(JUBA) – The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) has issued a warning to manufacturers and producers against the unauthorised use of its official logo and quality marks on product labels, citing growing concerns about violations of national standards laws.
The Bureau, which serves as the government’s regulatory authority for quality and safety standards, released a statement stressing that several businesses have been found unlawfully displaying the Bureau’s symbols.
Gloria Nyoka Joseph, the Executive Director of SSNBS, said the practice is a serious breach of the National Bureau of Standards Act of 2012 and the Quality Mark Regulations of 2021. She cautioned that offenders risk both fines and imprisonment.
“The Bureau has observed with serious concern the unauthorised use of its marks and logos by some businesses. This constitutes a violation of the law and is subject to penalties,” she stated. “We are directing all manufacturers, producers and stakeholders to immediately cease using unauthorised SSNBS marks. Failure to comply will result in legal action without further notice.”
The SSNBS is mandated to regulate, monitor and enforce product standards in South Sudan to ensure goods circulating in the market meet safety and quality requirements. Its work also covers metrology, technical regulations and conformity assessment, with operations spanning states, border posts and trading centres across the country.
The Bureau’s legal framework is anchored in the National Bureau of Standards Act (2012) and the Weights and Measures Act (2012). These laws empower the authority to penalise companies that mislead consumers or undermine fair trade by falsely presenting products as certified.
According to the SSNBS, the use of its certification marks is intended to assure consumers that products meet national standards. Any unauthorised use risks not only deceiving customers but also damaging the integrity of South Sudan’s emerging quality control system.
The Bureau’s primary objectives include safeguarding public health, protecting the environment, promoting fair trade through reliable measurement systems, and boosting export competitiveness by supporting certification and value addition.
Industry observers say misuse of quality marks can distort competition and harm compliant businesses that have invested in meeting standards. Enforcement of regulations is also seen as important in curbing the circulation of substandard or unsafe products, particularly in food, beverages and construction materials.
At present, penalties for misuse of SSNBS logos and quality marks can include fines and custodial sentences.
| Legal Provision | Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| National Bureau of Standards Act (2012) | Misuse of SSNBS logo/marks | Fine or imprisonment |
| Quality Mark Regulations (2021) | False or unauthorised labelling | Legal action, prosecution |
The SSNBS has been calling for greater compliance from manufacturers to support consumer confidence, enhance trade credibility and attract investment.
The Bureau also reaffirmed that only products that have undergone proper testing, inspection and certification are authorised to carry its official marks.
