The Embassy revealed that many importers mistakenly treat shipping containers as part of their purchased goods, leading to widespread withholding of containers within South Sudan.

By Emmanuel Mandella

The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Nairobi has appealed to all South Sudanese importers and clearing agents to urgently return empty shipping containers to the Port of Mombasa, warning that the ongoing failure to do so is contributing to soaring shipping and customs bond costs.

In a statement released on Friday, July 18, the Embassy revealed that many importers mistakenly treat shipping containers as part of their purchased goods, leading to widespread withholding of containers within South Sudan.

The Embassy clarified that shipping containers remain the property of shipping lines unless legally purchased and supported by valid ownership documentation.

“This misconception has serious consequences. When containers are not returned, shipping lines suffer financial losses and impose penalties, forcing bond costs to skyrocket and ultimately increasing the cost of importing goods into South Sudan,” the Embassy said

Under Kenyan law, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) requires a customs bond for all goods in transit to South Sudan, the bond serves as a security mechanism to ensure that goods pass through Kenyan territory without being diverted or violating customs protocols.

However, due to the withholding of containers, bond requirements and shipping costs are now on the rise, directly impacting traders and everyday consumers in South Sudan.

The Embassy emphasized that cooperation in returning containers is essential to reverse this costly trend and safeguard South Sudan’s trade reputation in the region.

“Importers must understand that containers are not part of the consignment unless they have been legally acquired. Failing to return containers hurts the entire trade ecosystem from logistics providers to market consumers,” the statement added.

To mitigate the growing crisis, the Embassy has issued a clear directive, return all empty containers to Mombasa immediately after offloading, unless legally purchased and documented.

Avoid treating containers as part of the purchased goods unless ownership can be officially proven and actively cooperate with shipping agents and authorities to improve trade flow and reduce penalties, it advised.

“By simply returning empty containers, importers can help reduce bond requirements, lower shipping rates, and ultimately bring down the cost of goods for everyone in South Sudan, the statement concluded.

While pledging continued advocacy for fair treatment of South Sudanese traders, the Embassy warned that without corrective action, the cost of non-compliance would only increase. Traders, they say, must also take responsibility to ensure South Sudan remains a respected player in regional trade.

“Let us work together to uphold proper shipping practices, reduce unnecessary costs, and strengthen South Sudan’s commercial reputation in the region,” the Embassy urged.

According to World Bank trade data, South Sudan is already one of the most expensive countries in East Africa for importing goods, with logistics and customs inefficiencies adding up to 30% to retail prices. Resolving such procedural bottlenecks, container returns could be one of the main cost-cutting measures that could help stabilize an economy heavily reliant on imports.