Customs Clearance Operations Halted in All Customs Parks

Sudan Events – Reports

Customs brokers and their assistants at the Ashkit and Argeen border crossings and Halfa Port stopped working and went on a complete strike, affecting all customs parks and creating a significant backlog and paralysis.

The step was taken following the issuance of a decision to enforce Form (IM) by the Customs Administration and the Central Bank of Sudan on all import movements in customs parks.

The Chairman of the Trade Chamber in Wadi Halfa, Tawfiq Abu Awf, explained that Form (IM) applies only to general certificates requiring comprehensive documents, including invoices, certificates of origin, shipping policies, records, etc., for large imported goods. The form is used to complete customs clearance procedures.

Abu Awf revealed that the decision harms small traders who import in small quantities, known as “bag traders,” especially since their parcels do not reach the level of large suppliers, companies, or factories. Previously, customs clearance was done with just a shipping policy, and a fine of 2% was levied instead of Form (IM). However, the decision now covers all importers, including small traders, without considering their role during the war conditions and their active contribution to providing all consumer goods, bridging the food gap, and indirectly supporting the war budget by paying customs duties and other government revenue units in the customs parks.

Abu Awf pointed out that the Central Bank of Sudan knows that no Egyptian banks deal with Sudanese banks in this regard and that bank transfers from other countries are challenging, as the value of goods imported by small traders does not justify such expenses.

He disclosed that they intend to hold a meeting with local authorities, the Director of Halfa Customs, and submit a report to the state governor and federal authorities on the expected damages if the Central Bank’s decision is enforced, as the country will face a crisis in food supply, creating a significant crisis amid the war and floods, which will negatively affect trade with Egypt and the humanitarian situation in the country, leading to food shortages and rising prices.