🇸🇩 Import Customs & Duties: Sudan
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
17%
CIF value + duty. VAT (value added tax) at 17%. Basic food items may be exempt or reduced.
Clearance Time
5-14 days express, 14-45 postal days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-25% (phones 10%, computers 0-10%) | 85 |
| Clothing | 20-40% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 20-40% | 64 |
| Food products | 5-40% (wheat subsidized, sugar 40%) | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-10% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 15-25% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys | 10-25% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
Sudan Customs Authority manages imports. ASYCUDA system partially operational. Post-revolution government improving trade openness since 2019. US sanctions partially lifted in 2020 (Sudan removed from State Sponsors of Terrorism list). Port Sudan on the Red Sea is the primary entry point. Arabic documentation required. Customs broker mandatory.
What to Actually Expect
Post-revolution improving but still challenging. US sanctions partially lifted, enabling more international trade. Port Sudan is the main entry, congestion frequent. Very slow for postal items, weeks of waiting. Express couriers (DHL) available but expensive and limited. Civil conflict since April 2023 severely disrupts logistics in Khartoum region. Currency instability adds unpredictability.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Import license from Ministry of Trade required for most commercial goods. Alcohol completely prohibited (Islamic law). Pork products banned. Arms strictly controlled. Pharmaceuticals require Federal Ministry of Health approval. Pre-shipment inspection for some categories.
Certificate of Origin
Issued by Sudan Chamber of Commerce. COMESA certificates for regional preferential trade. GAFTA certificates for Arab trade. Documents often require Sudanese embassy legalization.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Sudan:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $13 | $11 | $23 |
| $100 | $25 | $21 | $46 |
| $200 | $50 | $43 | $93 |
| $500 | $125 | $106 | $231 |
| $1000 | $250 | $213 | $463 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Sudan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Sudan?
Sudan has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Sudan?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Sudan is 17%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. VAT (value added tax) at 17%. Basic food items may be exempt or reduced.
How long does customs clearance take in Sudan?
Typical customs clearance in Sudan takes 5-14 days express, 14-45 postal days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Sudan?
To import into Sudan, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Sudan?
Sudan prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.