Economic
The Unified Gold Export Window Director Dr. Saif Al-Din Mohamed Ayoub in an Interview with (Sudan Events): “The window eliminates manipulation of procedures and violations of laws and regulations”
Interview by Rehab Abdullah
Dr. Saif Al-Din Mohamed Ayoub, Director of the Unified Gold Export Window, revealed plans to make the fees imposed on gold export procedures through the window amount to zero.
He stated that all customs-related fees have been completely waived, and negotiations are underway with the Chamber of Commerce to provide fee-free services. The Chamber, he noted, has already set up the system for issuing certificates of origin. He added, “We are progressing towards full fee exemption since the Chamber of Commerce members and exporters benefit directly from these exemptions.”
Dr. Ayoub clarified that the Ministry of Minerals and the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company have fully waived the fees previously charged for application forms. Currently, the remaining fees are symbolic and aim to facilitate procedures, with 80% of fees already waived. Studies are ongoing to eliminate the remaining fees, except for those tied to agreements that cannot be fully exempted. He emphasized that the likelihood of procedural manipulation or violations of laws and regulations is virtually zero. Here are the details of his statements:
What is the Unified Gold Export Window, and when will it be officially launched?
The Unified Gold Export Window is the first specialized platform for gold exports. It is currently in its preparatory phase and is set to be launched soon. The concept was initiated by stakeholders, including the Ministry of Minerals, the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company, and the Standards and Metrology Organization.
A decision by the Council of Ministers, Resolution No. 104 of 2024 issued in September, provided the framework for its establishment. The Standards and Metrology Organization hosted and prepared the infrastructure for the window, adhering to international standards for unified windows. Stakeholders include the Ministry of Minerals, the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company, Standards and Metrology Organization, Customs Authority, the Chamber of Commerce, and others.
Following the decision, relevant entities swiftly transitioned their operations to the window’s headquarters. Among these were the Ministry of Minerals, the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company, the Standards and Metrology Organization, Customs Authority (which established a dedicated customs point), and the Ministry of Trade. The Central Bank of Sudan oversees export operations conducted through banks, maintaining its regulatory role. The window also houses Economic Security and Military Intelligence representatives and a laboratory for gold testing managed by the Standards and Metrology Organization.
All stakeholders are now working directly from the window, facilitating exporters’ procedures. The window is expected to be officially inaugurated under the patronage of Sovereign Council Member and Head of the Higher Economic Committee, Ibrahim Jaber.
What benefits does the window offer to gold exporters?
The window provides numerous advantages for exporters and companies interested in exporting gold. It simplifies trade operations, in line with Article 10, Paragraph 4 of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, which calls for establishing unified windows. Although similar windows have been proposed for various commodities in Sudan, this is the first to be implemented effectively.
For gold, a highly significant commodity, the window represents a natural evolution of export and transportation processes. It streamlines procedures by bringing all stakeholders under one roof, significantly reducing the time and paperwork required. Procedures that previously took days can now be completed within hours, saving time for exporters and enhancing efficiency.
What benefits does the state gain from the window?
The window helps the state modernize revenue management, reduce procedural complexities, and provide accurate statistics on gold exports for policymakers. It aligns with the state’s objective to encourage investment and support exporters, thereby fostering overall economic activity and creating robust economic momentum that benefits the nation.
Are there any new fees imposed for processing transactions?
All customs-related fees have been fully exempted. Currently, we are negotiating with the Chamber of Commerce to provide services free of charge. The system for issuing certificates of origin has already been prepared, and we are progressing towards waiving fees entirely. This exemption is granted as part of the Chamber’s membership, benefiting exporters who are the primary recipients of the exemption process carried out through the Chamber. Additionally, the Ministry of Minerals and the Sudanese Company have waived all fees previously paid for forms. As it stands, the fees currently paid are minimal and primarily facilitate procedures. Around 80% of the fees have already been waived, and we are studying the possibility of exempting the remaining fees. However, there are fees tied to agreements that cannot be completely waived.
To what extent does the One-Stop Window ensure the absence of manipulation in procedures?
The system operates through a sequential process, with each step confirming and completing the one before it, and all required documents are systematically verified. This structure makes manipulation of procedures nearly impossible, and violations of laws and regulations are effectively minimized to zero. Decisions issued by the relevant institutions are strictly adhered to. The window operates based on regulations, laws, and a knowledgeable team. Notably, the same personnel previously handling these procedures in their respective institutions are now working within the new setup, but with a focus solely on gold exports rather than multiple commodities. All relevant laws, including those from the Council of Ministers and directives from the Central Bank of Sudan, are clearly communicated and strictly followed.
The One-Stop Window concept is not new. Why was it established now?
The One-Stop Window was officially mandated by Decision No. 104, issued by the Acting Minister of the Council of Ministers in September 2024. This decision outlined the responsibilities of stakeholders and required all relevant entities to align within three days. Now, 52 days after the decision, eight entities have transferred their operations to the Window, implementing and initiating gold export procedures in practice. These entities, including the Ministry of Minerals, the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company, and Customs (which established a special customs point within the Window), have promptly responded. Other participants include the Ministry of Trade and Supply, the Economic Security Authority, and Military Intelligence. The Central Bank of Sudan also participates through supervision rather than direct involvement in export procedures, overseeing financial transactions related to exports.
The Chamber of Commerce, the only private sector representative, issues the certificate of origin, essentially granting the gold its “nationality.” The Chamber has developed the required system and procedures. We are currently discussing fee structures with them since the Window was established to facilitate procedures. The concept aligns with Article 10, Paragraph 4 of the International Trade Facilitation Agreement, which advocates for a unified system bringing together all relevant stakeholders. This ensures swift, streamlined, and coordinated procedures, meeting exporters’ needs while providing clarity and simplicity from government entities.
At present, all entities provide their services without fees, except for two that are bound by agreements and regulations. During this phase, we are working to consolidate stakeholders under one roof while conducting analytical studies on e-commerce laws and regulations. This helps identify weaknesses, necessary measures, and issues related to trade exchanges within the Window’s system. Continuous improvement is our priority, especially for the gold sector and associated minerals.
Final remarks?
I extend my gratitude to the Minister of Minerals, the Director of the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company, Ms. Rahaba Said (Director General of Standards and Metrology), the Minister of Trade, Customs, and the Chamber of Commerce, as well as all stakeholders for their responsiveness despite current challenges. I would also like to give special thanks to General Ibrahim Jaber, Head of the Supreme Economic Committee.
