Expatriates Authority Issues Car Import New Regulations

Sudanhorizon – Hala Hamza

The General Administration for Facilities, Government Transactions, and Public Relations at the Authority for the Regulation of Sudanese Working Abroad has issued new regulations regarding the utilization of exemptions stipulated in Cabinet Resolution No. (285).
The regulations, obtained by Sudanhorizon confirm the continued ban on importing used cars and the adoption of the “model year” rather than the “year of manufacture” to determine a vehicle’s age.
The decision exempts machinery not classified as passanger cars—such as cranes, forklifts, loaders, earth-moving equipment, agricultural tractors, and other mobile machinery.
The regulations permit the importation of commuter buses (with a capacity of 10 passengers or more) provided they are no older than five years. Pickup trucks (single-cabinet and double-cabinet) are to be treated the same as passenger cars, provided they are no older than seven years.
Additionally, the regulations authorize the importation of cargo trucks of all load capacities—excluding pickups of all types—provided they are no older than ten years. The regulations also permitted the entry of specialized vehicles classified under customs tariff heading (8705), provided they are no more than 10 years old; however, they may not be sold, mortgaged, exchanged, or gifted for a period of two years from the date of their entry into Sudan.
The guidelines allow for the import of a single vehicle per lifetime, with exceptions made for four specific categories—diplomats, seconded employees, and expatriates—to import small, used vehicles for personal use. These vehicles must be no more than 7 years old, in good condition, and of the current model year.
Regarding vehicles currently at seaports that exceed the proposed age limit, a decision was made to allow their clearance upon payment of a fine equal to 50% of their value. Clearance must be completed within 60 days of the decision’s issuance; otherwise, standard customs laws will be applied.
For expatriates, the regulations require a permanent return to the country and a minimum of five years of continuous employment abroad—or a total period of expatriation exceeding ten years, as verified by official documentation. Eligibility for this exception is limited to one year from the date of return to the country.
The regulations also stipulate the imposition of specific, graduated fines as outlined in the decision.

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