Sudan ACD — Your Complete Guide to the Advanced Cargo Declaration
Sudan's Advanced Cargo Declaration is mandatory from 1 January 2026 for all cargo bound for Sudan. This guide covers what the ACD is, why it's needed, what documents are required, and how the process works.
Sudan has introduced the Advanced Cargo Declaration (ACD) system for all cargo destined for the country, following a directive from Sudan’s Sea Ports Corporation issued on 9 November 2025. The requirement becomes mandatory from 1 January 2026.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Sudan ACD — what it is, why it exists, and how to get one.
What Is the Sudan ACD?
The Advanced Cargo Declaration is a loading certificate based on the shipping documents for your consignment. It records the key details of your cargo:
- Cargo type and quantity
- Freight charges
- Declared goods value
- Container details (number, size, type)
- Port of loading and port of discharge
- Vessel information
Each Bill of Lading requires its own separate ACD number. You can’t use one ACD across multiple B/Ls for a single shipment.
Why Does Sudan Require the ACD?
There are two main reasons behind the ACD requirement.
Port operations: Loading certificates give Sudan’s port authorities advance information about incoming cargo — what’s arriving, how much of it, and when. This allows the port to plan unloading operations, allocate equipment, and manage space more efficiently. Without this advance notice, ports have to react in real time, which is slower and more costly.
Anti-corruption and trade integrity: The ACD system requires that shipping documents are submitted and recorded shortly after loading, based on real transport documents. This makes it much harder to undervalue cargo or submit fraudulent paperwork, since the documented price and description are on record before the ship even sails.
Who Needs to Apply?
The shipper, exporter, or freight forwarder at the port of loading is responsible for obtaining the ACD. The certificate must be issued before the vessel departs. The ACD number must then appear clearly on the Bill of Lading — shipments arriving without this are subject to delays and penalties.
What Documents Do You Need?
For a Sudan ACD application, you’ll need:
- Draft Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice
- Certificate of Origin
- Packing List
All five documents must be submitted together. Make sure your Certificate of Origin and Packing List are ready alongside the other standard documents.
How Long Does Processing Take?
Certificate validation typically takes 2 to 3 business days once the application is submitted to Sudanese authorities. We recommend submitting your documents at least a week before the vessel’s scheduled departure to allow enough time for processing without any last-minute pressure.
What Happens Without an ACD?
Cargo arriving at Sudanese ports without a valid ACD number on the Bill of Lading cannot clear customs. This results in demurrage charges accumulating while the situation is resolved, plus potential penalty fees from the port authority.
Given the additional operational complexity at Sudanese ports, resolving a documentation issue after the fact is significantly more difficult and expensive than getting the ACD in place before loading.
Ready to Apply?
Send us your draft Bill of Lading and supporting documents and we’ll take it from there.
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