sudan customs clearance additional information

Sudan Customs ClearanceAdditional Information

All items that are imported into Sudan require to be cleared through the Department of Customs at the point of entry.The customs processes and documentation requirements may change from time to time, with minimum pre advice or amendments being Gazetted, thus it is important for clearing agents to regularly check with Customs HQ & MoFA regarding any changes or amendments.Process to be followed:IMPORTATIONCustoms ProceduresThe required paper work essential for procedure for the import and clearance through customs point at Port of Entry (POE), Port Sudan and Khartoum International Airport or any other customs entry point to Sudan:1. Original Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB)2. Original invoice showing Cost and Freight (C and F) value or Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) value3. Certificate of origin4. Detailed packing list5. Heath certificate and/or analysis certificate6. Bank of Sudan IM form7. Government exemptions, concessions and/or approvals given to client8. Printing and press permit for printed advertising material9. National Security (NS) clearance (for any items that may have a security risk)10. National Telecom Cooperation (NTC) approval for telecom equipment11. Ministry of Health approval for pharmaceutical and medical equipmentDocuments required1. Airfreight shipments Original documentsa. Airway billb. Supplier Invoicec. Packing listd. Import Declaration Form (IDF) from the importere. Importers identification numberf. Duties and Taxes Exemption Certificates, if anyg. Permit for import of food, agriculture products, drugs and pharmaceuticals2. Seafreight shipments- Original documentsa. Bill of Ladingb. Supplier Invoice(s)c. Packing listd. Import Declaration Form (IDF) from the importere. Importers identification numberf. Duties and Taxes Exemption Certificates, if anyg. Permit for import of food, agriculture products, drugs and pharmaceuticals3.Additional documents required for specific importsa. Certificate of Originb. Phytosanitary Certificates for imports of agricultural productsc. Gift Certificates, if gifted to any organization eligible for duty free clearance.Importation Procedures via Port Sudan (Sea) and Khartoum International Airport (Air)All importers need registration with the Import/Export Registry at the Ministry of Foreign Trade.All commercial imports into Sudan require an Import Declaration Form (IDF).When the importer applies for an Import Declaration Form (IDF), the information to be filled in is provided by thesupplier with a Proforma Invoice.a. The following are the data required in the Proforma Invoicei. Specification and clear description of the quantity and quality of the goodsii. Free on Board (FOB) valueiii. Freight Value (If applicable)iv. Currency of Paymentv. Mode of Transportationvi. Country of Origin of the goods issued by the competent authority in the Country of origin.vii. Insurance value (if applicable)b. Proforma Invoice for transport and Insurance Certificate if not provided bythe supplier.(Note: Sudan uses the BDV or Brussels Definition of Value)Importers or their appointed customs agent must present: Import Declaration Form (IDF) Commercial Certificate of Origin Quarantine License (where necessary) Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization (SSMO) requirements or other documents for specific type of goods and complete bank formalitiesGeneral Info:Importers must pay the required duties, taxes and fees and receive an official release order for the goods.Duties, taxes and fees are payable before releasing the goods expect direct delivery goods.Sudan has no mandatory Pre-shipment Inspection. Importers are advised to have a Pre-shipment Inspection Certificate issued by International Cargo Inspectors registered by SSMO (Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization)A double check inspection might be conducted by the SSMO.Sudan does not apply any quantitative import regulations.All goods may be imported into Sudan expect those goods that are prohibited by social values orsecurity considerations.Cargo Clearance1. Normal ClearanceManifest Department: Review the Bill of Lading or Airway Bill with the shipment agent cargo manifest (consignment, quantities and weights). Enter Customs Form 1 data into the customs system. Receive a serial number for the Customs Form 1. Tariff Department: Review the Customs Form 1 and support documents. Give examination instruction. Give analysis instruction to the laboratory, if its applicable.3 Examination Committee: Nominate the Customs officer. Officer to examine the cargo physically and write the particulars in Form 48. Submit the documents to the Tariff Department. Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization (SSMO): Take sample from all cargo. Send sample to the laboratory. Issue certificate upon approval.Customs Laboratory: Receive a sample from the cargo. Analyze the sample for selected items. Issue certificate upon approval Send to the Tariff Department.Tariff Department: Serial number of the cargo due to the physical exams and laboratory result. Confirm or correct rate. Do the necessary calculations using the invoices data. Check the Sea Port Corporation (SPC) letter. Issue payment note.Permissions Department: Check all customs laws have been followed. Review the IM letter from Central Bank of Sudan. Review Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization (SSMO) exam result.General Department: Final check. Issue payment notice or release if from Duty and Tax.

Accounts Department: Amount settlement to cover any duties Clearance Department: Issue exit pass release of consignment Final declaration and release. Certificate of import.a. PHASE ONEManifest Department: Review the Bill of Lading or Airway Bill with the shipment agent cargo manifest (consignment, quantities and weights). Enter Customs Form 1 date into the customs system. Receive a serial number for the Customs Form 1Tariff Department: Review the Customs Form 1 and support documents. Nominate the deposit. Permissions Department: Review the IM letter.

General Department: Final check. Issue payment notice. Accounts Department: Amount settlement. Clearance Department: Issue exit pass- consignment release Send temporary declaration and release to the Customs GateGate: Review the temporary declaration and release, to allow cargo to pass out. Documents to the General Department to finalize the clearance formalities.b.PHASE TWOTariff Department: Check the final and correct quantities against the Customs Form 1 and support documents. Set the rates, calculate the final amounts and issue Assessment Note. Permissions Department: Review Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization (SSMO) exams results.GeneralDepartment: Final check. Issue payment notice

Accounts Department: Amount settlement.,based on tariffs , duty and VAT RefundClearance Department: Final Declaration and Release of Consignment. Certificate of importSEA TRANSPORTSea Port CorporationDischarge containers from the vessel and stack tat the terminal.Transport the containers by working order / delivery release order from the terminal to the examination area.After clearance, shipping agency to submit the Delivery Order and the customs to release (and issue the bill of charges where /if applicable) against clearances.Collect the charges (Port and Cargo)To avoid demurage, delivery release orders should be given in appropriate time to remove the containers (within 48 hours).Shipping AgentsThe ships agent will lodge manifests with Customs and Port Authorities ease containers against ect.The agent representative receives the empty containers after review of the container condition. Equipment Interchange Report (EIR).

Clearing AgentsReceive the shipments documents from Shipping and / Port of Loading .Review the papers (3 original Bill of Lading, 3 original invoices, packing list, 3 copiesF.IM, and Sea Port Corporation (SPC) letter. ( Refer to paragraph d )Submit the Bill of Lading to Shipping Line who issue Delivery order without receiving collect payments as outlined on the Bill of Lading.Prepare the Customs Declaration and submit it to Manifest Department to the correctCustom Office (North or South Port) prior to the arrival of the vessel.Clearing stages step by step actioned by importer or accredited clearing agent Go for tariff to know exam committee. Open and prepare containers for customs officer inspectors and SSMO staff Take report Form 48 to tariff. Taking samples to customs lab. Check pad locks after closing. Taking analysis reports and certificates to customs. Follow the other depts. for any query. Settle the customs duties. Collect the exit pass, final release, delivery order and the certificate of import Place the Delivery Order and customs release at Sea Port Cooperation. Take the Bill of Charge amount to the office to prepare the Cheque. Settle the charges and collect the Bill of lading or Delivery release order. Take the Move order with the other Documents to the Gate. Notify the Depot staff by the W/D time to prepare the warehouse. Prepare the Trucks Start withdraws the contents (As listed packing list) to the Depot. Follow up the handling and the Truck movement by co-ordination with Depot.Check and agree with Gate officer and Depot staff by comparing the accurate quantities vs. Delivery Receipts. Close up the operation with Customs Gate. Take the discharge Receipt from the Ship agent Contact the agent office to finalize the task,and close the files.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD COMMODITIES:A)General InformationDocuments required for importation of food items:There is an official one-pager on this, which describes the requirements for each of the commodities WFP imports into Sudan. The latest update was in July 2011 (see ANNEX). The following shipping documents should be sent prior arrival of the shipments well before (14 days):1- Original NNCR, BoL, Other Transport Document plus two copies.2- Original Certificate of Origin, plus two copies3- Original Phytosanitary Certificate: For Cereals & Pulses shipments. plus two copies4- Original Health Certificates: For other commodities, DSM, Sugar, Oils, CSB plus two copies5- Original Quality Certificate, plus two copies6- Original Fumigation Certificate: For Cereals & Pulses Commodities. plus two copies7- Original NON GMO Certificate: For Cereals, Pulses & CSB. plus two copies8- Original Non Radiation Certificate: For Cereals , Pulses plus two copies .9- Other Documents: Packing List, Gift Certificate & Crop year ( for Cereals & Pulses).WFP Sudan would like to highlight certain national requirements: Avoid (as much as possible): Late receiving of the shipping documents from next door loading ports- short in transit time: Prior notifications and the required documentation faster than usual for us to avoid demurages. Avoid (as much as possible) the Wrong and contradicting details in the different certificates issued The Phytosanitary Certificates should be matched with the Bill of lading figures. As per the Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization (SSMO), in reference to bagging and bag marking of commodities, and expiry dates, that should be communicated to the donors while confirming in-kind contributions. Appropriate bagging and bag marking that clearly states production dates are essential and helps avoid clearance problems and complications resulting from damaged bags.- Packaging: Commodities must be packaged in good, strong and appropriate packages which do not contaminate the commodities nor affect their quality.- Labeling: The container and documents (on documents only in case of bulk containers) should show the following information: Name of Product, Type of product, Date of harvest (month year), Date of packaging (month year), Expiry period, Name of packaging entity and trade mark (if any) or name of supplying company, Net weight in kg, Country of origin, Expiry Periods .- Cereal to be consumed within 24 months of crop year.- Yellow Split Peas to be consumed within 12 months of crop year.- Veg Oil in plastic packages to be consumed within 12 months of production date.- Veg Oil in metal tins to be consumed within 18 months of production date.- Others (Sugar, CSB, DSM):- Sugar must be consumed within 24 months of production date.- CSB must be consumed within 12 months of production date.- DSM in paper package with plastic inner lining to be used within 12 months of production date and DSM in metal tins with aluminum cover to be used within 18 months of production date.Embargoes:None.Prohibited items:All goods can be imported to Sudan except those which are prohibited by social values or security considerations. These goods are spirits and wines, narcotics, gambling equipment, arms and ammunition, protected species, imitations and counterfeit products.General Restrictions:GMO commodities are not allowed into the country.B)Transit Regime Accustomed good shall be transported under customs control from customs office to another or entry to or clearance office. Goods in transit should be transported through the prescribed routes designated by Customs within a given limited time period as set by Customs. Processing of Transit operations:Shall follow the Sudanese Customs principles and standards: The declarant shall commit himself upon requesting for transit operation to the responsibility of paying duty of transit goods, follow the prescribed Customs routes for transit together with finally availing the transit the transited goods to Customs office of destination and notify same to the office of departure. The Carrier as well has to commit itself to Customs for transiting the shipment to Customs Transit points & clearance control offices within a limited time and through prescribed routes. Transit request, in a way of filling in the Sudanese Customs transit application and permit format should be forwarded to clearance and transit Customs office all with relevant supporting documentation according to the Sudanese requirements.Please see more information on 'Transit Regime' in the respective chapter further down.C)Export Regime Same procedures of Import/ Transit Regimes.D)Process of the documents:Through WFP s governmental counterpart HAC (Humanitarian Aid Commission) to obtain the following exemptions from the local authorities within seven to ten working days: Customs Clearance from Customs Authorities. Health Clearance from Ministry of Health (MoH). Plant Permit Form 10 from Ministry of Agriculture for Cereals & Pulses commodities. The Sudanese Standard & Metrology Organization ( SSMO) Clearance for all commodities. The Sudanese Sea Ports Corporation ( SPC) Clearance from Ministry of Finance ( MoF & Sea Port Corporation). Final clearance by one of our C&F Agents at discharge Port: Will take about Five to seven working days. The process time to get the above mentioned exemptions - as per attached Sudan clearance document.

General InformationCustom InformationComments

Document RequirementsExemption applications must be requested prior to an importation, through the Ministry of Foreign affairs On the issuance of a permit, the White Copy is sent to the Importer, the Yellow Copy by the ministry to Customs Head Quarters then to the Port of Entry. Transit cargo must have the country of final destination clearly endorsed on the Bills of Lading / Air waybills and supporting documentation. sSee Para 2.4.4.2 Transit Regime).

EmbargoesThere are no embargos on imports into the Republic of Sudan, commercial cargo is subject to Import permits, and Aid related cargo is subject to exemption certificates that are issued HAC and the Ministry of Finance.

Prohibited ItemsAll cargo imported into Sudan is subject to Import permits , Aid related cargo is subject to exemption certificates that are issued HAC and the Ministry of Finance .No GMO products maybe imported , certain items have exception respect of the diplomatic community.

General RestrictionsGMO commodities are not permitted; the importation of wine and spirits is restricted . Nutrition required approval through the Department of Food Administration. Medicine / Vaccines etc. via the Ministry of Health. Telecommunication items persmission through National Telcom Corporation.

Customs Clearance Document RequirementsFoodShelter,Wash and educationMedicinesVehicles and Spare partsStaff and office suppliesTelecoms equiment

InvoiceYesYesYesYesYesYes

AWB, BoL, or Other Transport DocumentsYes, OriginalYes, OriginalYes, OriginalYes, OriginalYes, OriginalYes, Original

Donation Non-Commercial CertificateYesYesYesYesYesYes

Packing ListYesYesYesYesYesYes

Other DocumentsNutritions require final approval through the Department of Food Adminstration-Final Approval through the Ministry of Health--Final Approval for Import permits is through the Ministry of Telecommuncations

Other commentsThe customs processes and documentation requirements may change from time to time ,with minimum pre advice or amendments being Gazetted, thus it is important for Clearing agents to regularly check with customs/MoFA regarding any changes or amendments.All weight, measurements and value must reconcile and cross check between the various negotiable and supporting documents (see 2.4.4.), Sudan uses the BDV or Brussels definition of Value.No GMO products, are permitted for import to Sudan.All customs declarations are submitted in English.The value, cargo description on the commercial invoice and the packing declarationmustreconcile to the Airwaybill and / or the Bill of Lading. Any discrepancy between the supporting documents the negotiable shipping documents may delay the clearance or require a new set of documents.Customs in Sudan except the US$ amount shown on documentation.

Weight and Value Band InformationClassValue (local currency)Value (USD)Weight (kgs)

DocumentSudan uses the BDV or Brussels definition of Value.Weights and values must reconcile to all documentation.Weights and values must reconcile to all documentation.

Non-Doc HVSudan uses the BDV or Brussels definition of Value.Weights and values must reconcile to all documentation.Weights and values must reconcile to all documentation.

Transit RegimeTraffic is consigned to the Port of Entry of the country that will be the gateway to transit to the destination country.Prior to the arrival of the vessel, permission to transit the Republic of Sudan must be obtained from Humanitarian Aid Commissioner (HAC) and Customs .A set of documents must be sent to the Port of Entry prior to the vessels arrival.For more information please see also paragraph above: CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.The documents should comprise of the following:Seafreight shipments ORIGINAL documents Bill of Lading (showing cargo in transit and destination country) Supplier Invoice(s) Packing list Import Declaration Form (IDF) from the importer Duties and Taxes Exemption Certificates, if any Permit for import and transit of food, Agricultureproducts, drugs and pharmaceuticalAdditional documents required for specific imports: Certificate of Origin Phytosanitary Certificates for imports of agricultural products Relevant documents from country of final destinations . Permission granted through Humanitarian Aid Commissioner (HAC) and Customs .In addition to the outlined documents, any specific documentation requirements, import permits from the country of final destination, should also be included to expedite the transit clearance through the port.The vessel enters the harbor and the consignment is cleared for transit to the country of destination, all customary marine and cargo handling dues are paid to the Ports of Sudan Corporation.The Clearing Agent makes certain all cargo is pre-cleared prior to the vessels arrival.The Clearing Agent lodges a cheque as security with customs based on the value of the consignment in transit, this cheque will be returned when the consignment has left the country and tonnage reconcile back to the vessels outturn tonnage at the Port Sudan.The clearing agent arranges for Insurance to cover any losses in favor of Sudan Customs and Excise, billing to WFP the cost of the insurance cover.Transport Waybills are compiled by WFP and given to the clearing agent who issues the manifests in consultation with the Road Transporter.The manifest and Waybills are submitted to Customs and permission is granted to proceed.Transporters from Port Sudan use vehicles with a carrying capacity of 70 mt; the Port Sudan road trucks are transshipped 30 ton road trucks at El Obeid or Nyala dependent on final destination.On arrival at the exit Sudan board post, transit documentation is presented to Customs, the tonnage verified and vehicle /s permitted to proceed.The schedules (Form 6) from the exit point Customs return to Port Sudan to allow Customs and the Clearing agent to reconcile tonnage dispatched to vessel's outturn.File closed by Customs and cheque lodged for security returned to Clearing Agent.NOTE: In special cases, like in 2013 when WFP re-located UNMIS cargo from Sudan to South Sudan, the traffic moves in convoys accompanied by a Customs Officer from the Anti-Smuggling Unit. Due to to the sensitive nature of the cargo (UNMIS Military hardware) Customs Officials from the Anti-smuggling Unit were required to ride escort on each convoy between Kosti and Port Sudan. This is not a normal occurrence for transport in-country.Transit RegimeTraffic is consigned to the Port of Entry of the country that will be the gateway to transit to the destination country.Prior to the arrival of the vessel, permission to transit the Republic of Sudan must be obtained from Humanitarian Aid Commissioner (HAC) and Customs .A set of documents must be sent to the Port of Entry prior to the vessels arrival.For more information please see also paragraph above: CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.The documents should comprise of the following:Seafreight shipments ORIGINAL documents Bill of Lading (showing cargo in transit and destination country) Supplier Invoice(s) Packing list Import Declaration Form (IDF) from the importer Duties and Taxes Exemption Certificates, if any Permit for import and transit of food, Agricultureproducts, drugs and pharmaceuticalAdditional documents required for specific imports: Certificate of Origin Phytosanitary Certificates for imports of agricultural products Relevant documents from country of final destinations . Permission granted through Humanitarian Aid Commissioner (HAC) and Customs .In addition to the outlined documents, any specific documentation requirements, import permits from the country of final destination, should also be included to expedite the transit clearance through the port.The vessel enters the harbor and the consignment is cleared for transit to the country of destination, all customary marine and cargo handling dues are paid to the Ports of Sudan Corporation.The Clearing Agent makes certain all cargo is pre-cleared prior to the vessels arrival.The Clearing Agent lodges a cheque as security with customs based on the value of the consignment in transit, this cheque will be returned when the consignment has left the country and tonnage reconcile back to the vessels outturn tonnage at the Port Sudan.The clearing agent arranges for Insurance to cover any losses in favor of Sudan Customs and Excise, billing to WFP the cost of the insurance cover.Transport Waybills are compiled by WFP and given to the clearing agent who issues the manifests in consultation with the Road Transporter.The manifest and Waybills are submitted to Customs and permission is granted to proceed.Transporters from Port Sudan use vehicles with a carrying capacity of 70 mt; the Port Sudan road trucks are transshipped 30 ton road trucks at El Obeid or Nyala dependent on final destination.On arrival at the exit Sudan board post, transit documentation is presented to Customs, the tonnage verified and vehicle /s permitted to proceed.The schedules (Form 6) from the exit point Customs return to Port Sudan to allow Customs and the Clearing agent to reconcile tonnage dispatched to vessel's outturn.File closed by Customs and cheque lodged for security returned to Clearing Agent.NOTE: In special cases, like in 2013 when WFP re-located UNMIS cargo from Sudan to South Sudan, the traffic moves in convoys accompanied by a Customs Officer from the Anti-Smuggling Unit. Due to to the sensitive nature of the cargo (UNMIS Military hardware) Customs Officials from the Anti-smuggling Unit were required to ride escort on each convoy between Kosti and Port Sudan. This is not a normal occurrence for transport in-country.Customs Information by Entry Points

Khartoum International Airport

AddressAdministration Diplomats Customs Police Khartoum

Contact NameFarheen Ahmed

Title/PositionMajor

Telephone+ 249 912 589 664

Webhttp://www.customs.gov.sd/english/index.html

LocationKhartoum International Airport

Opening Hours0800 1600 hours (Customs for airport services is open 24 hours per day)

StorageThe bonded warehouses are within the secured sector of the airport. Bonded warehouses are locked (sealed) at the close of each day by customs with separate locks.

Customs information and document requirementsAs outlined in the Customs section and Transit Regime. As per section 2.4.3

Clearing systemThe online customs Esquado ++ system is used in Port Sudan, however entries have be to be prepared at the customs house where there are computers set up for use by Clearing Agents linking to Customs data base / network.

LanguageArabic, but all customs declarations are submitted in English.

Port Sudan - seaport

AddressPort Sudan, Sudan

Contact NameMajor General Elhaj Elimam Gassimala Allah Elhaj Elimam

Title/PositionCustoms Controller

Telephone+ 249 311 822609

WebHttp://www.customs.gov.sd/english/index.html

LocationPort Sudan seaport

Opening Hours0800 1600 hours Sunday to Thursday.

StorageAll warehouses in the port secure area are in a bonded area. No cargo may leave or enter the port area without the required customs documentation having been signed and released by customs.

Customs information and document requirementsAs outlined in the Customs section and Transit Regime.As per section 2.4.3

Clearing systemThe online customs Esquado ++ system is used in Port Sudan, however entries have be to be prepared at the customs house where there are computers set up for use by Clearing Agents linking to Customs data base / network.


Gallbat, Gedaref Province - Landside entry Point Ethiopia

AddressGallbat, Gedaref Province, Sudan


StorageNil warehouses or bonded stores.

Customs information and document requirementsGallbat is the customs exit point for transit traffic from the Port Sudan through to Ethiopia .Port Sudan sends advice to customs of a pending transit movement. Customs at attend to the final exit documentation and when all of the cargo has departed from Sudan, they in turn confirm to customs in Port Sudan, who then release the clearing agents guarantees.

Clearing systemOrganisations may clear their own cargo provided registered with the Department of Customs.

LanguageArabic, all customs declarations are submitted in English.

El Geneina, West Darfur Landside Entry Point Chad

AddressEl Geneina, West Darfur, Sudan

Contact NameMr Abdul Wahid

Title/PositionGeneral Manager


Opening Hours0800 - 1600 hours, Sunday - Thursday

StorageThere are no bonded or customs warehouses in West Darfur.

Customs information and document requirementsEl Geneina is the customs exit point for transit traffic from Port Sudan through to Chad.Port Sudan sends advice to customs El Geneina of a pending transit movement. Customs at El Geneina attend to the final exit documentation and when all of the cargo has departed from Sudan, they in turn confirm to customs in Port Sudan, who then release the clearing agents guarantees.Transit cargo from El Geneina through to the exit border 25 km away travels under customs escort, the fees being paid by the Road Hauler and/or Clearing Agent.

Clearing systemClearing Agents are required to clear traffic through customs at El Geneina, especially transit traffic to Chad. The documents are then taken to the border for the final export. Exit documents are sent back to the Port of Entry to Sudan by customs for acquital.
