Sudan Events – Rehab Abdullah
The former treasurer of the National Importers’ Chamber, Hashim Al-Fadil, has criticized the decision to exempt personal baggage from customs duties.
Speaking to Al-Ahdath, Hashim described the decision as unfair, arguing that the intended beneficiaries are all citizens who have lost their homes and household belongings. He suggested that it would have been more appropriate to exempt household goods rather than limiting the exemption to personal-use items, as most of the affected people are internally displaced within Sudan.
Hashim explained that most residents of central Sudan lost their household appliances, furniture, and homes. He believes that the exemption of personal baggage will benefit only a specific group rather than the general public, as not everyone can afford to purchase items from outside Sudan. Instead, he suggested exempting household goods from customs duties, whether for commercial or personal use, so that all affected citizens—who have lost everything—can benefit.
He further emphasized that the exemption should have been applied officially to all citizens, not just those who fled abroad. He added, “Household goods, furniture, and electrical appliances should be exempted for a limited period, or at least subject to minimal customs duties, given that all citizens’ possessions—such as refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, televisions, stoves, and other electrical devices, as well as doors and windows—were looted by the rebel militia.”
Hashim also criticized the haphazard opening of imports and the exclusive exemption for personal belongings. He argued that imports should have been officially regulated, adding, “If a trader imports a refrigerator or any other appliance, it will ultimately be sold to a citizen whose property was looted.”
