Sudan ACD Certificate — The Complete Guide
How the Sudan ACD certificate works: issuing authority, required documents, application process, timeline and the rules that apply.
This guide covers the ACD certificate for shipments to Sudan — who issues it, which documents it needs, how the application runs and what the validation rules are. For the country procedure page, see Sudan ACD.
Overview
The ACD — Advance Cargo Declaration — is the cargo tracking certificate required for shipments to Sudan. It is issued by Sudan Customs Authority (ACD Sudan). Requirement status: Mandatory.
Sample ACD certificate
A Sudan ACD we filed, with the customer fields masked. Use it to check the layout, where the authority stamp sits and where the reference number is printed.
Required documents
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice
- Certificate of Origin
- Packing List
Application process
1. Send your documents
Share PDF copies of the required documents via sck@scktr.com, or upload them through the application form. There is no need to send hard copies for the issuance of ACD certificates.
2. Draft is prepared
Once complete, consistent documents arrive, a draft is prepared for your confirmation. A file specialist checks the shipment details against the documents before anything is filed.
3. Confirm the draft
Check every field on the draft — consignee, ports, weights, values and container references. Final documents must be submitted without further amendments; corrections after validation are charged separately.
4. Filing and validation
The confirmed file is submitted to the issuing authority for validation. The ACD number is issued at validation, so it cannot be shown on documents prepared before that point.
5. Certificate delivered
The validated certificate is sent to you and can accompany the cargo to the destination port.
Timeline
- Processing time: same day to 5 business days
- Validity: One validated ACD per Bill of Lading.
The exact cut-off depends on the destination and the vessel schedule; confirm the deadline for your shipment with our team before filing.
Special rules
Validation deadline. Following the Sudan Customs Authority letter dated 9 November 2025, the ACD is mandatory as of 1 January 2026 and must be obtained from the loading port before the vessel’s departure. In practice it should be secured at least five days before vessel departure, and the ACD reference number must be listed on the Bill of Lading prior to cargo arrival.
Non-compliance. Missing the ACD can cause fines or delays at port. All consignments unloaded at a Sudanese port must have a valid ACD (ECTN) certificate without exception, and an amendment fee applies for modifications made after validation.
Frequently asked questions
Can you apply using a draft Bill of Lading?
Yes. A draft Bill of Lading can be used when submitting your ACD application, but the final Bill of Lading must include the issued ACD number once available to ensure customs compliance.
How long does it take to get a Sudan ACD?
ACD Sudan generally provides the number on the same day of submission. In some situations, especially during high processing volumes, it may take up to five business days for final approval.
Can one ACD certificate cover multiple shipments?
No. Each shipment requires its own ACD certificate. The ACD is specific to a single Bill of Lading and corresponding cargo details.
Who is responsible for obtaining the Sudan ACD?
The shipper, exporter, or freight forwarder is responsible for obtaining the ACD (ECTN) certificate, ensuring compliance prior to arrival.
What Are the ACD Fees for Sudan?
The official ACD fees varies by cargo type. Examples include: Standard containers (20’/40’): fixed per unitTrucks and heavy freight: set per itemLCL Shipments: set per palletBulk 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.
Ready to file? Apply for a ACD certificate or go back to the Sudan ACD procedure page. All country guides: Country guides.