(NIMULE) – The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards, known as SSNBS, has introduced new laboratory equipment at the Nimule Border Station in a move aimed at improving border inspection services, reducing cargo delays, and strengthening consumer safety controls.
The agency said the upgrade forms part of ongoing efforts to improve laboratory operations and increase the efficiency of product testing at one of South Sudan’s busiest trade entry points.
According to SSNBS, the newly acquired equipment will enable technicians at the Nimule laboratory to process more product samples within a shorter period while delivering more reliable digital testing results.
Nimule serves as South Sudan’s main commercial border crossing with Uganda and handles large volumes of imported food, beverages, construction materials, fuel, medicines, and consumer goods entering the country.
Delays at inspection points have previously contributed to congestion, longer cargo clearance periods, and increased transport costs for traders and importers.
The agency said laboratory technicians at the border station had received specialised training on the operation and handling of the new equipment to ensure accurate testing procedures and effective use of the systems.
SSNBS stated that the support received from its development partner marked an important step in strengthening the institution’s mandate to protect public health and ensure that products entering South Sudan meet national quality and safety standards.
The agency added that improved testing systems would also help reduce the backlog of consignments waiting for inspection and support faster trade processing at the border.
Business operators in South Sudan have repeatedly raised concerns over slow cargo clearance procedures, inspection delays, and the high cost of transporting goods through regional trade corridors.
Faster laboratory testing and improved inspection capacity at Nimule could help ease pressure on importers and improve the movement of goods into markets across Juba and other parts of South Sudan.
The agency said it remains committed to working closely with traders, importers, transport companies, and the wider business community to improve compliance with national standards and regulatory requirements.
The laboratory upgrade comes at a time when South Sudan continues to depend heavily on imports from neighbouring East African countries for food supplies, fuel, medicine, construction materials, and household goods.
Improved inspection efficiency at border points is considered important for maintaining stable supply chains and reducing delays that often increase market prices for consumers.
In a related development, SSNBS recently held a general staff meeting at its headquarters in Juba aimed at strengthening internal coordination and improving institutional performance.
The meeting, chaired by Executive Director Hon. Oiylang Dominic on June 2, 2026, brought together senior officials, directors, inspectors, technical teams, administrative staff, and support workers from across the institution.
According to SSNBS, the meeting was intended to provide staff with an open platform to share views, concerns, experiences, and recommendations regarding the operations of the standards agency.
The institution said the discussions reflected the leadership’s commitment to promoting inclusiveness, improving communication, and strengthening teamwork within the organisation.
During the meeting, Executive Director Oiylang Dominic stressed the importance of unity, discipline, and collective responsibility in advancing the agency’s mandate.
He said SSNBS plays a key role in protecting public health, supporting fair trade, promoting consumer safety, and ensuring compliance with national standards across South Sudan’s markets.
The agency added that it remains committed to building a motivated workforce capable of delivering efficient services to businesses, traders, and consumers across the country.