Country Guide: Sudan
Due to the current coronavirus/COVID-19 situation and restrictions in various countries, the below information may not be accurate. This pandemic is a fluid situation. Check with authorities for local laws and restrictions concerning movements.
Updated: August 31, 2016
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Sudanese National ID number (for Sudanese nationals)
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / express release / air waybill (AWB)
- Detailed inventory in English or Arabic, dated, valued, and signed by the owner of the goods
- Letter of employment
- Diplomatic exemption form (the diplomatic organization will apply with Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA))
- Yellow copy of MFA form has to be sent by the Ministry to Sudan Customs (diplomatic organization will chase that)
Specific Information
- Agent should receive documents 4 days prior to arrival of the shipment.
- Customs clearance takes approximately 1 week for sea and 48 hours for air shipments.
- CDs, DVDs, scanners, and printers included in the shipment can delay Customs clearance, as Customs must screen all items and may require permits for printers / scanners.
- Customs taxes and duties will be levied by Sudanese Customs, determined through evaluation of the value of items.
- All non-diplomatic shipments are inspected and are subject to inspection fees.
- Import taxes must be paid for all non-diplomats and returning Sudanese.
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Original registration card / registration certificate
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / express release / air waybill (AWB)
- Original purchase invoice (new vehicles) / commercial invoice
- Certificate of origin
- Diplomatic exemption MFA form (the diplomatic organization will apply with Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Yellow copy of MFA form has to be sent by the Ministry to Sudan Customs (diplomatic organization will chase that)
Specific Information
- Diplomats need an approved permit before a motor vehicle can be shipped, afterward the owner of the goods can start processing MFA Form No.1 duty free exemption via the MFA.
- Chassis and engine number must be identified on the OBL or AWB.
- All vehicles must be brand new and current year models – also applies to diplomatic owners of the goods.
- Second-hand vehicles are prohibited.
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary certificate
- AWB
Specific Information
- Pre-clearance has to be done before the pet arrives to Sudan.
- Duties may be charged on all incoming pets.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Firearms and ammunition (permit issued by the Ministry of Interior is required)
- Satellite dish (special authorization from Ministry of Communications is required for returning residents)
- Plants
- Food items, including seeds (permission from the Ministry of Interior is required)
- Photocopiers and printers (permission is required)
- Foreign currency (must be declared)
- Alcohol
- Narcotics / pharmaceuticals / medicines
Prohibited Items
- Unlawful drugs
- Alcohol
- Pornographic materials
- Potassium bromides
- Counterfeit items
- Weapons (firearms, swords, knives, etc.) this includes real, ornamental, toy, and antique
- Weapon parts
- Ammunition
Consignment Instructions
Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.
Cultural and Other Information
CIA World Factbook Entry for Sudan
Wikipedia Entry for Sudan
