New Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) Regulation for Sudan-Bound Cargo

The Sudan Customs Authority, in coordination with the Sea Ports Corporation (SPC), has announced the national implementation of the Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) system, also known as ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note).

Effective from 1 January 2026, all shipments related to Sudan must comply with the ACD requirement. This regulation applies regardless of cargo type, routing, or final destination, and failure to comply may result in penalties or shipment disruptions.

Sudan ACD Official Notice

Issuing Authority: Sea Ports Corporation (SPC)
Date: Nov 18, 2025

The Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD / ECTN) system for Sudan has been implemented and regulated by the Sea Ports Corporation (SPC) as part of national port and cargo control procedures.

Effective from 1 January 2026, all Sudan-related shipments are required to obtain a valid ACD reference number at the loading port, and the issued number must be declared on the Bill of Lading prior to vessel arrival at Sudanese ports.

Shipments that fail to comply with this requirement may be subject to administrative fines, customs delays, cargo rejection, or cargo seizure, in accordance with applicable SPC and customs regulations.

What Is the Sudan Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD)?

The Sudan ACD, also referred to as ECTN, is a mandatory cargo tracking and pre-arrival declaration document used by Sudanese authorities for customs risk assessment, cargo monitoring, and regulatory enforcement.

In Sudan, the ACD framework is administered under the regulatory oversight of the Sea Ports Corporation (SPC) in coordination with Sudan Customs. Once issued, the ACD reference number becomes a mandatory data element on the Bill of Lading.

When Does the Sudan ACD Become Mandatory?

  • Implementation date: 1 January 2026
  • Applicability: All Sudan-related shipments
  • Cargo scope: Containers, general cargo, vehicles, heavy machinery, project cargo, Ro-Ro, bulk, and breakbulk

Non-compliance may result in:

  • Financial penalties
  • Cargo delays at port
  • Rejection of documentation

Sudan ACD Required Documents

To apply for a Sudan ACD / ECTN, the following documents are required:

  • Draft Bill of Lading (final BL not required at application stage)
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Freight Invoice (Not required of listed in Commercial Invoice)

Once the ACD is issued, the ACD reference number must be clearly stated on the final Bill of Lading.

Who Is Responsible for Obtaining the Sudan ACD?

The obligation to obtain a valid Sudan ACD lies with:

  • Shippers
  • Exporters
  • Freight forwarders
  • Carriers

The ACD must be issued at the loading port before vessel departure.

Regulatory Authority

The Sudan ACD (ECTN) program is implemented and regulated by the Sea Ports Corporation (SPC), the national authority responsible for port operations, maritime logistics, and cargo control in Sudan, in coordination with the Sudan Customs Authority.

Sudan ACD Validation Deadline

The Sudan ACD certificate must be validated no later than 5 days prior to vessel arrival at the Sudanese port of discharge.

Validation timelines and enforcement procedures are defined in accordance with Sea Ports Corporation (SPC) port regulations. Late or missing validations may result in customs holds or penalties.

Is the Final Bill of Lading Required?

No.
A draft Bill of Lading is sufficient to obtain the draft Sudan ACD.

However:

  • Any discrepancies between BL details and ACD data may require formal amendments

How Long Does It Take to Obtain a Sudan ACD?

  • Draft ACD issuance: Same working day upon complete submission
  • Final validation: Provided the same working day, subject to SPC and port authority review

Early application is strongly recommended to ensure timely validation before vessel arrival.

Sudan ACD Compliance Summary

  • Mandatory from 1 January 2026
  • Applies to all Sudan-related shipments
  • Regulated by the Sea Ports Corporation (SPC)
  • ACD must be issued at the loading port
  • ACD number must appear on the Bill of Lading
  • Validation required minimum 5 days before arrival
  • Non-compliance may result in fines, delays, or rejection

Need Assistance With Sudan ACD / ECTN?

We provide professional Sudan ACD (ECTN) application and validation services, supporting shippers, exporters, and logistics providers with:

  • Accurate document review
  • Same-day draft and final ACD issuance
  • Timely validation coordination
  • Full compliance with SPC and customs requirements being their official technical partners.

Contact our compliance team to secure your Sudan ACD reference number and avoid shipment delays.

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