(JUBA) – The new Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), Rizig Dominic Samuel, has urged importers to declare all goods entering South Sudan through official border points and to pay customs duties in full.
In a circular issued on Friday, 25 September 2026, Samuel said importers must make sure all customs declarations and supporting documents are correct and genuine. This includes information on the value, quantity, classification and exemptions of imported goods.
“Any attempt to evade customs duties, taxes or levies through under-declaration, misclassification, false documentation, concealment, misrepresentation or any other fraudulent means will be treated as a customs offence,” he said.
The Commissioner General said the East African Community Customs Management Act sets out penalties for the fraudulent evasion of customs duties or the use of false or incorrect customs documents. These penalties may include fines and other legal sanctions.
Samuel warned that importers found to have evaded or underpaid customs duties, taxes or levies will have to settle all outstanding amounts. They may also have to pay penalties, fines and other charges under the relevant customs legislation, and face any legal or enforcement measures that follow a customs offence.
“Payment of outstanding duty or tax does not, where applicable, extinguish liability for a separate penalty or offence,” he said. He added that the EAC Customs Management Act provides that, in relevant cases, outstanding duty is payable in addition to the prescribed fine.
The Commissioner General urged importers to comply fully with customs requirements and to keep complete, accurate and verifiable records for all import transactions.
He also called on importers to learn the applicable customs laws and procedures so they can avoid penalties and other legal consequences.
