The South Sudan Revenue Authority Commission launched an electronic cargo tracking note (ECTN) last week, but Kenyan customs officials rejected it. As a result, cargo bound for South Sudan is backlogged at the Port of Mombasa due to a dispute over a new mandatory fee.
According to the Kenya International Freight and Warehouse Association (KIFWA), the new fee has caused a delay in cargo clearance and may cause traffic jams at the Port of Mombasa.
KIFWA chairman Roy Mwanthi Local claims that the South Sudan Revenue Authority is forcing customs officers to collect Ksh 46,375 ($350) in essential service costs, but they are refusing to comply because it is against Kenyan law.
More than 1,000 containers headed for South Sudan are at the dock.
On March 1st, 2018, South Sudan Commissioner for Customs Division Brigader General Aduot Ajang Aduot sent a warning to clearing agencies, which prompted a response from the clearing and forwarding agents.
“It gives me great pleasure to present to you the government of South Sudan’s initiative to implement an Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) requirement for all imports into and exports out of the country.” The notice reads:.
