(NAIROBI) – The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Kenya has issued a public alert advising South Sudanese importers, clearing agents, freight forwarders, and logistics companies to comply with a new Kenyan customs regulation that came into force on 1 July 2025.
According to the embassy’s official announcement dated 15 July, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) now requires all goods entering Kenya including those merely passing through to other countries like South Sudan to be accompanied by a valid Certificate of Origin (COO). The regulation was introduced under Kenya’s Finance Act 2025 and is already being enforced at Kenyan ports and entry points.
The embassy stressed that failure to provide the required certificate may lead to delays, penalties, or even confiscation of goods at the border or the Port of Mombasa, which remains a key transit gateway for South Sudan-bound shipments.
The COO must be issued by a recognised authority in the country of export, whether the goods originate from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, or within East Africa. This certificate is used to verify the origin of goods and ensure compliance with trade agreements or tariff requirements.
In response to concerns raised by South Sudanese traders about goods already en route or recently shipped without the required documentation, the embassy said it has initiated diplomatic engagement with Kenyan authorities to request a grace period for those consignments. However, no official exemption or timeline has been confirmed.
To avoid costly disruptions, South Sudanese importers are urged to check with their exporters and clearing agents to confirm that all new consignments include the appropriate COO paperwork.
Contact Details Provided by the Embassy
| Contact Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | +254-20-2711383/4, +254-729-790144, +254-737-483599 |
| nairobi@mfa.gov.ss | |
| Physical Address | Solem Tower, 2nd Floor, Galana Road, Nairobi |
| Reference No. | RSS/EK/C&T/3-7)/2025 |
The embassy also advised all parties involved in international trade to pause any new shipments to South Sudan via Kenya unless the correct COO documentation is available and verified.
This move is expected to impact South Sudanese businesses and the import supply chain, particularly those relying on the Mombasa corridor, which serves as the main import route for goods into South Sudan.
As South Sudan continues to rely heavily on imports for construction materials, food, fuel, electronics, and other consumer goods, the directive could lead to higher clearance costs or delays at the port if not addressed properly.
What South Sudanese Importers Should Do
| Action Required | Details |
|---|---|
| Obtain Certificate of Origin | From authorised body in exporting country |
| Verify Documentation | Before shipping to Mombasa or Kenyan border |
| Contact Embassy Trade Section for Clarification | Use official phone or email channels |
| Avoid Shipping Without COO | To prevent fines, delays, or cargo seizure |
| Monitor Embassy Updates | For grace period or new diplomatic developments |
