Sudan ACD Certificate

Sudan ACD Certificate

The Sudan Customs Authority letter dated 9 November 2025, please be informed that Sudan has officially adopted the Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) system.

Therefore, it will be mandatory as of January 1, 2026, and must be obtained from the loading port by shippers, exporters, or freight forwarders.

What Is an Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) Certificate?

An Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) certificate — also known as an Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) — is a compulsory pre-arrival cargo document required for shipments bound for Sudan. It provides detailed cargo information to customs authorities ahead of arrival, enabling them to plan operations, enforce regulations, and identify potential compliance issues early. Missing the ACD can cause fines or delays at port.

What Documents Are Required to Apply for an ACD Certificate?

To apply for a Sudan ACD, you must submit:

• • Bill of Lading

  • Commercial Invoice

  • Freight Invoice

  • Certificate of Origin

  • Packing List

These documents provide the essential shipment details needed for declaration and regulatory verification.

To start the certification process, you should share PDF copies of the documents through sck@scktr.com. There is no need to send hard copies for the issuance of ECTN certificates. Please be sure to share the final documents, which will not have any more amendments later in the process. A amendment fee will occur for the modifications after validating the certificates.

Can You Apply Using a Draft Bill of Lading?

Yes. A draft Bill of Lading can be used when submitting your ACD application. However, the final Bill of Lading must include the issued ACD number once available, to ensure customs compliance.

When Should You Apply for the Sudan ACD Certificate?

You should secure your Sudan ACD well before your cargo reaches the destination port. In practice, the certificate needs to be obtained at least five days before vessel departure to allow time for processing and any adjustments that might be necessary to meet regulatory requirements, but should be obtained before the vessels departure at the port of loading.

How Long Does It Take to Get ACD Approval?

ACD Sudan — as the authorized issuing body — generally provides the ACD number on the same day the application is submitted. In some situations, especially during high processing volumes, it may take up to five business days for the final approval.

For more information and document samples, please contact our team via sck@scktr.com.

Does the Bill of Lading Need the ACD Certificate Number?

Yes. The ACD reference number must be listed on the Bill of Lading for all shipments arriving in Sudan. This is a regulatory requirement and must be fulfilled prior to cargo arrival at port.

Who is responsible for obtaining the ACD Certificate?

The shippers, exporters, or freight forwarders are responsible for getting the ACD document.

Can You Use One ACD for Multiple Shipments?

No. Each shipment requires its own ACD certificate. The ACD is specific to a single Bill of Lading and corresponding cargo details, meaning separate certificates are necessary for distinct shipments.

Is the ACD Certificate Required for All Shipments to Sudan?

Yes. Under current regulations, all consignments that will be unloaded at a Sudanese port must have a valid ACD (ECTN) certificate. This requirement applies to every valid import shipment, without exception.

What Are the ACD Fees for Sudan?

The official ACD fees varies by cargo type. Examples include:

• Standard containers (20’/40’): fixed per unit

• Trucks and heavy freight: set per item

• LCL Shipments: set per pallet

• Bulk cargo and fuel: charged per ton
  (Fees differ by tariff category and transit conditions.)

For more information on the fees, please contact our team via sck@scktr.com.

Who Is Responsible for Obtaining the ACD Certificate?

The shipper, exporter, or freight forwarder is responsible for obtaining the ACD (ECTN) Certificate.  This ensures compliance with Sudanese cargo documentation rules prior to arrival.