Under the framework of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the Regional Training Center (RTC)  Kenya and the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), held a national training workshop on rules of origin for South Sudan Customs. The workshop was held in Juba, South Sudan, from 4 to 8 March 2024 with the objective to assist South Sudan in enhancing its knowledge and application of preferential rules of origin. The training is part of a workplan established with the RTC for competency development for several countries in the ESA region.

In their opening remarks, Mr. Albino Dak Othow, Deputy Commissioner General, Ms. Zizi Maksudi Lila, Head of Modernisation, Ms. Mary Guo Amule, Acting Commissioner for Customs Division, and Mr. Daniel Kon, Commissioner for Corporate Services, thanked the WCO, the EU and the RTC for their support in capacitating staff to operationalize rules of origin and stressed that well equipped human resources is crucial for the well-functioning of the administration. SSRA Management encouraged participants to share the knowledge obtained through the workshop with colleagues and make sure it is implemented in order to improve the administration as well as to facilitate trade for compliant traders.

During the workshop, participants worked on key concepts for proper origin determination, related operational and procedural issues, including origin certification and origin irregularities, as well as the establishment of efficient origin management. In addition, participants discussed specific areas of concern, including the low level of knowledge and use of the FTAs and challenges linked to verification of origin including trough administrative cooperation. They actively participated in discussions, showed great interest in building the capacity of the Administration and drafted recommendations for better management and implementation of rules of origin on a national and regional level.

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme will continue its work with the RTC and South Sudan Customs to equip Customs officials and relevant stakeholders with extended knowledge for efficient implementation and application of rules or origin.

For further information please contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org