifies goods against submitted documents and if approved, the goods are allowed entry;
6.There upon approve, the importer can transport goods into the country for sale;
Required Documents
1.Identification documents of trader
2.Commercial invoice (from supplier)
3.Bill of lading
4.Delivery order
5.Gate pass
6.Certificate of origin
7.Import permit
8.Packing list
9.Customs tax and duty clearance receipts
10.Standard / health certificate
11.Port clearance receipts
Sources:
http://dlca.logcluster.org/display/public/DLCA/1.3+South+Sudan+Customs+Information
http://www.wikiprocedure.com/index.php/South_Sudan_-_Import_Goods
