By Alan Clement
In a sweeping regulatory move, the Minister of Trade and Industry Atong Kuol has issued a directive for the cancellation and recall of some of import licenses issued within the last year.
The ministerial order cited the need to rein in unregulated imports and crackdown on illegal commercial activities.
This directive came at a time of escalating concerns about counterfeit goods and revenue losses.
Under the new ministerial directive, all businesses that had received licenses during the past year, July 2024 to-date, will be required to reapply through a revamped compliance process.
Authorities emphasize that only traders who meet newly outlined criteria including valid financial documentation and adherence to import standards will be eligible to resume operations.
The cancellations follow mounting pressure to eliminate non‑tariff barriers and arbitrary levies issues previously raised in the National Trade Forum and by the South Sudan National Chamber of Commerce.
At the forum, stakeholders decried the fragmented tax system and inconsistent enforcement undermining investor confidence.
A statement from the ministry stated that the cancellations reflect a broader strategy intended to restore the integrity of trade licensing, strengthen consumer protection as well as improve revenue collection through lawful trade channels. The move underscores growing frustration among officials with previous lapses in vetting and enforcement.
The new directive outlines that all new trade licenses will be issued in the Ministry Headquarters in Juba. New licenses as well as renewals will only be done after robust vetting processes are followed. This move is essential for long‑term fiscal stability and consumer protection.