By Philip Buda Ladu
South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) directs immediate and mandatory Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) program, requiring a valid Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for all goods entering the country.
According to SSNBS public notice on Friday, 23rd, May, 2025, the measure, aims at safeguarding consumer health, ensure product quality, and curb the persistent influx of substandard, adulterated, and counterfeit commodities into South Sudanese market.
The directive, by SSNBS Executive Director, Gloria Nyoka Joseph, emphasizes the bureau’s intensified efforts to enforce national standards and protect its citizens.
“This measure is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety, quality, and compliance of imported products with national standards,” stated the public notice from the SSNBS.
The SSNBS Act (2012) empowers the bureau as the leading agency for standards and conformity assessment, with a clear mandate to contribute to consumer safety and health security through effective product safety frameworks based on the Imports and Exports Policy (2012).
The implementation of PVoC is a direct response to the ongoing violation of both the National Bureau of Standards Act (2012) and the Weights and Measure Act (2012) by non-compliant imports.
Under the new regulations, all imported goods must now be accompanied by a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from the country of origin or export, issued by authorized and appointed International Pre-shipment Conformity Assessment (PVoC) service providers.
Henceforth, SSNBS has warned that penalties will be imposed at all entry points for goods arriving without a CoC, and repeat offenders will face further legal action as outlined in the National Bureau of Standards Act (2012).
The PVoC program will be strictly enforced at all major entry points, including Nimule border, Juba International Airport, Nadapal, Kaya border among other major ports of entry.
This significant policy shift follows a series of successful interceptions by the SSNBS, highlighting the urgent need for stricter import controls.
Earlier this week, the SSNBS made headlines by intercepting and turning back 11 trucks carrying substandard fuel at the Nimule border crossing. Rigorous quality assessments and laboratory analyses revealed the fuel failed to meet the required East African Standards.
This incident is not isolated. In late April, the bureau re-exported 1,800 bags of maize flour that violated East African Standard (EAS) No. 44:2019.
Furthermore, on April 9, 2025, a consignment of non-compliant yellow peas and maize grains was intercepted and disposed of at the Nimule border due to physical damage, high impurity levels, and poor overall appearance.
These repeated actions demonstrate a strengthened commitment by the SSNBS to enforce quality regulations and protect South Sudanese consumers from the dangers of substandard goods.
Consequently, the mandatory implementation of PVoC is expected to be a pivotal step in ensuring that only quality-assured and standards-compliant products enter the South Sudanese market, thereby safeguarding public health and the environment.
For more information about PVoC procedures, traders and importers can contact the SSNBS PVoC desk at 0927199061, email pvoc@ssnbs.gov.ss, or visit the SSNBS Headquarters in Kololo, near the American Residence, Juba.