Country profile
South Sudan
SS · SSDAs of: 7/6/2026Landlocked, oil-exporting, heavily dependent on imports
South Sudan is a landlocked East African country and one of the region's most challenging logistics markets. An oil exporter, it is at the same time heavily dependent on imports. Customs and duties are handled by the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) using ASYCUDA World; instead of VAT a 20 percent sales tax applies. Goods mainly move along the Northern Corridor from the port of Mombasa (Kenya) via Nimule to Juba, complemented by air freight through Juba Airport (JUB) and limited Nile river shipping. A fragile security situation, a UN arms embargo and a pronounced rainy season shape operating conditions.
Overview
South Sudan (SS) is a landlocked country in East Africa bordering Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic. A federal republic since independence in 2011, it faces a fragile security situation that varies sharply by region. Economically, crude oil production dominates and provides the bulk of export revenue, while agriculture and livestock sustain the population. Foreign trade is strongly import-driven: fuel, food, machinery, vehicles and construction materials are mostly moved along the Northern Corridor from the Kenyan port of Mombasa via Nimule to Juba. Customs and duties are levied by the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) using ASYCUDA World; instead of VAT a 20 percent sales tax applies, complemented by a 4 percent advance payment of business profit tax on imports (Financial Act 2024/2025). Logistically the country has poorly developed roads, almost no rail and only a partly navigable Nile connection; Juba Airport (JUB) carries air freight. A UN arms embargo with travel and asset freezes (most recently extended to 2027 by Resolution 2821 of 2026) and a pronounced rainy season shape operating conditions. The national currency is the South Sudanese Pound (SSP).
Mentioned countries
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA)Import system
Customs clearance via the SSRA with ASYCUDA World. Import duties under the Financial Act 2024/2025; customs values according to SSRA merchandise conversion rates.
Export system
ASYCUDA World (SSRA). Main export: crude oil via pipeline through Sudan to Port Sudan; other exports via SSRA declaration.
Import VAT
- No value added tax. Instead, Sales Tax of 20 percent on imported goods as well as on hotel/restaurant/bar services (Financial Act 2024/2025). Additionally, Advance Business Profit Tax of 4 percent on imports (since 2.12.2024).
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Electronic customs declaration (ASYCUDA World)
- Transport document (CMR, AWB, B/L)
- Certificate of origin
- If applicable: import licenses / inspection certificates
Export documents
- Export declaration (ASYCUDA World)
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin
- Transport document
- If applicable: export license
Origin proofs / FTA
EAC member (since 2016) and COMESA member; preferences via EAC/COMESA certificates of origin. Practical implementation of free trade rules still limited.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Weapons and ammunition (UN arms embargo), narcotics, endangered species (CITES). Imports of fuel, food and medicine are partly subject to inspection and licensing requirements.
Export controls & sanctions
UN sanctions (Res. 2821/2026): arms embargo, travel and asset freezes until 31.5.2027; Panel of Experts until 1.7.2027. Additionally EU, UK and US sanctions (OFAC).
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Africa) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Africa. Documentation, pre-clearance and local clearance steps can vary a lot by destination.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Depending on destination/goods: additional permits, inspection or compliance documents
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- JUB - Juba International
Seaports / access ports
- Mombasa (KE) - main access port
- Port Sudan (SD) - oil pipeline / access
- Dar es Salaam (TZ) - alternative route
Inland ports & terminals
- Juba (Nile)
- Malakal (Nile)
- Renk (Nile)
Road corridors & border crossings
- Northern Corridor: Mombasa - Nairobi - Nimule - Juba
- Nimule (Uganda border)
- Juba - Wau
- Kaya (Uganda border)
Top trade lanes
- Uganda - South Sudan
- Kenya - South Sudan
- China - South Sudan (oil)
- UAE - South Sudan
- India - South Sudan
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Fragile security situation, recurring armed conflicts and long transit routes from Mombasa (approx. 1'700-2'000 km). Currency depreciation (SSP) and the UN arms embargo shape the framework conditions.
Seasonal & weather risks
Pronounced rainy season from April to October/November makes many unpaved roads impassable; flooding in the Nile basin regularly hinders transport and supply.
Current logistics notes
Financial Act 2024/2025 in force since 2.12.2024 (Sales Tax 20 percent, Advance BPT 4 percent on imports). UN sanctions extended with Res. 2821 (2026) until 2027. Status 2026-07-06.
As of: 2026-07-06
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Which customs authority is responsible in South Sudan?
The responsible authority is the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA). Customs clearance is handled electronically via ASYCUDA World; import duties are governed by the annual Financial Act.
Is there a value added tax in South Sudan?
No. South Sudan does not levy value added tax but a Sales Tax. On imported goods as well as on hotel, restaurant and bar services, it amounts to 20 percent (Financial Act 2024/2025).
What additional charges apply to imports?
In addition to customs duties and Sales Tax, an advance payment of Business Profit Tax of 4 percent on imports has been levied since 2 December 2024. Excise duties are added for certain goods such as alcohol, tobacco and telecom.
How do goods reach South Sudan?
As a landlocked country, goods mainly move via the Northern Corridor: from the Kenyan port of Mombasa via Nairobi and the Nimule border to Juba (approx. 1'700-2'000 km). Air freight is handled through Juba Airport (JUB).
Which sanctions must be observed?
With Resolution 2821 (2026), the UN Security Council extended the arms embargo as well as travel and asset freezes until 31 May 2027. In addition, separate sanctions regimes of the EU, the United Kingdom and the USA (OFAC) apply.
When should weather-related delays be expected?
During the rainy season from April to October/November, many unpaved roads are impassable, and flooding in the Nile basin hinders transport and supply. The dry season from November to March is more favorable for logistics.
Which currency is used in South Sudan?
The national currency is the South Sudanese pound (SSP). Due to exchange rate fluctuations and inflation, US dollars are often used for pricing in foreign trade.
Which trade partners are important for South Sudan?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for South Sudan?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
Matching tools and partners