A Turning Point in Trade Relations”
In a significant move towards bolstering bilateral trade, Uganda and South Sudan have agreed to synchronize sampling, test methods, and certification processes, particularly for goods originating from within the two nations. The decision, forged in a meeting between the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) and the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) at Nimule, the common border, aims to resolve issues that arose over maize exports last year.
The rift emerged when the SSNBS blocked maize imports from Uganda, citing poor standards. Over 100 trucks were left stranded at the border, aggravating the situation when South Sudanese authorities sealed grain stores on the Ugandan side. To resolve the standoff, a Joint Ugandan Delegation led by Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development, negotiated the release of impounded trucks in Elegu-Nimule town.
Since then, the UNBS conducted batch sampling and laboratory analysis of maize grain and flour exports to South Sudan. Of the 367 samples analyzed, 94.2% from 23 certified companies met standard requirements. The UNBS and SSNBS now require all products covered by Compulsory Standards, including maize flour, to be certified by UNBS before export to South Sudan. Additionally, an SPS certificate from competent Ugandan authorities is mandated for other exports such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, chicken, fish, and more.
The two national standards bodies have agreed to establish a technical team to harmonize sampling, test methods, and certification processes. Acting Executive Director of UNBS, Nangalama Daniel Richard Makayi, urges manufacturers and traders to undergo the UNBS certification process, emphasizing the need for a seamless flow of goods and services to South Sudan.
To apply for certification, manufacturers and traders must obtain relevant standards from the UNBS website, ensuring compliance with those standards. Required documentation includes a Tax Identification Number (TIN), email address, Certificate of Incorporation from Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), product process flow chart, and product labels and markings.
Makayi emphasizes that this certification process safeguards not only exports but also the health of Ugandans. UNBS remains committed to enforcing standards to protect consumers and the environment against sub-standard products while fostering fairness in trade and strengthening Uganda’s economy through the competitiveness of exports in regional and international markets.
