🇸🇸 Import Customs & Duties: South Sudan
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. VAT at 18% nominally, but collection inconsistent outside Juba.
Clearance Time
7-30+ (extremely variable) days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 10-25% | 85 |
| Clothing | 10-25% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 10-25% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-25% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-10% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 10-25% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 10-25% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
South Sudan Customs Service (newest country, independent 2011). Customs duties 0-25%. VAT at 18% on imports. Juba is the main entry point (Juba Airport and Juba river port on White Nile). Most goods enter overland from Uganda (Nimule border) or Kenya. ASYCUDA system being implemented. Extreme instability since civil war (2013-2018, fragile peace).
What to Actually Expect
EXTREME INSTABILITY. World's newest country (2011) devastated by civil war (2013-2018). Fragile peace agreement. Juba is the only semi-functional entry point. Nimule border crossing from Uganda handles most overland trade. Roads are often impassable, especially in rainy season. No functioning rail. Oil exports (97% of revenue) but economy in crisis. South Sudanese Pound (SSP) in hyperinflation. Most major couriers DO NOT serve South Sudan. DHL has very limited Juba service. No postal system. UN/NGO logistics (UNMISS, WFP) handle significant import volumes. Corruption pervasive. Armed groups control checkpoints on many roads.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Nominal requirements for firearms, pharmaceuticals, chemicals. Enforcement varies dramatically by location and security situation. Alcohol regulated. Most imports are humanitarian aid or basic necessities.
Certificate of Origin
South Sudan Chamber of Commerce. EAC membership (joined 2016) provides some regional trade framework. Very limited international trade agreements.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Popular routes to South Sudan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for South Sudan?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into South Sudan is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to South Sudan?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to South Sudan is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. VAT at 18% nominally, but collection inconsistent outside Juba.
How long does customs clearance take in South Sudan?
Typical customs clearance in South Sudan takes 7-30+ (extremely variable) days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into South Sudan?
To import into South Sudan, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into South Sudan?
South Sudan prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.