Sudan: import and export rules
Sudan has been at war since April 2023, and Port Sudan on the Red Sea is now the main gateway for imports and the seat of the government and central bank. Demand for food, fuel, medicine and building materials is high, but shipments need SSMO pre-shipment inspection for many goods and an Advance Cargo Declaration from 2026, and payment risk is severe.
⚠ Before you trade
- Active war
Fighting between the army and the RSF continues in Darfur, Kordofan and Blue Nile, and ceasefire talks have not succeeded. Inland transport is dangerous and many areas are out of reach. Ship only to Port Sudan and use cash-in-advance or confirmed payment.
Source ↗ - Sanctions and export controls
A UN arms embargo and targeted sanctions apply to Darfur. Since July 2026 the US blocks most exports of US-origin goods and technology to Sudan, with limited exceptions. Screen buyers and check whether your product has US content.
Source ↗ - Currency collapse and payment risk
The Sudanese pound has collapsed, inflation is extreme and foreign-currency reserves are very low. Banks may be unable to pay on time; avoid open-account terms.
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Importing into Sudan
- Importers/exporters register
Importers need a registration certificate from the Ministry of Commerce and Supply. In 2024 the ministry cancelled old numbers, started a new database and cut validity to one year, so check your buyer's certificate is current. Foreigners generally cannot import except under the investment law.
Source ↗ - SSMO pre-shipment verification (Certificate of Inspection)
Under Ministerial Decision 90/2022 (from 1 November 2022), regulated goods need a Certificate of Inspection per shipment. List A goods (e.g. wheat, steel, cement, fertilizers, pesticides) must be inspected; List B allows inspection or equivalent tests; List C needs manufacturer test reports. Appointed bodies such as TÜV issue it.
Source ↗ - Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) from 2026
Since 1 January 2026 every shipment to Sudan needs an ACD number obtained before loading at origin. The ACD number must appear on the final bill of lading; the exporter or forwarder applies with the draft bill of lading, commercial invoice, freight invoice, certificate of origin and packing list.
Source ↗ - Restricted goods (permits)
Medicines, medical equipment, cosmetics and veterinary products need approval from the National Council for Pharmacy and Toxicology; foodstuffs need Ministry of Health and standards approval; live animals need health certificates. Satellite receivers, generators and some electronics need permits. Personal-use cars must be at most three years old.
Source ↗ - Banned goods
Banned imports include alcohol, gambling games, unlicensed weapons, non-medical drugs, used clothing, used tyres, unregistered cosmetics and obscene materials.
Source ↗ - Import financing and central bank rules
The Central Bank of Sudan (now operating from Port Sudan) sets frequent foreign-exchange rules for imports. Examples from 2026: export earnings may fund imports of goods allowed by the Ministry of Trade (May 2026), and fuel importers must deposit gold to get licences (June 2026).
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