New Arrangements to Prevent Smuggling

Sudan Events – Reports

Lieutenant General Salah Ahmed Ibrahim, Director General of the Customs Forces, affirmed the commitment to achieving efficiency, security, prosperity, and enhancing work through tangible measures aimed at strengthening global trade. He pointed to the crucial role played by the Customs Forces in combating all forms of smuggling and protecting the national economy.

During his speech at the World Customs Day celebration in Port Sudan on Sunday, Salah explained that Sudanese Customs is part of the security at entry points and crossings, adapting laws, regulations, and bulletins to create a conducive environment for economic and commercial activity. He clarified that his forces aim to apply the 2025 slogan to enhance efficiency and professionalism, achieve the highest connection rates, modernize customs procedures, fully automate all processes, and develop mechanisms for automated data exchange, in addition to single-window systems and border stations, in collaboration with relevant authorities.

Salah also highlighted the continuation of efforts to enhance efficiency by implementing a risk management system, introducing more X-ray detection devices, and strengthening electronic monitoring and tracking. He mentioned the activation of the Partner Council, improvement of performance measurement tools, and studies to measure clearance time for further facilitation of trade and full implementation of the framework for securing and facilitating global trade. Moreover, efforts are underway to develop capabilities in combating smuggling, a powerful and long arm of the Customs Forces, and to implement recommendations from the ministerial workshop on combating smuggling.

Salah pointed out the increased risks caused by the war, the flow of smuggled weapons, criminals, and terrorists into the country. He stated, “We will stand firm against the smuggling of cultural heritage and Sudanese historical artifacts, as well as against money laundering, financial crimes, and cross-border crimes.” He added that Customs forces are also well-prepared to handle crises and disasters. The goal is to simplify and facilitate legitimate trade, ensure fair and effective revenue collection, and enhance compliance with the law through the provision of clear, relevant information to partners, alongside a plan to build the capacities of Customs staff in all areas of work both domestically and internationally.

He concluded, “We will set overall goals and work as a strong and effective team to implement them.”