Sudan customs hike measures introduced at the start of 2026 have triggered fierce opposition from importers, who warn that higher costs and new digital requirements are accelerating black market activity, worsening inflation, and threatening the supply of essential goods. Business leaders say the government’s latest customs reforms are deepening economic instability rather than restoring order to Sudan’s struggling trade system.
At the center of the controversy is a 13.7% increase in the “customs dollar”, combined with the mandatory rollout of a new Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) system. Importers argue that these policies, implemented amid ongoing conflict and economic fragmentation, are driving legitimate commerce underground.
Importers Warn of Catastrophic Impact
The National Importers’ Chamber in Port Sudan issued a strongly worded statement condemning the reforms, describing them as “catastrophic” for Sudan’s already fragile economy. Chamber leaders say the Sudan customs hike has sharply increased the cost of imports, forcing traders to seek unofficial channels to remain viable.
According to the chamber, the customs dollar was raised in late December from 2,486 Sudanese pounds to 2,827 pounds, a move authorities said was intended to align official rates with market realities and boost state revenues. Instead, importers claim the increase has had the opposite effect.
“Official revenues are declining because traders are bypassing the formal system,” said chamber head Al-Sadiq Jalal al-Din, who warned that the higher rate has incentivized smuggling and informal trade networks.
Advance Cargo Declaration Faces Strong Resistance
Adding to the backlash is the Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) system, which came into force on January 1. The system requires importers to submit detailed shipment data before goods are loaded at ports of origin. Government officials say the reform will reduce smuggling, improve customs efficiency, and modernize trade oversight.
However, importers argue that implementing ACD during wartime conditions is unrealistic and dangerous. The National Importers’ Chamber described the system as a national security risk, citing unreliable infrastructure, weak enforcement capacity, and the potential exposure of sensitive trade data.
Critics say the ACD system increases delays, raises compliance costs, and places smaller traders at a severe disadvantage—especially when many already struggle with currency volatility and disrupted supply chains.
Black Market Expansion and Inflation Pressures
Business leaders warn that the combined effect of the Sudan customs hike and the ACD system is accelerating the growth of shadow markets. As formal imports become more expensive, goods increasingly enter the country through informal routes, bypassing customs entirely.
This shift, importers argue, undermines government revenue, weakens regulatory oversight, and fuels inflation. Sudan has already faced persistent price increases since 2018, and traders fear the latest measures will push basic commodities even further out of reach for ordinary citizens.
Importers stress that rising costs are not limited to luxury items. Essential goods—including food, medicine, and fuel-related supplies—are directly affected by higher customs charges and administrative bottlenecks.
Support for Digital Reform—With Limits
Despite their criticism, commerce leaders say they are not opposed to digitization in principle. Many have voiced support for the “Baladna” trade platform, which they view as a more practical and transparent tool for regulating imports and tracking goods.
The problem, they argue, lies in poor sequencing and policy design. Implementing complex digital systems alongside sharp cost increases, without adequate consultation or transitional support, risks crippling legal trade.
“We support transparency and reform,” chamber representatives said, “but not policies that kill trade and push the economy deeper into crisis.”
Government Defends Customs Reforms
Officials from Sudan’s Trade Ministry and customs authorities have defended the measures, insisting that reforms are necessary to stabilize prices, ensure fair competition, and protect consumers. They argue that aligning the customs dollar with market rates reduces distortions and helps guarantee fair pricing of basic goods.
Authorities also maintain that the ACD system is a long-term investment in efficiency and accountability, designed to curb corruption and reduce clearance times once fully operational.
However, critics counter that these benefits are theoretical under current conditions, where institutional capacity remains severely constrained by conflict and fragmentation.
Calls for Policy Reversal and Dialogue
Importer groups are urging the government to reverse or suspend the Sudan customs hike, delay enforcement of the ACD system, and engage in dialogue with the private sector. Without adjustments, they warn, Sudan risks deeper economic collapse and further erosion of state authority over trade.
Analysts note that customs policy has become a flashpoint in Sudan’s broader economic crisis, where fiscal pressures, inflation, and war intersect. Poorly calibrated reforms, they say, could worsen shortages and undermine public confidence.
An Economy at a Crossroads
The backlash against the Sudan customs hike highlights the delicate balance policymakers face: modernizing trade systems while avoiding policies that drive commerce underground. As Sudan struggles with conflict, currency instability, and supply disruptions, the margin for error remains thin.
Whether authorities adjust course or push ahead with contested reforms may shape not only trade flows, but also the country’s broader economic survival in the months ahead.
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