South Sudan Drug and Food Control Authority

Who We Are

The South Sudan Drug and Food Control Authority (SOUTH SUDAN DRUG AND FOOD CONTROL AUTHORITY) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the quality, safety, and efficacy of drugs, food, chemicals, cosmetics, and medical devices in South Sudan.

Established under the Drug and Food Control Authority Act, 2012 (Act No. 37), SOUTH SUDAN DRUG AND FOOD CONTROL AUTHORITY ensures compliance with national and international standards to safeguard public health.

Legal Framework

SOUTH SUDAN DRUG AND FOOD CONTROL AUTHORITY operates under the provisions of the Drug and Food Control Authority Act, 2012, which grants it regulatory oversight over the importation, manufacture, distribution, advertisement, and use of pharmaceuticals and food products within South Sudan. The authority works in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment, and other relevant agencies to enforce its mandate.

Objectives

The main objectives of the SOUTH SUDAN DRUG AND FOOD CONTROL AUTHORITY include:

Ensuring the availability of high-quality, safe, and effective pharmaceuticals and food products.
Regulating the manufacture, importation, and distribution of medicines and food items.
Preventing the circulation of counterfeit, substandard, and expired drugs.
Monitoring clinical trials and advertisements related to medicines and food products.
Establishing and maintaining a national pharmaceutical quality control laboratory.

Organizational Structure

SOUTH SUDAN DRUG AND FOOD CONTROL AUTHORITY is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the President of South Sudan, upon recommendation by the Minister of Health. The Secretary-General, appointed by the Minister, serves as the Chief Executive Officer, overseeing daily operations.

Key departments within SOUTH SUDAN DRUG AND FOOD CONTROL AUTHORITY include:

Department of Marketing Authorization: Responsible for drug registration and licensing.
Department of Inspection & Compliance: Conducts inspections of pharmaceutical premises and ensures adherence to regulatory standards.
Department of Quality Control: Operates the National Pharmaceutical Quality Control Laboratory.
Department of Food Safety: Oversees food product regulation and compliance.

Licensing and Registration

SOUTH SUDAN DRUG AND FOOD CONTROL AUTHORITY requires businesses dealing in pharmaceuticals and food products to obtain licenses under different categories:

License A – For pharmaceutical manufacturers.
License B – For importers, wholesalers, and distributors.
License C – For pharmacies.
License D – For community medicine shops (drug shops).

Applicants must meet specific requirements, including proof of financial capacity, premises suitability, and engagement of qualified professionals such as pharmacists.

What We Do

Inspection and Compliance

The authority conducts routine inspections of manufacturing facilities, warehouses, pharmacies, and food processing plants to ensure compliance with good manufacturing, storage, and distribution practices. It also has powers to:

Seize counterfeit or substandard products.
Suspend or revoke licenses for non-compliance.
Investigate and prosecute violations under the Drug and Food Control Authority Act.

Quality Control and Laboratory Testing

SOUTH SUDAN DRUG AND FOOD CONTROL AUTHORITY operates the South Sudan Pharmaceutical Quality Control Laboratory, which:

Tests pharmaceuticals, food products, and medical devices for quality and safety.
Analyzes samples for compliance with national and international standards.
Conducts research on public health safety concerns.

Import and Export Regulations

SOUTH SUDAN DRUG AND FOOD CONTROL AUTHORITY regulates the importation and exportation of drugs and food products by issuing import/export licenses. Businesses must:

Register products before importation.
Provide documentation on product composition and country of origin.
Ensure compliance with South Sudan’s regulatory standards.

Public Awareness and Collaboration

SOUTH SUDAN DRUG AND FOOD CONTROL AUTHORITY engages with stakeholders, including:

Health professionals to ensure responsible prescription and dispensing of medicines.
The public to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit drugs and unsafe food products.
International partners such as the WHO and regional regulatory bodies for capacity building and information sharing.

Contact Information

For inquiries and licensing applications

This website provides an overview of SOUTH SUDAN DRUG AND FOOD CONTROL AUTHORITY’s mandate, operations, and key regulatory functions. For detailed guidelines and application procedures, CONTACT US.