The South Sudan Freight Forwarders Association (SSFFA) has expressed strong support for the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) following its recent interception of substandard fuel at the Nimule border point.
Earlier this week, SSNBS officials halted 11 trucks carrying fuel that failed to meet East African standards. The trucks, attempting to enter South Sudan via the Nimule Road on Monday, were found during a routine inspection to be transporting non-compliant fuel and were subsequently ordered to return to their country of origin.
SSFFA President Deng Daniel commended the Bureau’s swift and decisive action, describing it as essential to protecting consumers, promoting fair trade, and reinforcing the country’s commercial credibility.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards for its unwavering commitment to enforcing national import standards,” Deng stated in an official letter. “Your efforts play a critical role in shielding consumers from harmful products while fostering a fair and transparent trade environment.”
Deng further praised SSNBS for reducing the circulation of substandard and hazardous goods in the market, attributing this to the agency’s firm stance on quality assurance.
However, he also urged the Bureau to improve oversight of its laboratory services, citing growing concerns over misconduct by some technicians. “Several clients have reported instances where technicians allegedly requested favors or threatened to fail consignments unless bribed,” the SSFFA letter noted.
He emphasized that addressing these issues is vital to maintaining the Bureau’s integrity and boosting South Sudan’s scientific and trade credibility in line with East African Community (EAC) standards.
“Your proactive standardization measures have improved operational efficiency, minimized risk, and fostered greater transparency in cross-border trade, factors essential to driving sustainable economic growth,” Deng added.
The Nimule border point remains a strategic location in South Sudan’s import regulation efforts. The SSNBS has regularly intercepted substandard goods at this entry point, part of its broader mandate to enforce strict import quality controls and prevent potentially harmful products from reaching the local market.
Last month, the Bureau also intercepted and returned six trucks carrying 3,840 bags of sorghum deemed unfit for human consumption due to poor quality.
