The government has directed Customs to adopt 100 percent electronic tax collection systems at all border crossings.
This aims to create a safe and dependable collection system that allows customers to submit payments online while also reducing corruption since the police will not be able to touch, pocket, or redirect public money.
The directive was issued in response to a recent decrease in revenue collection by the customs division, as well as to catch up with customs integration with East African Community (EAC) member nations.
According to the order dated February 1st, 2022, obtained by NCMP and signed by the Director-General of Customs Services, Dr. Akol Ayii Madut, the order was intended to reduce revenue leakage, and refusal to comply would result in a legal remedy.
“In exercise of the authority given in the Director-General by section 3(84) of the Customs Service Act 2003, I Akol AyiiMadut (Ph.D.), the Director-General of Customs Service Division and Commissioner for Customs Service Division of the National Revenue Authority, make this order No. 001/2022 A.D.”
“I now order the complete digitization of customs duties and payments at all border points in the Republic of South Sudan (including but not limited to Nimule, Nadapal, Mombasa, Kaya, Renk, and Juba International Airport) by March 1, 2022, thru www.CUSTOMS.ESERVICES.GOV.SS,” partially read the order.
He went on to say that tax payments should not be made by hand to any customs officer at any level, but rather via the system that uses the National Revenue Authority’s (NRA) E-invoice system, which is connected with select commercial banks.
“That, by 1st March 2022, all clearing agents registered with the NRA Customs Division must apply for new clearing agents’ licenses only via www.CUSTOMS.ESERVICES.GOV.SS.” “Old licenses will be deemed inactive on March 1st,” Madut said.
The National Revenue Authority established an electronic registration system utilizing the e – TAX platform in July 2021, in accordance with the South Sudan Taxation Act of 2009.
According to the commissioner of the Domestic Tax Revenue Division, the computerized system would curb corruption and make it more difficult to transfer public monies.
“By narrowing the leaking window, we are also improving and collecting more in terms of tax collection,” Albino Chol Thiik told the Juba media.
President Salva Kiir revealed in July 2020 that non-oil income was not being completely transferred into the NRA’s single block account.
