Experts: New Import Regulations Paralyze the Trade Sector
Sudanhorizon– Hala Hamza
Importers were surprised by new regulations issued by the Bank of Sudan requiring them to submit import and customs certificates, describing this as flawed and hindering their business.
The Central Bank of Sudan’s new import regulations require bank clients who are suppliers to submit import and customs certificates within one month of obtaining the electronic import form.
In a circular to the commercial banks, the bank instructed they issue an immediate warning to clients who violate these regulations and to bar them from importing if the violations continue after one month until the certificates are submitted and the required procedures are completed. This is all part of regulating import operations.
Former Director of Customs, Lieutenant General Salah Al-Sheikh, described the regulations as flawed.
He told Sudanhorizon that the Central Bank should consider the economic crisis the country is experiencing, which require a complete liberalization of imports without complications and bureaucracy. Al-Sheikh called for a return to the previous system of bank credits to facilitate the flow of imported goods, prevent shortages, and take into account the circumstances of the war.
For his part, businessman and importer Muawiya Abu Yazid described the regulations as leading to increased bureaucracy and complications.
He argued that “There is a platform linking the Ministry of Trade, the Bank of Sudan, and Customs, in addition to the Instant Clearance (IM) authorization.”
He pointed out that the authorization is obtained from the Bank of Sudan through commercial banks.
He said: “When clearance is completed through the customs network, payment is made, and the release is issued.”
He emphasized the difficulties faced by importers, who are required to resubmit the paperwork to the bank in Port Sudan after the imports arrive.
He questioned the purpose of all this, describing the situation as leading to increased costs and complications for businessmen already suffering losses due to the war, as well as for legitimate investors and ordinary citizens.
He stressed that the regulations are paralyzing trade, driving up prices, and causing shortages of goods. He argued that requiring customers to submit customs and import certificates to the commercial bank does not regulate the market but rather reflects a clear gap between decision-makers and the daily realities of trade.
Abayazid pointed out that setting a one-month deadline is insufficient, especially given the delays in procedures at ports, customs, and maritime transport. This can result in suppliers facing complete bans, causing confusion for everyone, putting pressure on banks, and increasing tension with the private sector.
He said that the country does not need more procedural penalties and complications, but rather an information system linking customs, ports, and banks on a single platform where data is automatically processed and shipments are tracked in real time, thus minimizing errors and manipulation.
He called on the Central Bank to shift from a punitive entity into a partner in market stability.
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