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Comprehensive Guide

Sudan ACD Certificate — The Complete Guide

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The ACD (Advance Cargo Declaration) is Sudan's mandatory pre-loading customs requirement for every sea shipment discharging at Port Sudan. This guide covers who files it, the documents you need, the exact steps, timing and the latest rules — so your cargo clears without fines or demurrage.

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Overview

The ACD (Advance Cargo Declaration) is Sudan's mandatory pre-loading customs requirement for every sea shipment discharging at Port Sudan. Announced by the Sudan Customs Authority and effective from 1 January 2026, the ACD applies to all cargo types — general cargo, machinery, spare parts and vehicles — regardless of global origin. The ACD number must be obtained by the shipper, exporter or freight forwarder before the cargo is loaded, and then referenced on the final Bill of Lading. Shipments loaded without a valid ACD reference face amendment refusals from carriers, customs clearance delays and demurrage at Port Sudan.

Discharge ports

Port Sudan

Required documents

Bill of Lading
Draft or final; weights, seals and discharge port must match the cargo.
Commercial Invoice
HS codes and declared values as shipped.
Certificate of Origin
Confirms the country of manufacture.

Application process

  1. 1
    The shipper, exporter or freight forwarder applies for the ACD number before the cargo is loaded at origin.
  2. 2
    Prepare the freighted (rated) draft Bill of Lading and the Commercial Invoice for validation.
  3. 3
    Our compliance desk cross-checks the shipper, consignee, cargo description and declared values, then issues the ACD number.
  4. 4
    Provide the ACD reference to your carrier so it is annotated on the final Bill of Lading.
  5. 5
    File early — because enforcement is at loading, a missing ACD can stop the cargo from being shipped, not just delayed at destination.

Timeline

StepDuration
Submit documentsYour action
Draft & invoice2–4 business hours
Approve draftYour action
PaymentYour action
Final validation2–4 business hours

Special rules & HS codes

Enforced at loading, not just on arrival

Since 1 January 2026 the Sudan ACD is checked at the load port. A missing ACD can stop the cargo from being shipped at all — not merely delayed at destination — so the number must be obtained before loading and referenced on the final Bill of Lading.

Frequently asked questions

The ACD (Advance Cargo Declaration) is a mandatory Sudan Customs requirement, effective 1 January 2026, that must be obtained before cargo is loaded for any shipment arriving at Port Sudan.

The core documents are the freighted (rated) draft Bill of Lading and the Commercial Invoice. Our desk confirms any additional details required for your specific cargo.

Before the cargo is loaded at the port of origin. The ACD reference then has to appear on the final Bill of Lading.

Yes. The Sudan ACD applies to all cargo types shipped to Sudan, including passenger vehicles, general cargo, machinery and spare parts, from any origin.

Carriers may refuse Bill of Lading amendments and Sudan Customs can hold the cargo, leading to clearance delays and demurrage charges at Port Sudan until a valid ACD is provided.

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