South Sudan National Bureau of Standards Launches National Quality Policy Review Workshop
The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) today launched a three-day National Quality Policy Review Workshop aimed at reviewing and strengthening the country’s National Quality Policy, which was endorsed by the Economic Cluster in 2023 and is awaiting final approval by the Council of Ministers. In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of SSNBS, Hon. Oiylang Dominic, expressed his appreciation to all participants for their valuable technical contributions and commitment towards strengthening South Sudan’s National Quality Infrastructure. He also acknowledged the continued support of the International Trade Centre (ITC) through the EU-supported project in 2021, which contributed to the development of the National Quality Policy. Hon. Oiylang highlighted that the workshop provides an important opportunity to assess the policy, identify areas requiring updates, and integrate emerging national priorities and international best practices before its submission for final approval. He emphasized that this review process will ensure the policy remains relevant, practical, and responsive to South Sudan’s long-term development objectives. A robust National Quality Policy provides strategic guidance for key components of the National Quality Infrastructure, including standardization, metrology, accreditation, conformity assessment, testing, certification, inspection, market surveillance, and technical regulations. It also strengthens coordination among institutions responsible for quality, enabling collective action towards a shared national vision of quality, competitiveness, and sustainable development. The review workshop brings together representatives from government institutions, development partners, private sector stakeholders, and technical experts to contribute their insights toward finalizing a comprehensive and effective National Quality Policy for South Sudan.
SSNBS Conducts Practical HPLC Training to Strengthen Laboratory Testing Capacity
The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS), with the continued support of the International Trade Centre (ITC) under MARKUP II Project, has commenced practical training on the operation and application of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for its laboratory personnel. The hands-on training is designed to equip technical staff with the practical knowledge and skills required to operate, maintain, and effectively utilize the HPLC system for laboratory analysis. The programme focuses on sample preparation, instrument operation, calibration, analytical procedures, quality assurance, data interpretation, and routine maintenance in accordance with internationally recognized laboratory practices. The HPLC equipment, which was previously underutilized, is now being fully operationalized through this capacity-building initiative. The practical training represents a significant milestone in strengthening SSNBS’s laboratory services and enhancing its ability to conduct reliable chemical analyses, particularly for food safety testing, including the detection of contaminants such as aflatoxins. This initiative reflects SSNBS’s commitment to building a competent technical workforce and advancing laboratory excellence in support of consumer protection, public health, and the development of South Sudan’s National Quality Infrastructure.
Courtesy Visit to the International Trade Centre Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland
9 July 2026 Geneva, Switzerland At the invitation of Aklile Habtemariam, Country Manager for South Sudan and Liberia within the Office for Africa at the International Trade Centre, the South Sudan Codex delegation paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Geneva, Switzerland. The delegation was led by Oiylang Kanuto, Executive Director of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards, who expressed appreciation to the ITC team for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to the delegation. During the visit, Hon. Oiylang highlighted the achievements realized under ongoing ITC-supported projects, as well as initiatives currently in progress. He also presented a list of priority areas requiring immediate support to further strengthen South Sudan’s national quality infrastructure. Mr. Habtemariam and the ITC team commended the vision and leadership of the Executive Director and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a culture of quality. They emphasized ITC’s continued support to SSNBS in key areas, including capacity building, laboratory equipment, policy development, digitalization, and other priority interventions identified by the Bureau. The team further noted that the collaborative roadmap is aligned with the long-term objective of achieving laboratory accreditation. The ITC team encouraged SSNBS to continue demonstrating tangible results from the ongoing projects, noting that measurable impact would further strengthen the case for sustained support and partnership. The delegation was also honored by the participation of Dorothy Tembo, Deputy Executive Director of the International Trade Centre. Ms. Tembo reaffirmed ITC’s continued support to SSNBS and emphasized the importance of prioritizing projects that will contribute to the advancement of South Sudan’s quality infrastructure. She congratulated the Executive Director on his appointment and acknowledged the comprehensive presentation delivered by the SSNBS team. In conclusion, the meeting was highly interactive and productive, fostering constructive dialogue and reinforcing the strong partnership between the International Trade Centre and the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards.
SSNBS Launches Technical Capacity-Building Programme with Support from the International Trade Centre
As part of the ongoing institutional capacity-building support provided by the International Trade Centre (ITC), the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) has commenced a comprehensive series of technical training programmes for its staff. The training programme, implemented with the support of ITC, focuses on internationally recognized standards and conformity assessment systems, including ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management Systems), ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems), ISO/IEC 17065 (Requirements for Certification Bodies), ISO/IEC 17021-1 (Requirements for Bodies Providing Audit and Certification of Management Systems), ISO/IEC 17020 (Requirements for Inspection Bodies), as well as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). These specialized training sessions are designed to enhance the technical knowledge and professional competencies of SSNBS personnel, strengthen the Bureau’s institutional capacity, and support its mandate of promoting quality infrastructure, consumer protection, fair trade, and compliance with international best practices in the Republic of South Sudan.
Call for expression of interest and submission of the application for the 3rd National Quality Awards 2026
The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) is pleased to announce the call for submission of Expressions of Interest & Applications for the National Quality Awards Competition 2026. These prestigious awards aim to recognize and honour organizations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to promoting and advancing quality across all sectors of the economy. for inquiry or assistance, kindly send your request to this email: info@ssnbs.gov.ss/ pal@ssnbs.gov.ss
𝐒𝐒𝐍𝐁𝐒 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
12 May 2026 | Arusha, Tanzania The Executive Director of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards, Hon. Oiylang Dominic Kanuto, led an SSNBS delegation to participate in the 28th East African Standards Committee Meeting, taking place from 12th to 14th May 2026 in Arusha, Tanzania. The meeting focuses on strengthening regional cooperation, harmonization of standards, trade facilitation, and consumer protection across the East African Community. SSNBS’ participation reflects South Sudan’s commitment to regional integration and the promotion of safe, quality, and standard-compliant products.
Executive Director Hosts WFP Delegation at SSNBS Headquarters
15 April 2026 SSNBS Headquarters, Juba The Executive Director of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS), Hon. Oiylang Dominic Kanuto, today received a delegation from the World Food Programme (WFP) led by Ms. Jaqueline Chinoera, Head of Food Systems, at the SSNBS Headquarters in Juba. The meeting was attended by the Director General for Technical Operations, members of the SSNBS technical team, and the accompanying WFP delegation. In his opening remarks, the Executive Director warmly welcomed the WFP delegation and expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support extended to SSNBS, particularly in strengthening food safety systems and laboratory capacity. The meeting focused on key agenda items, including progress on the WFP refurbishment of the SSNBS laboratory and procurement processes. Ms. Chinoera, on behalf of the WFP delegation, thanked the Executive Director and the SSNBS team for the warm reception. She reaffirmed WFP’s commitment to sustained collaboration and support to SSNBS, recognizing its critical role in safeguarding public health and protecting lives. She further emphasized that WFP’s partnership with SSNBS will continue beyond the current Memorandum of Understanding on laboratory refurbishment, particularly in priority areas of mutual interest, and highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional cooperation. The Director General for Technical Operations underscored the need for enhanced support and collaboration in the development of national standards, capacity building for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in food safety and quality and strengthening technical regulatory frameworks. In his closing remarks, Hon. Oiylang Dominic Kanuto once again expressed gratitude to WFP for its unwavering support. He reaffirmed SSNBS’s commitment to expanding its capabilities in conformity assessment, trade facilitation, and overall mandate delivery. He also appealed for additional support towards the Nimule Laboratory, noting its strategic importance as a key facility at the country’s port of entry.
SSNBS Strengthens Strategic Partnership with FAO to Enhance Laboratory Capacity and Food Safety Systems
14 April 2026 SSNBS HQ, Juba The Executive Director of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS), Hon. Oiylang Dominic Kanuto, today hosted a high-level meeting with the Acting Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Mr. Felix Dzrurami, and his delegation at the SSNBS Headquarters in Juba. The engagement focused on key areas of collaboration, notably the rehabilitation and equipping of the SSNBS Central and Nimule Laboratory, progress under the AMVAT Project, and the implementation of the CRAFT Project. In his remarks, Hon. Oiylang expressed sincere appreciation to FAO for its continued technical and financial support. He underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in strengthening the national quality infrastructure, safeguarding consumer health and safety, and facilitating trade. He further highlighted the pivotal role of SSNBS in conformity assessment and standards harmonization, particularly given South Sudan’s heavy reliance on imported goods. Mr. Felix Dzrurami reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting SSNBS, emphasizing that robust standards systems are essential for ensuring product safety, improving market access, and driving sustainable economic growth. He further provided updates on ongoing and planned interventions, including the provision of laboratory equipment, capacity building initiatives, and technical assistance towards achieving ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. SSNBS reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with development partners, recognizing that sustained partnerships are critical to advancing national quality infrastructure, enhancing food safety systems, and supporting the country’s socio-economic development.
EAC Peer Assessment Kicks Off at SSNBS Headquarters
Juba, South Sudan | 8–10 April 2026 The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) has officially launched a three-day East African Community (EAC) Peer Inspection Assessment at its headquarters in Juba. The exercise brings together a team of regional experts to evaluate and strengthen inspection systems in line with EAC harmonization efforts. The assessment is part of ongoing regional initiatives aimed at aligning import and export inspection procedures across EAC Partner States. It focuses on enhancing compliance with international standards, including ISO and ISO/IEC frameworks, as well as EAC harmonized guidelines for pre-packaged foods. During the assessment, the expert team will conduct a comprehensive review of SSNBS regulatory frameworks, operational procedures, and inspection systems. Particular attention will be given to widely consumed products such as grains, pulses, fruits, spices, and pre-packaged foods due to their direct impact on public health and consumer safety. In addition to evaluation, the exercise serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and institutional learning. It enables the sharing of best practices, identification of improvement areas, and strengthening of collaboration among EAC Partner States. The outcomes of this assessment are expected to enhance the consistency, transparency, and reliability of inspection systems in South Sudan, thereby facilitating safe trade and boosting consumer confidence. SSNBS reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding public health, protecting consumers, and ensuring that all goods entering the market meet required national, regional, and international standards.
SSNBS Engages Pakistani Consulate on Strengthening Cooperation
08 April 2026 SSNBS Headquarter, Juba The Executive Director of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS), Hon. Oiylang Dominic, today received representatives from the Pakistani Consulate at his office in Juba. The meeting focused on exploring areas of mutual cooperation, particularly in conformity assessment, and strengthening bilateral relations between SSNBS and Pakistan’s national standards body. Both sides expressed a shared interest in building a collaborative framework that will enhance quality infrastructure and knowledge exchange. The Pakistani delegation also conveyed their willingness to support SSNBS in key technical areas, including capacity building in weights and measures, as well as extending support to emerging and often underdeveloped sectors such as medical devices calibration, with the aim of improving quality service delivery. SSNBS welcomes this engagement and looks forward to fostering a strong and productive partnership.