(JUBA) – Importing used cars from Japan to South Sudan is a growing trend among individuals, car dealers, and businesses, driven by the reliability and affordability of Japanese vehicles. However, the process is regulated by a series of policies, documentation requirements and inspection procedures. This guide explains the technical, legal and procedural requirements for South Sudanese importers.
1. Vehicle Type and Drive Orientation
South Sudan permits the importation of both left-hand drive (LHD) and right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles. However, driving in South Sudan is on the right side of the road, so LHD vehicles are generally preferred. Importantly, all buses must be left hand drive only, as per road safety guidelines.
2. Age Limit for Imported Vehicles
There is no age restriction on vehicles imported into South Sudan. This offers flexibility for individuals looking to buy affordable older models, particularly from Japan, where many vehicles are well maintained despite age.
3. Mandatory Pre-Shipment Inspection
All used vehicles imported into South Sudan from the following countries must undergo a Pre-Shipment Inspection by the East Africa Automobile Services (EAA):
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Japan
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United Kingdom
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United Arab Emirates
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Singapore
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South Africa
The inspection confirms roadworthiness and checks for odometer tampering, which is strictly prohibited.
4. Ports and Shipping Information
| Port of Entry | Mode of Transport | Shipping Time | Shipping Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mombasa, Kenya | RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) | 24 – 36 days | Hyundai Glovis |
Vehicles are shipped to Mombasa and then transported overland to South Sudan, typically through Nimule or Nadapal border crossings.
5. Duties and Taxes
Customs duties in South Sudan vary depending on the location of entry and vehicle classification:
| Customs Location | Tax Range | Example on $10,000 Car (46M SSP) |
|---|---|---|
| Yei | 0% – 20% | $0 – $2,000 (0 – 9.2M SSP) |
| Juba | 0% – 45% | $0 – $4,500 (0 – 20.7M SSP) |
6. Required Documents
For individual or personal importation, the following documents are required:
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Original Certificate of Title
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Original Vehicle Registration Certificate
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Bill of Lading
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Supplier’s Invoice(s)
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Payment Receipt for Duties and Taxes
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Exemption Certificate (if any)
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Driver’s Licence
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Valid International Insurance Policy
For commercial importation (dealers or businesses), the following documents are also required:
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Import Declaration Form (IDF)
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Commercial Certificate of Origin
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Proforma Invoice with full specifications
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Quarantine Licence (if necessary)
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Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization (SSMO) documentation
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Valid import licence from the Ministry of Foreign Trade
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Proof of compliance with bank formalities (e.g. letter of credit, bank confirmation)
7. Proforma Invoice Requirements
A valid Proforma Invoice should include:
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Clear specifications and quantity of the goods
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Freight on Board (FOB) value
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Freight value (if applicable)
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Mode of transportation
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Currency of payment
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Country of origin (issued by the relevant authority)
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Insurance value (if applicable)
The invoice information will be used to fill out the Import Declaration Form (IDF), which must be submitted prior to customs clearance.
8. Importer Registration
All importers must be registered with the Import/Export Registry at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI). This is mandatory for both personal and commercial imports. Unregistered entities may face clearance delays or legal penalties.
Summary of Vehicle Import Checklist in South Sudan
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Drive Orientation | LHD and RHD allowed (buses: LHD only) |
| Vehicle Age Limit | No age restriction |
| Inspection Requirement | EAA Pre-shipment Inspection mandatory |
| Customs Tax | 0% – 45% depending on location |
| Entry Port | Mombasa, Kenya |
| Shipping Time | 24 – 36 days |
| Required Documents | Title, Registration, IDF, Invoice, etc. |
| Importer Registration | Mandatory |
Disclaimer: This guide is provided for informational purposes only and reflects the laws and procedures applicable as of July 2025. Policies and rates may change based on updated legislation or customs regulations. Importers are advised to consult with licensed customs agents and Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) for the most accurate and up to date information.