NIMULE — The South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) Customs Chief at Nimule One Stop Border Post has warned clearing agents against engaging in revenue fraud and other illegal practices that undermine government revenue collection.
The warning was issued during an engagement with clearing agents operating at the border on Sunday, where the customs authorities urged them to comply with customs laws and ensure accurate declaration of goods entering the country.
Addressing media on Sunday, the commissioner for the Customs Revenue Division, John Mading Bol, cautioned that fraudulent practices, including under-declaration of goods, falsification of documents, and other forms of tax evasion, deprive the government of vital revenue needed to support public services and national development.
“The issue of clearing agents, Hon. Commissioner General, some of them who used to give wrong declarations so that the revenue is not collected. As Commissioner for Customs, I assure you that if that mistake happens or that forgery happens, immediately we will withdraw the license or cancel the license of the clearing agent,” Mading said.
He warned that any attempt to manipulate customs declarations would attract serious penalties, stressing that operating as a licensed clearing agent at Nimule comes with significant financial responsibility and accountability.
“Because you know a license for a clearing agent for Nimule, particularly nowadays, is very expensive. To get a license for one year for Nimule, you have to pay 4,000 USD for a one-year renewal. So, if we cancel it, then you have to go and pay fresh. This is very important to punish whoever is trying to cheat or play with the revenue,” he added.
Ambassador Moun Deng Ajuet, Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), directed customs officers at the Nimule Border Station to take decisive action against importers who attempt to evade taxes through false invoicing.
“Please, Assistant Commissioner, if you discover that truck was meant for the Democratic Republic of the Congo or it was meant for South Sudan but was rerouted to Congo to reduce the invoice value, let it return to where it came from. Do not allow it to enter South Sudan,” Deng said.
Deng instructed the commissioner to reject any cargo found to have been deliberately rerouted or undervalued to reduce the amount of customs duty payable.
“The next time they come, they must come directly and present the actual invoice. We do not want to lose government revenue because of such activities,” he said.
He emphasized that strict enforcement of customs procedures is essential to protect national revenue, promote fair trade practices, and ensure all importers comply with South Sudan’s customs laws and regulations.
