South Sudan Issues Warning To Kenya Over Cargo Imports
Kenya and Uganda have been directed by the South Sudan National Revenue Authority (SSNRA) to affix electronic cargo tracing seals to all outbound and inland cargo.
The authority stated in a notice signed by SSNRA Commissioner Major General Riek Gathon that the directive will be applicable to both dry and moist transit cargo bound for or arriving in the Republic of South Sudan.
Important centers throughout East Africa, such as Mombasa Port, Nairobi, Kampala, and Eldoret, were the focus of the notice.
“South Sudan National Revenue Authority (NRA) Customs Division is hereby instructing the entire business community, taxpayers, clearing agents, and transporters including non-governmental organizations across the board, that all dry and wet transit cargo destined to and from the Republic of South Sudan shall be armed with electronic cargo tracking seals,” the statement read in part.
“This will be starting from the particular points of inbound or outbound including but not limited to Mombasa Port, Nairobi, Kampala and Eldoret.”
The South Sudan NRA Customs Officers and the National Revenue authorities of the transiting countries will be responsible for implementing the electronic device on behalf of the South Sudanese government, per Major General Gathon.
Transporters who do not comply with the directive will be subject to a significant monetary penalty.
“Take notice that failure to adhere to this directive shall attract a fine at the border of entry or exit by the South Sudan Customs Office. Your cooperation is highly appreciated.”
The East African region’s trade relations have been in jeopardy since Uganda severed ties with Kenya over the importation of its energy products via the Mombasa Port.
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Moreover, the situation became more severe when additional nations expressed intentions to emulate Uganda’s actions.
However, President William Ruto has been actively involved in dialogues with his East African counterparts to promote regional integration.
Ahead of the EAC Climate Summit, he recently embarked on a visit to Tanzania, where he advocated for increased regional integration.
Conversely, so it stands. Historically, Kenya and South Sudan have maintained robust bilateral commerce relations.
Ahead of August 2023, President Ruto and Salva Kiir, the heads of state of South Sudan and Sudan, respectively, met at State House to deliberate on strategies to strengthen trade ties in a manner that would be advantageous to both countries.
This entailed the execution of infrastructure initiatives as part of the Lamu Port South-Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor initiative (LAPSSET).
This, as stated by Ruto, would increase intraregional trade and connectivity.
Additionally, the two leaders endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining several trade agreements aimed at enhancing the infrastructure of their respective countries.
South Sudan Issues Warning To Kenya Over Cargo Imports
