SSNBS Conformity Verification Program (South Sudan)

1. Overview

The SSNBS Conformity Verification Program is a mandatory regulatory scheme introduced by the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS).

The program ensures that goods exported to South Sudan comply with applicable national, regional, or international standards before shipment.

Under this program, each shipment must be verified and certified by an approved inspection body such as Baltic Control.

A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is required for customs clearance. Without this document, goods cannot be imported into South Sudan.

2. Scope of the program

The program applies to all regulated products, including both new and used goods.

Exemptions are limited and include:

• Diplomatic cargo
• Shipments with a value below USD 2,000

3. Role of Baltic Control

Baltic Control is an approved inspection agency appointed by SSNBS to perform conformity verification and issue Certificates of Conformity.

Our responsibilities include:

• Document verification
• Inspection of goods
• Sampling and testing (if required)
• Verification of labeling, packaging, and product parameters
• Issuance of CoC

4. Certification process

Step 1: Submission of documents

The exporter must submit the following documents to Baltic Control:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Request for Certificate (RFC)
• Test reports or quality certificates (if available)
• Product specifications / datasheets

Additional shipment details required include:

• Quantity and value of goods
• Country of manufacture
• Inspection location and date
• Importer and exporter details

Step 2: Document review

Baltic Control verifies whether the submitted documentation demonstrates compliance with applicable standards.

If valid test reports are provided, additional testing may not be required.

Step 3: Inspection and testing

Depending on the documentation and product risk:

• Physical inspection of goods is conducted
• Samples may be taken for laboratory testing
• Verification is performed against applicable standards

Three possible routes may apply:

1. Full inspection and testing
2. Inspection with random testing
3. Product licensing (for compliant and regularly shipped goods)

Step 4: Issuance of Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

If the shipment complies with requirements, Baltic Control issues a CoC.

The certificate is also transmitted electronically to SSNBS.

5. Applicable standards

The program follows a hierarchy of standards:

1. SSNBS national standards
2. EAC (East African Community) standards
3. Regional standards
4. International standards

If no formal standards are available, Baltic Control may apply technical expertise to assess product compliance.

6. Special requirements

Key requirements include:

• Labeling must be in English and/or Arabic
• Shelf-life products must meet minimum remaining shelf life:
  • 75% for most products
  • 50% for pharmaceuticals
• Packaging integrity and batch information must be verified for sensitive goods such as:
  • Chemicals
  • Cosmetics
  • Fertilizers

7. Fees and responsibilities

Exporter responsibilities:

• Arrange inspection
• Provide documentation
• Ensure goods are compliant
• Cover costs of inspection, testing, and certification

Fees:

Fees are based on shipment value and must be paid prior to issuance of the CoC.
No goods will be allowed into South Sudan without proof of payment and a valid CoC.

Additional costs may include:

• Laboratory testing
• Sample handling
• Re-inspection
• Courier and administrative costs

8. Important notes

• One commercial invoice corresponds to one CoC
• Inspection must be scheduled in advance (minimum 3 days of notice required)
• Non-compliant goods will result in issuance of a Non-Conformity Report, and fees remain payable

9. How to apply

To initiate the conformity verification process, the exporter must submit a filled Request for Certificate (RFC) to Baltic Control team using this address.