RESTRICTEDWORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/ACC/SDN/3
26 January 1999
(99-0268)
Working Party on the
Accession of SudanOriginal:  English
ACCESSION OF SUDAN
Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime
In a communication dated 24 October 1994 (PC/W/4), the Government of the Sudan applied
for accession under Article XII of the Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO).
At its meeting on 25 October 1994, the General Council established a Working Party with the
following terms of reference:  "To examine the application of the Government of Sudan to accede to
the WTO Agreement under Article XII and to submit to the General Council recommendations which
may include a draft Protocol of Accession".  The membership is open to all WTO Members indicatingtheir wish to serve on the Working Party.  The te rms of reference and membership of the Working
Party are also contained in document WT/ACC/SDN/1.
In accordance with established procedures (WT/ACC/1), the Secretariat is circulating the
attached Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime received from the Government of the Sudan.Members of the Working Party wishing to submit questions on the Memorandum are invited to do so
by 1 March 1999 for transmission to the authorities of the Sudan.
_______________WT/ACC/SDN/3
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
I. INTRODUCTION 1
II. ECONOMY, ECONOMIC POLICIES AND FOREIGN TRADE
1. Economy
(a) General description 1(b) Current economic situation 3
2. Economic Policies
(a) Main directions of the ongoing economic policies 3
(b) Monetary and fiscal policies 6
(c) Foreign exchange and payment system 8(d) Foreign and domestic investment policies 9(e) Competition policies 10
3. Foreign Trade in Goods and Services 10
4. Domestic Trade in Services, Including Value and Composition of Foreign Direct
Investment10
5. Information on Financial Movements Related to Nationals Working Abroad,
Remittances, etc.10
6. Information on Growth in Trade in Goods and Services Over Recent Years and
Forecasts for Years to Come11
III. FRAMEWORK FOR MAKING AND ENFORCING POLICIES AFFECTING
FOREIGN TRADE IN GOODS AND TRADE IN SERVICES
1. Powers of Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches of Government 11(a) The powers of the Executive 11
(b) The powers of the Legislature 12
(c) The powers of the Judiciary 13
2. Government Entities Responsible for Making and Implementing Policies Affecting
Foreign Trade15
3. Division of Authority Between Central and Sub-Central Governments 16
4. Any Legislative Programmes or Plans to Change the Regulatory Regime 18
5. Laws and Legal Acts 18
6. Description of Judicial, Arbitral or Administrative Tribunals or Procedures, If Any
(a) Judicial procedures 18
(b) Arbitral procedures 18
(c) Administrative procedures 19
IV. POLICIES AFFECTING TRADE IN GOODS
1. Import Regulation(a) Registration requirements for engaging in importing 19
(b) Characteristics of national tariff 20WT/ACC/SDN/3
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Page No.
(c) Tariff quotas, tariff exemptions 21(d) Other duties and charges 21
(e) Quantitative import restrictions, including prohibitions, quotas and licensing
systems21
(f) Import licensing procedures 21
(g) Other border measures 21(h) Customs valuation 21
(i) Other customs formalities 21
(j) Pre-shipment inspection 21(k) Application of internal taxes on imports 21(l) Rules of origin 22(m) Anti-dumping regime 22(n) Countervailing duty regime 22
(o) Safeguard regime 22
2. Export Regulation
(a) Registration requirements for engaging in exporting 22(b) Customs tariff nomenclature 22(c) Quantitative export restrictions, including prohibitions, quotas and licensing
systems22
(d) Export licensing procedures 22
(e) Other measures 22(f) Export financing, subsidy and promotion policies 23(g) Export performance requirements 23(h) Import duty drawback schemes 24
3. Internal Policies Affecting Foreign Trade in Goods
(a) Industrial policy, including subsidy policies 24(b) Technical regulations and standards 24(c) Sanitary and phytosanitary measures, including measures taken with respect to
imports24
(d) Trade-related investment measures 25
(e) State-trading practices 25(f) Free zones 25
(g) Free economic zones 25(h) Trade-related environmental policies 26
(i) Mixing regulations 26
(j) Government-mandated counter-trade and barter 26(k) Trade agreements leading to co untry-specific quotas allocation 26
(l) Government procurement practices 26(m) Regulation of trade in transit 26
4. Policies Affecting Foreign Trade in Agricultural Products 26
(a) Imports 27
(b) Exports 27
(c) Export prohibitions and restrictions 28WT/ACC/SDN/3
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Page No.
(d) Export credits, export credit guarantees or insurance programmes 28(e) Internal policies 28
5. Policies Affecting Foreign Trade in Other Sectors
(a) Textiles regime 28(b) Policies affecting foreign trade in other major sectors 28
V. TRADE-RELATED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY REGIME
1. General(a) Intellectual property policy 29(b) Responsible agencies for policy formulation and implementation 29(c) Membership of international intellectual property conventions and of regional or
bilateral agreements29
(d) Application of national and MFN treatment to foreign nationals 29
(e) Fees and taxes 30
2. Substantive Standards of Protection, Including Procedures for the Acquisition and
Maintenance of Intellectual Property Rights
(a) Copyright and related rights 31
(b) Trademarks, including service marks 31
(c) Geographical indications, including appellations of origin 32(d) Industrial designs 32(e) Patents 32
(f) Plant variety protection 32(g) Layout designs of integrated circuits 32
(h) Requirements on undisclosed information, including trade secrets and test data 32
(i) Any other categories of intellectual property 33
3. Measures to Control Abuse of Intellectual Property Rights
(a) Trademarks 33
(b) Patents 33
(c) Copyright and neighbouring rights 33(d) Design 33
4. Enforcement
(a) Civil judicial procedures and remedies 34
(b) Provisional measures 34
(c) Any administrative procedures and remedies 34(d) Any special border measures 35(e) Criminal procedures 35
5. Laws, Decrees, Regulations and Other Legal Acts Relating to the Above 35
6. Statistical Data on Application For and Grants of Intellectual Property Rights, as
well as Any Statistical Data on their Enforcement35WT/ACC/SDN/3
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Page No.
VI. TRADE-RELATED SERVICES REGIME1. General 35
2. Policies Affecting Trade in Services
(a) Government departments, agencies, professional associations or other bodies with
authority or a role relevant to the conduct of service activities35
Education and scientific research 36
The health services in Sudan 38
Transportation services 39Telecommunications services 40Banking services 41Insurance 41
Securities 41
(b) Judicial, arbitral or administrative tribunals or procedures providing for the review
of, or remedies in relation to, administrative decisions affecting trade in services43
(c) Provisions, including those in international agreements, concerning qualification
requirements and procedures, technical standards and licensing and/or registrationrequirements for the supply of services43
(d) Provisions governing the existence and operation of monopolies or exclusive
service suppliers43
(e) Provisions relating to safeguard measures as they apply to trade in services 44
(f) Provisions relating to international transfers and payments for current transactions
of services44
(g) Provisions relating to capital transactions affecting the supply of services 44
(h) Provisions governing the procurement by government agencies of services 44
(i) Provisions concerning any form of aid, grant, domestic subsidy, tax incentive or
promotion scheme affecting trade in services44
3. Market Access and National Treatment
(a) Limitations on the number of service suppliers 45
(b) Limitations on the total value of services transactions or assets 45(c) Limitations on the total number of service operations or on the total quantity of
service output45
(d) Limitations on the total number of natural persons that may be employed in a
particular service sector45
(e) Restrictions on, or requirements of specific types of legal entity through which a
service may be supplied45
(f) Limitations on the participation of foreign capital 45
(g) Measures providing for less than the tr eatment accorded to national services or
service suppliers45
4. Most-Favoured-Nation Treatment 46
VII. INSTITUTIONAL BASE FOR TRADE AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS WITH
THIRD COUNTRIES
1. Bilateral or Plurilateral Agreements Relating to Foreign Trade in Goods and Trade
in Services46WT/ACC/SDN/3
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2. Economic Integration, Customs Union and Free-Trade Area Agreements 463. Labour Markets Integration Agreements 46
4. Multilateral Economic Co-operation, Membership in the Multilateral Economic
Organisations, Trade-Related Programmes of Other Multilateral Organisations.46
ANNEXES
ANNEX 1 – STATISTICS AND PUBLICATIONS 48
ANNEX 2 – LIST OF LAWS AND LEGAL ACTS 58ANNEX 3 – INFORMATION ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES 61ANNEX 4 – INFORMATION ON IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION
OF THE CUSTOMS VALUATION AGREEMENT63
ANNEX 5 – INFORMATION ON TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO TRADE 66
ANNEX 6 – INFORMATION ON STATE-TRADING 68
ANNEX 7 – BILATERAL ECONOMIC, TECHNICAL AND TRADE
AGREEMENTS70WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 1
I. INTRODUCTION
The Sudan is classified by the United Nations as one of the Least Developed Countries
(LDCs).  These countries are characterised by structural and supply side constraints that impede their
development efforts.
Since the early 1990s the Sudan has adopted and implemented liberal economic policy
reforms within the context of the Three Years National Economic Salvation Programme (1991 -
1993), and the Comprehensive National Strategy (CNS) for the years (1992-2002).
During the implementation of the Three Years National Economic Salvation Programme,
emphasis was placed on tightening monetary and fiscal policies in order to arrest and reverse thedeterioration characterising Sudan's economy since the late 1980s.
The main objective of the CNS is to liberalise the economy to enable economic activities to
be mainly determined by market forces. Cons equently, prices have been liberalised, and
imports/exports restrictions have been abolis hed except for few commodities for religious and
environmental considerations (see import/export sections in the Memorandum).  Moreover, a more
liberal law encouraging investment has been promul gated, an extensive privatisation and restructuring
programme for public enterprises has been implemented, and the multiple and overvalued exchange
rate has been replaced by a floating rate.  In its endeavour to liberalise trade, the Government has
taken numerous measures including the removal of quantitative restrictions on imports andsimplifying tariff procedures and structures.
The CNS encourages the production of export items, particularly non-traditional exports, to
reduce the heavy dependence on primary commodities and to encourage processing and
manufacturing agricultural products.
As a result of these reforms, the economic performance has improved in real terms.  Exports
have increased by about 10 per cent as well as being diversified.  In addition, the private sector started
to play a more active role in the economic activities.
These comprehensive economic reforms and the trade liberalisation measures undertaken by
the Government of the Sudan are to a large extent compatible with the rules and objectives of theWTO.
This Memorandum provides information about the Sudan's economy and trade-related
polices, and about the existing legal regime including those related to international agreements.  It is
intended to facilitate the process of Sudan's accession to the WTO.  Furthermore, the Government ofthe Sudan is ready to provide any additional information requested by the WTO.
II. ECONOMY, ECONOMIC POLICIES AND FOREIGN TRADE
1. Economy
(a) General description (territory, population , economic specialisation and main economic
indicators)
Territory and population
The Sudan is the largest country in Africa, with an area of approximately one million square
miles (2.5 million square Km).  It shares borders with nine countries (Egypt and Libya to the north,WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 2
Chad and Central Africa to the west, the Democrat ic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Kenya to the
south and Ethiopia and Eritrea to the east).  The time zone is two hours ahead of GMT.  Without
prejudice, the country lies between latitudes 3 N and 23 north of the equator, and longitudes 21 E and
39 east of Greenwich.  The arable land is about 200 million acres, and the areas of forests, shrubs and
natural pastures are about 250 million acres.
The River Nile flows northward and it is used for irrigation, hydropower generation, fishing,
transportation, industry, recreation, etc.
The Sudan's population was estimated to be 25.6 million in 1993 and 29 million in 1998,
increasing by an annual growth rate of 2.7 per cent (the birth rate is 4 per cent and the death rate is
1.3 per cent).  The average life expectancy is 53 years in 1998.  About 70 per cent of the populationlive in rural areas and 30 per cent in urban areas.  The population density is about 10 persons per
square kilometre.  Fifty per cent of the population is concentrated in 15 per cent of the total area.  The
literacy rate is 53 per cent.
The large cities are the capital city Khartoum (947,000 inhabitants), Khartoum North
(700,000 inhabitants), Omdurman (1,271,000 inhabitants), Port Sudan (308,000 inhabitants), Elobied
(229,000 inhabitants), Atbra (87,000 inhabitants), Elgadarif (191,000 inhabitants), Madani (211,000
inhabitants), Kosti (173,000 inhabitants), Elfash er (141,000 inhabitants) and Neyala (227,000
inhabitants), according to the 1993 census.
Arabic is the official language of the country and the English language is widely used.  The
State is obliged by Article 3 of the Constitution to encourage other local and international languages.
Islam is the religion of the majority of the population and Christianity and customary creeds
have considerable followers, as recognised by Article 1 of the Constitution.
Economic specialisation
The agricultural sector is the backbone of the economy, accounting on average for about
45 per cent of the GDP and providing employment for more than 53 per cent of the labour force.  The
importance of this sector is even greater when we consider that agricultural products represent over
70 per cent of the exports, and provide the raw materials for most of the domestic Industries.  Themain agricultural commodities are sorghum, wheat, groundnuts, cotton, sesame, gum arabic, fruits
and vegetables.
Animal wealth in the Sudan is estimated in 1997 to be 103 million head of cattle, sheep,
goats, and camels as follows:
- cattle -  30 million;
- sheep - 37 million;
- goats -  33 million;
- camels - 2.9 million.
In addition, there is a considerable number of equines, poultry and wild faunae.  The
contribution of livestock to the national economy is quite significant.  It accounts for 20 per cent of
the GDP.  The country is considered self-sufficient in  meat and to a limited extent in milk due to lack
of collection facilities, and consequently large quantities of  powdered milk are imported.
Industries and mining account for 15 per cent of the GDP.  The main industries are sugar,
cement, tyres, textiles, food processing, leather products, chemicals and pharmaceutical materials.
The major exports are cotton, gum arabic, oilseeds, livestock and meat.WT/ACC/SDN/3
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The Sudan has numerous proven mineral deposits and reserves mostly unexploited or under-
exploited such as oil, natural gas, gypsum, iron ore, mica, lead, chrome and gold.  Exports of gold and
chrome have increased during recent  years.
The service sector accounts for 40 per cent of the GDP.  Its main sub-sectors are financial,
transportation, insurance, commerce and government services.
(b) Current economic situation
Since the late 1970s the Sudan economy has experienced continued deterioration
characterised by:
- weakness in production and productivity;
- disequilibrium in internal and external balances;
- rapid increase in the rate of inflation and low standard of living;
- devaluation of the national currency;- heavy external debts;
- mal-distribution of income and wealth among individuals and regions.
The Government has adopted a number of economic reforms to arrest this deterioration as
contained in the Comprehensive National Strategy (CNS - 1992-2002).  As a result of the reformsimplemented since 1992 the real GDP has increased by 7.3 per cent, 9.4 per cent and 4.7 per cent for
the years 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.  The GDP per capita is estimated at
33,359 Sudanese Dinar in 1996 and 55,000 Sudanese Dinar in 1997 approximately 357 US Dollars in
1997.
The Government has, since mid 1995, changed the financial year from July/June to
January/December.
The budget deficit was 0.6 per cent, 1 per cent and 1.7 per cent of the GDP in the years 1994,
1995 and 1996, respectively.
Open competition currently exists in almost all sectors of the economy and the prices have
been liberalised except for a few strategic goods and services.  Adoption of monetary and fiscal
policies resulted in the reduction of the inflation rate from 112.6 per cent in December 1996 to
31.9 per cent in December 1997, and further to 18 per cent in June 1998.
2. Economic Policies
(a) Main directions of the ongoing economic policies, tactical and strategic goals of the
economic policies, pricing policy, economic development plans, privatisation plans,
sectoral priorities, regional development plans, etc.
The targeted goals for the economic sector in the CNS is as follows:
(i) to attain justice and equality;
(ii) self-reliance and full mobilisation of our natural and human resources;
(iii) the adoption of economic policies aiming at the liberalisation of the national economy,
adherence to market mechanisms and enhancing the role of the private sector, bearing in mindthat such policies necessitate the privatisation of State-owned enterprises, elimination of
price controls and subsidies and the adjustment of the exchange rate.WT/ACC/SDN/3
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Pricing policy
Prices of goods and services have been liberalised and are freely determined by market forces,
and subsides to consumer goods were eliminated.  The supply of water and electricity is subject to
cross subsidisation as an intermediate step towards full liberalisation.
Privatisation policy
The economy in the Sudan is a mixed one.  The State-owned sector includes water supply,
electricity, enterprises, railways, airways, some industries (including sugar, textiles, tanneries, etc.),
agricultural schemes, banks and other financial institutions.
More than 85 enterprises including commercial banks and companies, factories, agricultural
projects, tourism, insurance, hotels and communication were privatised in the period 1990-1998
through:
- direct sales;
- public share holding;
-r e n t ;
- restructuring.
The Technical Committee for the Disposition of Public Enterprises (TCDE) was assigned the
responsibility of executing privatisation accordin g to the Public Enterprises Disposition Act 1990.
Opportunities to buy privatised enterprises ar e opened to both foreign and local investors.
Sectoral priorities
Sectoral policies play an important role in increasing the production and the rates of
productivity.  These policies should be executed by the concerned ministries and government units
e.g. Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Ministry  of Energy and Mining, Ministry of Industry, etc.
These policies aim mainly to:
(i) increase the marginal efficiency in productive units;
(ii) efficient use of resources and minimisation of losses in the production process;
(iii) efficient use of production inputs to minimise cost;
(iv) fair distribution of wealth.
Priorities of some sectors are summarised as follows:-
Agricultural sector:
(i) rehabilitation of irrigation networks in the irrigated schemes;
(ii) expansion of wheat production to reach self sufficiency;(iii) introduction of complementary irrigation systems in areas affected by drought and
desertification by constructing more dams in several areas;
(iv) increasing agricultural productivity;
(v) rehabilitation of the gum arabic zone.
Livestock sub-sector:
(i) control and eradication of livestock diseases;
(ii) revitalisation of veterinary services;
(iii) adoption of privatisation concept in veterinary services;WT/ACC/SDN/3
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(iv) improvement of local livestock breeds and establishment of gene preservation for the high
yielding local breeds;
(v) expansion of disease-free zones as a future depot for national export.  Also, establishment and
increase of export facilities like quarantines and slaughterhouses in the ports and frontier
points;
(vi) increasing fish production through the introduction of fish aquaculture approach and
provision of well managed fish resources' facilities;
(v) conservation and rehabilitation of natural pasture and improvement of livestock grazing
environment;
(vi) strengthening and upgrading of livestock data and information system;
(vii) training of manpower at various levels.
Industrial sector:
(i) optimal utilisation of the idle capacities in the industrial sector to utilise over 80 per cent of
the installed capacities, especially in textile, oil processing and pharmaceutical industries;
(ii) expansion of export oriented industries, particularly in sectors where the Sudan has
comparative advantages e.g., vegetables, cotton yarn and edible oil;
(iii) increase of small scale industries by at least five times;
(iv) more care will be given to the intermediate and complementary industries.
Energy sector:
(i) maximum priority is given to the extraction of petroleum;
(ii) rehabilitation of electricity generating stations and national distributing networks to supply
power, besides completion of  the rehabilitation programmes of all power generating stations
in the main towns in the country;
(iii) continuation of the development of new technology programmes and looking for new
alternative energy sources (solar energy).
Social sector:
Social policies aim at raising the standard of living of the population through improving the
quantity and quality of social services offered, enhancing job opportunities and reducing poverty andunemployment.
Most important among social policies are those which seek to accomplish the following:
- to achieve a balance between resources and population, and to direct social services and
government support to the needy, particularly those below the poverty line, and to achieve
human resources development;
- to direct the activities of non-governmental charitable organisations towards income
generating and labour intensive projects for poor families and productive activities;
- to increase employment opportunities through:
- increasing the available financial resources to small and medium size enterprises from
specialised funds,
- encouraging the establishment of self employment enterprises,WT/ACC/SDN/3
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- finding job opportunities outside the Sudan by disseminating information about local
talents and experiences, and promoting their employment through bilateral
agreements, Sudanese embassies and private employment agencies,
- regulating the drop-outs of the educational system through vocational training
programmes,
- providing sufficient data about labour market,- improve health care;
- to establish public libraries on a wide scale, particularly in local communities, and give more
attention to child culture;
- to train and rehabilitate the disabled persons through the  Vocational Training Assistance
Fund;
- to provide vocational training for job seekers and raise occupational health, safety and
environmental standards in firms and corporations
(b) Monetary and fiscal policies
Both fiscal and monetary policies in the Sudan are driven by the goals of achieving macro-
economic stability, especially the reduction of the macro-economic imbalances by reducing the
budget deficit and creating favourable cond itions for economic growth and development.
The financial budgetary and fiscal policies implemented in the Sudan aim mainly at realising
the following objectives:-
- increasing production in all sectors of the economy, giving priority to the agricultural sector;- mobilising local resources and encouraging inflow of foreign resources;- eliminating the budget deficit and refraining from resort to deficit financing;- curtailing the role of the public sector and managing government-owned corporations and
companies on sound commercial basis;
- liberalisation of economy and price control;- reducing dependence on indirect taxes as a main source of revenue by tapping new sources;- directing the central government grants to state governments towards production and revenue
earning activities;
- curbing of inflation;- consolidating the peace efforts.
Monetary policy instruments
The Sudan monetary policy is designed to regulate money expansion on the basis of real
demand, and at the same time to  achieve other socio-economic goals through efficient allocation of
resources to various economic sectors and activities.  The Bank of Sudan formulates its monetaryWT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 7
policy to regulate money supply in line with the objectives of the National Comprehensive Strategy
1992-2002, which aims at mobilising and liberalising the economy to ensure stability of the exchange
rate and to achieve sustainable economic growth which eliminates the internal and external
imbalances.
At the same time, the Bank of Sudan works closely with the Ministry of Finance and National
Economy and other concerned institutions to ensure harmonisation of financial and monetary policies,
and to achieve other socio-economic goals.
Since 1992, the monetary authorities embarked on the process of liberalising the financial
sector.  Emphasis was placed on designing policies to address the shortage of foreign exchange,
exchange rate, inflation and internal and external imbalances.
Objectives of the monetary policy
- broad-based economic activities, welfare and sustainable rate of economic growth;
- socio-economic justice and equitable distribution of income and wealth;- containing inflation rates;
- mobilisation of savings towards investment and economic development in an equitable
manner;
- realising favourable balance-of-payments;
- establishment of a sound banking system capable of providing standard banking services;- sound allocation of resources.
Monetary policy instruments
The monetary policy is based on the Islamic principle of profit/loss sharing i.e. interest rate is
not applicable except where there is a necessity.  Therefore, the Bank of Sudan, uses reserve
requirement together with profit margins to regulate the liquidity.
The targeted growth rate in the annual money supply is determined by the Bank of Sudan in
full co-operation with the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, taking into consideration the
national economic goals, including the GDP, growth rate, inflation rates and the balance of payments
position.
The statuary reserve requirement: commercial banks are required to keep certain proportion
of their demand deposits with the Bank of  Sudan as statutory reserve requirement to be kept in a
blocked account in the Bank of Sudan.  In addition, the Bank of Sudan requires the commercial banks
to maintain a minimum of 10 per cent of the deposits or internal cash ratio to meet demand of theircustomers for cash.  Moreover, banks are required to follow Islamic modes of finance to extend their
credits.
The major Islamic modes of finance:
Murabaha (trade-related mode of finance):
In the case of Murabaha, the customer requests his bank to purchase on his behalf a
commodity with well defined specifications.  The bank provides to customer the required commodity
and adds a profit margin, and the price and the profit margin will be repaid by instalments as agreedupon.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 8
Musharakah (partnership mode of finance):
It is a partnership-like mode of finance in which the parties (the Bank and its customer(s))
engage in a joint venture enterprise.  The partners share the payment of the required capital, and
according to such share they  divide the loss or profit of the transaction.
Bai Elsalam (pre-finance or forward sale contract mode of finance in agriculture or industry):
It is a forward sale contract signed between the customer and his bank according to which the
bank buys a certain quantity of a product at a certain price.  The sale price will be received by the
beneficiary in advance to finance the production process, and the Bank gets the returns in kind after
the completion of the production process.
Fiscal policy
The Ministry of Finance and National Economy is in charge of fiscal policy.  The aim of the
current fiscal policy is to gradually balance the budget by controlling public spending and increasingrevenue through more effective tax collection and expanding the tax base.  The control of public
expenditure involves the elimination of subsides and the implementation of privatisation of State-
owned enterprises.
The Taxation Chamber, and the Ministry of Finance and National Economy are responsible
for administering tax laws and adopting and enforcing regulations.  The prevailing tax law is the 1986
Income Tax Act (amended 1998) which includes:
- personal income tax;
- Real Estate income tax.
Other tax laws are:
- Capital Gains Tax Act 1986;
- Stamp Duty Act 1986;
- Sales Tax Act 1990;
- National Contribution for Sudanese Nationals Working Abroad Act 1991;- Development Tax Act 1995;
- Land Rent Income Tax Act 1964;
- Business Profit Tax.
The share of the direct tax revenue in the total government revenue is approximately
30 per cent, while its ratio to the GDP was about 2 per cent in 1996.
The maximum present income tax is 30 per cent.  Business profit tax is 40 per cent while for
the financial and insurance sector it is 45 per cent.  The capital gains tax is 5 per cent for real estate
and 2.5 per cent for automobiles.
(c) Foreign exchange and payment system, relations with the International Monetary Fund,
application of foreign exchange controls, if any
The currency of the Sudan is the Sudanese Dinar, the external value of which is determined in
the inter bank market.  Commercial banks and exchange dealers are authorised to quote on a daily
basis buying and selling exchange rates on the basis of market forces.  In December 1997 the average
buying and selling rates for the United States' Dollar were 163 Sudanese Dinar and 167 Sudanese
Dinar, respectively per United States' Dollar, and in July 1998 it was in the range of 192 Sudanese
Dinar.WT/ACC/SDN/3
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Commercial banks are authorised by the Bank of Sudan to sell foreign currencies to be
transferred abroad for all purposes.  Non-bank dealers (Exchange Bureaux) are authorised to buy and
sell foreign currencies.
Sudanese nationals, individuals and legal entities, with the exception of the Government,
public institutions, and public sector enterprises, are allowed to keep foreign exchange in free
accounts.
Free accounts are credited with any means of payment without restriction.  Withdrawals from
the free accounts are used:  (i) to make transfers abroad;  (ii) to make transfers to other free accounts;
(iii) to purchase domestic currency;  (iv) to make payments in foreign exchange to domestic
institutions authorised to sell goods and services in foreign currency.
Relations with the IMF
The Sudan joined the IMF in 1957 with a quota of SDRs 10 millions which was later raised to
SDRs 169.7 million.  In 1984, the Sudan was declared ineligible to use the general resources of the
Fund due to arrears.  In August 1993, the voting power of the Sudan was suspended and subsequently
a compulsory withdrawal from the IMF was issued.  Since 1991, the Sudan has started intensive
negotiations with the IMF to re-establish its relations with the Fund.  Recently, positive improvements
have been achieved and several letters of intentio n were signed between the Government of the Sudan
and the IMF.  The Sudan is currently implementing a programme for 1998 which is expected to lead
to a medium-term programme (1999 - 2002).
(d) Foreign and domestic investment policies
The investment policies seek to create an appropriate investment environment conducive to
the enhancement of production for consumption and export by:
- providing investment information and streamline registration and licensing procedures;
- encouraging the financial institutions to finance the required investment;
- reducing government interventions and preventing the formulation of monopolies and
protecting consumers.
The Encouragement of Investment Act 1996 aims  at encouraging investment in projects
which achieve the objectives of development plans, namely, the projects which achieve any of the
following:
- contribute effectively to increase national income and widen the base of the national
economy;
- achieve food security;
- support the country’s export capabilities;
- achieve self-sufficiency;- promote rural development and development of irrigation  technologies;
- provide essential services supporting the development plans or removing any bottlenecks;
- transfer and use of modern technology that is suitable for the country;
- attract savings of the Sudanese nationals working abroad  (SNWA);
- provide employment opportunities and upgrade technical, professional and administrative
capabilities.
Investors, both foreign and domestic, enjoy the same rights and privileges stipulated in the
Encouragement of Investment Act 1996.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 10
(e) Competition policies
As of February 1992, the Sudan adopted a liberal trade and economic policy to create the
conditions necessary for a functional market economy based on free, fair and open competition.  This
policy necessitated the abolishing of export-import licensing (except for those described in Annex 3)and of price controls, the improvement of the foreign exchange system and privatisation.
3. Foreign Trade in Goods and Services:  volum e and value of trade, exports and imports,
foreign trade balance, structure of trade, trade by geographic areas and dynamics of
trade, accompanying statistical data and information on publications
Foreign trade plays an important role in Sudan’s economy, since export earnings, among
others, are considered as one of the main sources of foreign currencies needed to finance imports.
The Sudan like other developing countries depends on a  few primary commodities which are
cotton, oil seeds, livestock, and gum arabic.  The main imports are capital goods, transport equipment
and petroleum products.
The volume of exports amounted to 523,555,620 US Dollars, while imports were 1,161, 1,184
and 1,504 million US Dollars for the years 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively (Annex 1).
Trade balance records showed continued deficit during the last three years amounting to 637,
629 and 884 million US Dollars in the years 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. During these yearsthe main import partners for Sudan were the European Communities (28 per cent, 33 per cent and
33 per cent), the United States (3 per cent, 4 per cent and 2 per cent), Japan (4 per cent, 6 per cent and
4 per cent), China (4 per cent, 10 per cent and 7 per cent), Saudi Arabia (23 per cent, 18 per cent and
19 per cent).  The main export partners were the European Communities (33 per cent, 31 per cent and
26 per cent), China (3 per cent, 4 per cent and 4 per cent) and Saudi Arabia (16 per cent, 10 per centand 11 per cent).
Saudi Arabia is the main trading partner of the Sudan and is the main importer of live sheep.The Sudan is the main producer of gum arabic, and the country exports approximately
80 per cent of total world exports.
Detailed statistics are provided in Annex 1.
4. Domestic Trade in Services, Including Value and Composition of Foreign Direct
Investment
The share of the services in the GDP for the years 1994, 1995 and 1996 was 51 per cent,
50 per cent and 48 per cent, respectively.  The major sub-sectors include construction, electricity,
water, transport, telecommunication and financial services.  There are no reliable statistics on foreign
trade in services or direct foreign investments.
5. Information on Financial Movements Related to Nationals Working Abroad,
Remittances, etc.
The number of Sudanese nationals working abroad (SNWA) is estimated at approximately
1.5 million, mainly in Saudi Arabia, other Gulf countries, Libya and other Arab countries.  Their
contribution to the economy in recent years is 600-700 million US Dollars annually.  Transfers are
made both in cash and in kind.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 11
6. Information on Growth in Trade in Good s and Services Over Recent Years and
Forecasts for Years to Come
Exports increased from 555.7 million US Dollars in 1995 to 620.7 million US Dollars in
1996, showing 11.6 per cent rate of growth. Impor ts increased from 1,184.8 million US Dollars in
1995 to 1,504 million US Dollars in 1996, showing 27 per cent rate of growth.  This high growth in
imports is due to the liberalisation policy which allowed entry of goods which were previously
banned.  As a result, the trade deficit increased from 629.1 million US Dollars in 1995 to
884.2 million US Dollars in 1996.  This deficit was mainly financed by the transfers of Sudanese
nationals working abroad.  It is anticipated that exports will increase due to the efforts being made to
promote exports of fruits, vegetables, livestock and meat, while imports are expected to decrease due
to self-sufficiency in fuel (oil) .
III. FRAMEWORK FOR MAKING AND ENFORCING POLICIES AFFECTING
FOREIGN TRADE IN GOODS AND TRADE IN SERVICES
1. Powers of Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches of Government
In accordance with the Constitution, the powers are divided among the executive, legislative
and judicial branches as follows:
(a) The powers of the Executive
The President
According to Article 43 of the 1998 Constitution:
The President of the Republic shall represent government and the supreme sovereignty of the
land.  He shall stand as the supreme commander of the people's armed forces and other regular forces,have competence as to maintenance of the security of the country against danger, preserving its
integrity and mission and supervising the foreign re lations thereof.  He supervises the process of
justice and public morals, cares for constitutional institutions and mobilises the enhancement of public
life.  He shall in this respect, in  accordance with provisions of the Constitution and the law, have the
following functions and powers to:
(a) appoint holders of constitutional federal posts;(b) reside over the Council of Ministers;(c) declare war in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and the law;
(d) declare a state of emergency in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and the
law;
(f) approve death sentences, grant pardon and remit conviction or penalty;
(g) represent the State in its foreign relations with States and international organisations, appoint
the ambassadors for the State, and accredit the ambassadors dispatched thereto;
(h) generally represent the authority of the State and the people's will before the public opinion
and in public occasions;
(i) any other functions as may be prescribed by the Constitution or the law.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 12
The Council of Ministers
According to Article 49 of the 1998 Constitution, the Council of Ministers shall have the
following functions and powers:
(a) general planning for the procession of authority, objectives, stages and measures of the State;(b) approval of the higher policies of any federal ministerial sector;(c) assuming the executive and administrative business of any ministry or ministerial sector as
may be provided by law or the decision of the Council;
(d) initiation of draft international conventions and agreements, legislative bills, provisional
decrees, general budgets and any such measures as may be submitted to the National
Assembly;
(e) requiring reports about ministerial executive performance and questioning of a minister in the
light of the reports thereof or the policies of the Council of Ministers;
(f) requiring reports on States' executive perfor mance for information and co-ordination with
respect to any State and for supervision and decision on matters that are concurrent ordelegated by the federal authority;
(g) making regulations to organise its work ;(h) performing any public political role by statement or mobilisation of the movement of the
people for the objectives of the public policy and public life;
(i) any other functions or powers conferred thereupon by law.
Functions of the Minister under Article 50 of the 1998 Constitution:
(a) the Minister shall have functions and powers by law or delegation;(b) the Minister shall be the highest responsible authority in his ministry, and his decisions shall
prevail therein. The Council of Ministers may amend or cancel the same;
(c) the President of the Republic may suspend the decision of a minister pending submitting the
same to the Council of Ministers;
(d) there shall be between a federal and State's minister a relation of co-ordination, co-operation
and complementation of the federal and State's roles.
(b) The powers of the Legislature
According to Article 67 of the 1998 Constitution:
(a) there shall be established an elected National Assembly to assume the legislative authority
and any other powers by virtue of the Constitution;
(b) the National Assembly shall be composed of a number of members, elected by direct, special
or indirect general election as follows:WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 13
(i) 75 per cent of full membership by way of general direct suffrage from the
geographical constituencies which are divided by fair representation of the population
in the country,
(ii) 25 per cent of full membership by special or indirect suffrage in representation of
women and scientific and professional classes representing States or national
electoral colleges, as may be prescribed by law;
(c) where it is not possible by decision of the General Elections Board to conduct elections for
the National Assembly for compelling security re asons in any constituency or college, the
President of the Republic may appoint a member to occupy the seat in the National Assembly
pending conducting elections as urgently as possible.
Functions of the National Assembly
According to Article 73 of the 1998 Constitution the functions of the National Assembly
(legislature) are as follows:
(a) the National Assembly represents the popular will in legislation, planning, control and
questioning of the Executive, and in the general social and political mobilisation.  Without
prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, it shall assume the following functions to:
(i) pass plans, programmes and policies relating to the State and the society,
(ii) pass the draft constitutional amendments and pass legislative bills and provisional
decrees,
(iii) pass the general budget of revenues and expenditure,
(iv) pass bills ratifying international conventions and agreements,(v) monitor the performance of the Executive,
(vi) initiate or participate in political and social mobilisation,
(vii) issue resolutions on public affairs;
(b) the National Assembly may, in the course of executing its functions, monitoring of executive
performance, recommend to the President of the Republic to remove any federal minister
where the Assembly after subjecting him to the procedure of interrogation resolves by amajority of its members that he has lost the confidence of the Assembly.
(c) The powers of the Judiciary
According to Articles 99-105 of the 1998 Cons titution the powers of the Judiciary are as
follows:
The judicial competence in the Republic of the Sudan shall vest in an independent authority to
be known as the "Judiciary" to assume judicial power in adjudication of disputes and judgments on
the same in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
Responsibility of the Judiciary:
The Judiciary shall be responsible for the performance of its work before the President of the
Republic.
Independence of judges:(a) judges are independent in the performance of their duties and have full judicial competence
with respect to their functions, and they sh all not be influenced in their judgments;WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 14
(b) a judge shall be guided by the principle of the supremacy of the Constitution and the law and
he shall protect this principle, giving due  regard to the establishment of justice in
thoroughness and impartiality without fear or favour;
(c) the State organs shall execute judicial judgments.
Administration of the Judiciary:(a) the Judiciary shall have a president to be known as the, "Chief Justice" who shall ex-officio  be
the president of the Supreme Court and the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, and shall be
responsible for the administration of the Judiciary to the Supreme Council of the Judiciary;
(b) the Judiciary shall have a council to be know n as the "Supreme Council of the Judiciary" its
composition and functions shall be prescribed by law.  There shall be among its functions the
planning and general supervision over the Judiciary, and the presenting of recommendations
to the President of the Republic for the appointment, promotion and termination of service ofjudges, as well as the  preparation of the bu dget of the Judiciary and expressing opinion on
legislative bills relating to the Judiciary.
The judicial structure:
The judicial structure shall consist of a supreme court, appeal courts and courts of first
instance.  The structure shall be organised by a law which shall specify divisions, jurisdiction and any
other matters relating to the Judiciary.
Appointment and terms of service of judges:(a) the President of the Republic shall appoint the Chief Justice and his deputies according to
law;
(b) the President of the Republic shall appoint all the other judges upon the recommendation of
the Supreme Council of the Judiciary;
(c) the law shall determine the terms of service, discipline and immunities of judges;
(d) no judge shall be removed save under disciplinary measures and upon a recommendation
from the Supreme Council of the Judiciary.
The Constitutional Court:
(a) there shall be established an independent Constitutional Court, and the President of the
Republic shall appoint its president and members from persons of high experience in matters
of justice with the approval of the National Assembly;
(b) the Constitutional Court shall be the cust odian of the Constitution, and shall have the
jurisdiction to consider and adjudge any matter relating to the following:
(i) interpreting constitutional and legal provisions submitted by the President of the
Republic, the National Assembly, half the number of Governors or half the States'
Assemblies,
(ii) claims by the aggrieved for the protection of freedoms, sanctities or rights guaranteed
by the Constitution,WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 15
(iii) claims of conflict of competence between federal and State organs,
(iv) any other matters referred thereto by virtue of the Constitution or the law;
(c) the law shall determine the number, emoluments of the judges and the procedures of the
Court.
2. Government Entities Responsible for Maki ng and Implementing Policies Affecting
Foreign Trade
Policy affecting foreign trade is an integral part of the general economic policy of the Sudan.
The Constitution provides the Council of Minister s with the power to determine the direction of
economic policy and thus foreign trade policy.  The development and implementation of Sudan's
foreign trade policy is handled by the Cabinet of Ministers through a sectoral trade and economic
ministries.
The Ministry of Foreign Trade is the responsible agency for trade policy, development and
support of commercial activities, export promotion development, encouragement of commercial
exchange between the Sudan and other countries and representation of the Sudan in regional and
international trade organisations.
The Ministry of Finance and National Economy is responsible for developing and
implementing the general economic policies of the country, including government budget, supervision
of taxation and custom administration and public corporations, companies and enterprises.
The Ministry of International Co-operation and Investment is responsible for investment
promotion and development of international co-operation.
The Sudan Customs Administration is generally responsible for establishing and maintaining
customs tariffs and in particular:
(a) proposing changes in the rates of duties and making recommendations regarding the
imposition of additional duties;
(b) preparing drafts of laws, international agreements and regulations dealing with customs
tariffs.
The Bank of Sudan is the agency responsible for foreign exchange regulations, commercial
banks, financial institutions, minting of currency and maintaining the government account.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for the agricultural sector policy
including the sanitary and phytosanitary standards for fertilisers and plants.
The Ministry of Animal Resources is responsible for making and implementing animal
resources and fisheries' policies as well as implemen ting the sanitary measures related to international
trade in livestock and its products.
The Ministry of Health is responsible for policy making and supervision of the health in
industry, trade related responsibility in the regulation of medicine import, the sale of medicine, inaddition to sanitary measures for foods, export and import of medicine and pharmaceuticals.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 16
3. Division of Authority Between Central and Sub-Central Governments
The Sudan is divided into 26 States and the powers are shared by the Federal Government and
State governments according to Articles 110-115 of the 1998 Constitution in the following manner:
Authority of the Federal Government
The Federal Government is responsible for executive, legislative and planning powers in the
following:
(a) defence, armed forces, police, security and disciplined people's forces;
(b) the international borders of the Sudan and settlement of border disputes between States;
(c) nationality, passports, immigration and aliens' affairs.(d) foreign relations;
(e) rules of general elections for constitutional, federal, State and local institutions;
(f) advocacy;
(g) general professions organised by federal laws;
(h) currency, financial, fiscal and credit policies;(i) specifications, weights, measures and dates and times;
(j) federal financial resources;
(k) foreign trade;
(l) national projects, corporations and companies;
(m) federal lands and natural resources, mineral and subterranean wealth;(n) inter-State waters;
(o) national electricity projects;
(p) federal air transport, inter-States land and sea routes and inter-State federal transport and
communications;
(q) epidemics and general disasters;(r) archaeology and archaeological sites.
Authority of the State
The State organs, each within the boundaries of the State, shall exercise the powers of
planning, legislation and execution, in the following affairs:
(a) government and good administration of the State and care for its interest, security and public
order;
(b) the State's financial resources;
(c) trade and supply;
(d) the State's lands, natural resources, animal and wild-life wealth;(e) non-transit waters and electric power;
(f) the State's roads, transport, means of communications and telecommunications;
(g) missionary and charitable affairs;
(h) registration of births, deaths and marriage documents;
(i) matters as may be compatible with federal laws in affairs peculiar to the State including
custom compilation and codification.
Concurrent powers
Each of the federal organs throughout the Sudan and State organs, as to what concern the
State, shall exercise powers in the following affairs, in accordance with federal legislation:
(a) public service;
(b) public counsels and attorneys;WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 17
(c) local government;
(d) information, culture and means of publication;
(e) education and scientific research;
(f) health;
(g) social welfare;(h) economic policy;
(i) co-operation;
(j) industry;
(k) quarries;
(l) border trade;
(m) building development planning and housing;
(n) survey;(o) statistics;
(p) environment;
(q) tourism;
(r) meteorology.
There shall be established by federal law, councils representing the federal and States'
executive authorities to assume division and planning of lands and forests between the federal
authority and the States.
The residual powers not mentioned in the division of federal and State or concurrent powers
shall be deemed to be concurrent.
Division of financial resources
Federal financial resources
The federal financial resources shall be:
(a) customs revenues and the revenues accrued from international ports and airports;(b) companies profits tax, personal income tax and stamp duty of federal and inter-State dealings;(c) profits of national projects; provided that there shall be allocated to the States to which they
extend a percentage as the law may specify;
(d) federal industries' excise duty;(e) expatriates' taxes and foreign institutions and activities taxes;(f) any such other taxes or fees that do not affect the State's or local government resources;(g) grants, loans and credit facilities.
State's financial resources
The State's financial resources shall be :-
(a) business profits tax; provided that there shall be a percentage allocated to localities by a
federal law;
(b) the State's industries excise duty;(c) the State's licences returns;WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 18
(d) the State's taxes and fees;
(e) the State's projects' profits;
(f) internal grants, loans and credit facilities.
Localities' financial resources
The localities' financial resources shall be:-
(a) estates tax;(b) sales tax;(c) agricultural and animal production tax ; provided that there shall be allocated a percentage to
the State by a federal law;
(d) local land and river means of transport;(e) local industrial and artisan excise duty;
(f) any other local resources.
4. Any Legislative Programmes or Plans to Change the Regulatory Regime
The Government of the Sudan is fully committe d to the application of the liberalisation
process adopted in the framework of the Comprehensive National Strategy.
Since the economic reforms and trade liberalisation regime are a continuing process, the
regulatory regime would accordingly be consistent and supportive of more open outward looking
market oriented trade regime.
5. Laws and Legal Acts
A list of relevant laws and legal acts affecting economic activities and foreign trade in goods
and services is in Annex 2 of this Memorandum.
6. Description of Judicial, Arbitral or Administrative Tribunals or Procedures, If Any
(a) Judicial procedures
The civil litigation procedures are governed by the Civil Procedures Act 1983.
(b) Arbitral procedures
The Sudanese businessmen and employers federations are composed of the following bodies:
(i) Union of Chambers of Commerce;
(ii) Union of Chambers of Industry;
(iii) Union of Chambers of Transport;
(iv) Chamber of Crafts and Small Industries.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 19
Those bodies have conciliation and arbitration rules established by the federation so as to
serve in the resolution of disputes arising from transactions in various aspects of economic activities.
The provisions of these rules apply to commercial disputes that are filed with the federation
for conciliation or arbitration pursuant to the agreement between the parties and the same apply toforeign companies.
The laws of the Sudan governing commercial disputes are in full conformity with the
international practice.  The laws give full force to the agreement of the parties whether such
agreement is to refer such dispute to national courts or foreign courts or to local or international
forums of reconciliation or arbitration.  The same  flexibility is found in connection with the laws
applicable to such disputes.  We refer in particular to the arbitration provided for in theEncouragement of Investment Act 1996.
(c) Administrative procedures
Decisions of government officials must first be appealed to the highest official in the
concerned agency or ministry.  Thereafter, the decision may be appealed to the administrative court.
Disputes between government agencies are settled by the Ministry of Justice.
IV. POLICIES AFFECTING TRADE IN GOODS
1. Import Regulation
(a) Registration requirements for engaging in importing
Importers in the Sudan need to register in the imports/exports registry at the Ministry of
Foreign Trade according to the following:
(i) registration in the Chamber of Commerce as an importer;(ii) an application form should be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Trade for approval
showing the following information:
- the name and address of the applicant,
- a valid trade licence from the local council where the importer will practice his
business, and a certificate of incorporation if the importer is a company,
- the amount of the capital used in export and import activities,
- a certificate from a chartered accountant showing the amount of capital used in
import and export activities in the last budget,
- the taxation and zakat clearance certificates. Zakat according to Article 10 of the
Constitution is a financial duty on Muslims and the law regulates the manner of its
collection, expenditure and management;
(iii) the application shall be finally approved by the consultative committee;(iv) payment of the fees required for import registration which are nominal ranging between 5,000
and 50,000 Sudanese Dinar, and the registration is  renewed annually.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 20
(b) Characteristics of national tariff, customs tariff nomenclature (HS), types of duties,
general description of the customs tariff structure, weighted average level of duties on
main customs tariff groupings, application of MFN tariff rates, tariff preferences
Since 1992 the Sudan has applied the harmonised commodity description and coding system
(HS) to classify imports and exports and is now applying the 1996 version.  The Sudan tariff consists
of two columns: the first one specifies the general rate of duty and the second is for the preference
rates for a limited number of items.  The customs rates are ad-valorem  applied to the c.i.f. import
value.  There are five different rates of customs tariffs:  6 per cent, 15 per cent, 30 per cent,
50 per cent and 80 per cent, as follows:
Tariff Rate Tariff Items Percentage (%)
6 2,286 70
15 1,121 12
30 765 9
50 256 4
80 786 5
5,214
HS applied July 1992:
6 per cent Pharmaceutical products, fertilisers, tanning and dyeing extracts, mineral fuels,
mineral products, inorganic and organic chemicals, tea, cereals, ink, threads, books,
newspapers, pictures, railway and tramway locomotives, tractors, ships, buses, trucks;
15 per cent Live animals, products of milling industries, wheat, oilseeds, plastic and metal raw
materials, milk powder, live trees and other plants, articles of base metal, tools andequipment, explosives, paper, toys, games and sport's requisites, cement;
30 per cent Fresh, chilled or frozen meat and fish, wood and wood articles, edible vegetable and
animal oils, photographic goods, articles of stone and plaster, ceramic products,
motor cars (petrol);
50 per cent Plastic articles, rubber articles, prepar ation of meat and fish, raw hides, skin and
leather, domestic household, electrical equipment and appliances, essential oils,
matches, glass and glassware, tyres and tubes, clocks and watches, musical
instruments, arms and ammunitions;
80 per cent Textiles and textiles articles, carpets and other textile floor coverings;80 per cent Edible fruits and nuts, preparations of cereals, flowers, vegetables, fruits, paints and
varnishes, sugar and sugar confectionery, perfumery, cosmetics and toilet
preparations, footwear, furniture, bedding mattresses;
80 per cent Cigarettes, cigars and tobacco.
The base for MFN tariff treatment is the Common Market for East and South Africa
(COMESA) rate, which is 80 per cent lower than the general rate and is governed by a separate
convention since 1995.  This tariff applies to certain commodities as specified in the COMESAagreement which the Sudan has ratified on 21 September 1994.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 21
(c) Tariff quotas, tariff exemptions
The Sudan has no tariff quotas and tariff exemptions are available for investment projects
governed by the Investment Law and for it ems within Article 54 of the Customs Law.
(d) Other duties and charges, specifying any charges for services rendered
An additional tax ranging between 5 per cent to 150 per cent is imposed on 122 items (HS 8-
digit heading).  A rate of 10 per cent consumption tax is imposed on most of the imported goods on
(c.i.f. + other charges) except certain products e. g. one Sudanese pound on each cigarette, a 2 per cent
rate is imposed on tea, coffee, milk powder, dry dates, raw tobacco, packing materials for cigarettes
industry and petroleum.  Medicines (human and veterinary) are exempted from consumption tax.
There are other charges e.g., 2 per cent quay dues collected by the Sea Ports Corporation and
1.2 per cent civil aviation charges.
(e) Quantitative import restrictions, including prohibitions, quotas and licensing systems
The Sudan does not apply any quantitative import restrictions.  All goods can be imported to
the Sudan except those which are prohibited by Islamic values or security considerations.  These
goods are:  spirits and wines, narcotics, gambling equipment, arms and ammunitions.
(f) Import licensing procedures
Generally, imports do not need an import licence, except as described in Annex 3.
(g) Other border measures
The Sudan does not apply any other border measures.
(h) Customs valuation
The Sudan uses the Brussels Definition of Value (BDV), see Article 75 of the Customs Law
(Annex 4).
(i) Other customs formalities
Importers must present an import declaration, commercial invoice, certificate of origin,
quarantine licence (where necessary), Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organisation (SSMO)
requirements or other documents for specific type of goods, and completion of banking formalities.Importers must pay the required duties, taxes and fees and receive an official release for the goods.
Duties, taxes and fees are payable before releasing the goods except for direct delivery goods.
(j) Pre-shipment inspection
The Sudan has no mandatory pre-shipment inspection.  Importers are advised to have a pre-
shipment inspection certificate issued by the international cargo inspectors registered by SSMO.
Double check inspection might be conducted by SSMO.  All consignments with no quality inspection
certificate will be subjected to SSMO inspection at entry points.
(k) Application of internal taxes on imports
See (d) above.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 22
(l) Rules of origin
The certificate of origin for imports is mainly required when there are tariff preferences.  The
certificate of origin for export commodities is issued by the Sudan Chamber of Commerce and
checked by the custom authorities, and it is gove rned generally by the preference agreements such as
the rules of origin applied or agreed upon in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern African
States, the Global System of Trade Preference (GSTP), and the Agreement of Trade Facilitation and
Development among the Arab States. Up to now the Sudan has no separate rules of origin.
The certificate of origin must be issued by the competent authority in the country of origin.
(m) Anti-dumping regime
The Sudan has no anti-dumping law yet.
(n) Countervailing duty regime
The Sudan has no countervailing duty regime.
(o) Safeguard regime
The Sudan has no safeguard law, however, the Sudan is planning to formulate laws on
safeguards and competition as well as anti-dumping.
2. Export Regulation
(a) Registration requirements for engaging in exporting
Exportation in the Sudan needs registration of the exporter in the importers/exporters registry.
The requirements are the same as for imports.
(b) Customs tariff nomenclature, types of duties, duty rates, weighted averages of rates
The Sudan applies the harmonised system for classification of exports, as in the case of
imports.  Export rates are ad-valorem , the export duty is 10 per cent on cotton and gum arabic, while
on other products it is 5 per cent.  All these rates are on (FAS Value).  There is also a 1.2 per cent
quay duty for Sudan Sea Port Corporation and 1 per cent for the civil aviation.
(c) Quantitative export restrictions, including prohibitions, quotas and licensing systems
In the Sudan there are no quantitative or quota export restrictions.
(d) Export licensing procedures
No licence is required for export except when there is no remittance, in which case an export
licence is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and the Central Bank, and the sales contract needs
to be stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Trade.
(e) Other measures
The Sudan has indicative export minimum prices which are based on the internal cost and
world market prices.  There are no voluntary export restrictions and no orderly market arrangements.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 23
(f) Export financing, subsidy and promotion policies
The export policies and procedures have the following objectives:
(i) encourage exporters and widen the exports base to support the national economy;
(ii) organise export activities to facilitate exportation;
(iii) ensure regular flows of foreign exchange earnings into the country;
(iv) co-ordinate export policies and procedures with general economic policies in the light of
economic liberalisation policies;
(v) the Sudan does not subsidise exports, but the Government encourages them through easy
access to financial institutions, and various export councils and boards.
The Government established many export commodity boards consisting of representatives of
the private sector exporters.  The export boards are:
(i) Oilseeds Board;
(ii) Sorghum Grain Board;(iii) Livestock and Meat Board;
(iv) Karkadeh, Plants and Herbs Board;
(v) Vegetables and Fruits Board;
(vi) Manufactured Products Export Board;
(vii) Gum Arabic Board;(viii) Cotton Board;
(ix) Mineral and Other Export Board;
(x) Wildlife Board.
These export boards have been mandated to:
(i) promote exports in collaboration with the Sudan embassies, economic and commercial
centres abroad, and through advertising and participation in trade fairs and exhibitions;
(ii) monitor export quality;
(iii) monitor commodity exports movement in th e external markets and advise authorities on
measures to be taken;
(iv) advise the government authorities on indicative prices for export commodities;(v) monitor export activities and alert the authorities of any discrepancies.
The Sudan participates in three regional export credit programmes.  The Islamic Development
Bank (IDB), the Inter-Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation and the Arab
Monetary Fund.  The Islamic Development Bank offers credit programmes such as the long termtrade facility 18 - 60 months.
Export promotion is carried out through easier access to credit facilities at the lending
institutions.
Meat, livestock and sorghum are exempted from the export tax.
The Government refunds the excise duty in the case of manufactured products for  exports.
(g) Export performance requirements
Policies in this area are not yet fully determined except for livestock export which is to
comply with international standards binding on the Sudan like the International Animal Health Code
of OIE, Codex Alimentarius of FAO, WHO and OI E and the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement
of WTO, OIE and FAO.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 24
(h) Import duty drawback schemes
Articles 95 and 96 of Custom Laws regulate the import duty drawback.
3. Internal Policies Affecting Foreign Trade in Goods
(a) Industrial policy, including subsidy policies
Both private and public enterprises participate in the industrial production, but the sector is
dominated mainly by private sector enterprises.
Industry in the Sudan is primarily based on agricultural processing while manufacturing is
centred on leather, textile, sugar, food, processing and light industry.  The contribution of industry in
the GDP has remained at modest levels with an average of 8 per cent since 1981, but of late it showed
a good move upwards.
The Ministry of National Industry at the federal level and the industrial departments at the
State levels are responsible for the creation of and encouraging an enabling environment for the
promotion of the industrial sector.  The Industrial Research and Consultative Centre provides research
and advisory services to industry.  Also the Sudanese Standards and Meteorology Organisation
(SSMO) safeguards the interests of the industry by ensuring full compliance with the standards both at
the level of raw materials, inputs used and the final products manufactured.
Plans for promoting the industrial sector aims at:
(i) secure full utilisation of all capacities in the various productive sectors to the satisfaction of
export requirements;
(ii) improve the quality of industrial products;
(iii) improvement of efficiency and the rehabilitation of machines and equipment;
(iv) introduction of appropriate mix of new technologies to improve quantity and quality;
(v) adopt appropriate detailed programmes, economic plans and technical studies to improve best
utilisation of national resources.
(b) Technical regulations and standards, including measures taken at the border with
respect to imports
The Sudanese standards are identical to CODEX for food products, additives, veterinary and
pesticides.  Other standards will be reviewed to conform with ISO standards.  Methods of analysis
employed are AOAC, CAC, and ISO.  Some indige nous products comply with Sudanese standards.
In case of discrepancy, standards specified in the Letter of Credit (LC) constitute the legal
base to settle the dispute.  If no standards are declared, Sudanese or country of origin standards shall
be consulted.
Institutions offering certificates are subject to SSMO accreditation.  The international
inspectors intending to monitor quality imports to  Sudan are subject to prior registration by SSMO on
the base of bilateral agreements or prior registration by SSMO.
(c) Sanitary and phytosanitary measures, including measures taken with respect to imports
SSMO in collaboration with other relevant authorities maintain quality and phytosanitary
measures at the entry points in order to ensure quality and safety of all imported food stuff.  SSMO
advises the custom authority on storage and loading procedures in order to avoid any subsequentWT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 25
spoilage or damage or any other hazard.  The Sudan regulatory measures are implemented in order to
maintain quality, protect the environment and safeguard against any expected hazards.
Since the Sudan is adopting international standa rds, the countries dealing with the Sudan are
expected to do the same  in order to avoid any unforeseen problems.
In case of different standards adopted by different countries i.e. countries are not fully in
agreement with CODEX or ISO, problems might arise between the Sudan and such other
importing/exporting countries.
SSMO can offer advise on handling procedures of certain products which require specific
treatment.
SSMO foresees that natural unavoidable contamination might be taken as a yard stick to
restrict export of Sudanese goods.
For religious reasons some imported goods or their constituents need to be cleared i.e., pork
and pork derivatives.  Such reality needs to be accepted by exporters interested in the Sudan as a
market.
(d) Trade-related investment measures
Article 10 of the Encouragement of Investment Act 1996 stipulates that projects that assist in
the development of export capacities of the country might be granted preferential privileges.
(e) State-trading practices
A number of corporations, institutions and companies owned by the public sector play a role
in the economy.  They do not have monopoly in any sector of trade, and most of them compete with
the private sector.  Export of irrigated cotton is monopolised by Sudan Cotton Company Limited, a
private limited company which is owned by the Farmers Trade Union.
Exports of raw gum arabic is monopolised by a public concession company, the equity of this
company is owned by farmers, previous gum arabic exporters and the public at large, and it isregistered in the Khartoum Stock Exchange (see Annex 6).
(f) Free zones
See free economic zones below.
(g) Free economic zones
In September 1993, the President of the Republic declared the incorporation of a new share
holding company to pioneer Sudan's first attempt to establish free zones.  The Free Zones Actstipulates that:
(i) no property, assets or funds shall  be nationalised, confiscated, or put under legal supervision
except by a judicial order;
(ii) an investor has the right to repatriate his capital and profits in whole or part at any stage,
provided that all his obligations are duly met.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 26
Up to now there is no operating free zone in th e Sudan but there are two designated areas, one
is the Red Sea Free Zone between Port Sudan and Suwakin, and the other is ElGeili Free Zone,
40 kilometres north of Khartoum.
(h) Trade-related environmental policies
The Government of the Sudan has established certain mandatory environmental standards.
Each of such standards has been established in order to protect the environment and safeguard against
any expected hazards.  In particular, the Environmental Health Act of 1995 which regulates the
location of factories and the disposition of industri al waste, and the Public Health Act of 1995 which
regulates the level of health care to be made available for the employees, and the High Council for
Environment and Natural Resources Act of 1991 which co-ordinates all environmental policieswhether trade related or otherwise.
(i) Mixing regulations
The  Sudan has no mixing regulations.
(j) Government-mandated counter-trade and barter
The  Sudan has no counter-trade except in border trade.
(k) Trade agreements leading to country-specific quotas allocation
There are no country-specific quota allocations.
(l) Government procurement practices, including general legal regime and procedures for
tendering, dealing with tenders and award of contracts
The Financial and Accountancy Procedure Act 1978 and the Regulations issued thereunder
regulate government procurement.  In the procurement process all legal entities offering to contract
with the Government are treated in accordance with the Act.
(m) Regulation of trade in transit
Goods in transit receive duty free treatment but prohibited imported goods are prohibited in
transit.  A deposit equal to customs duty in addition to 25 per cent of the customs value is to be
deposited or guaranteed at the place of entry and will be refunded after the exit of goods from the
country.
4. Polices Affecting Foreign Trade in Agricultural Products
The land suitable for cultivation is estimated at 84 million hectares, out of which only
14.7 million hectares are under cultivation.  More than 60 per cent of the Sudan foreign exchangereceipts come from agriculture, basically in the fo rm of commodities and raw materials.  Growth in
the real GDP stagnated from the late 1970s until the beginning of the 1990s largely as a result of
under utilisation of the productive resources in agriculture.  In the 1990s, however, the economy
growth rate picked up rapidly achieving an annual average growth rate of 8 per cent during 1989/90 -
1994/95.
About 65 per cent of the agricultural output is produced by the crop-sub-sector.  The main
crops are sorghum, cotton, wheat, ground nuts, sesame, and gum arabic.  The Sudan is one of theWT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 27
world's largest producers of extra-long staple cotton and gum arabic.  The livestock sector is growing
in importance, it accounts for 35 per cent of the agricultural GDP.
In 1992 the Government adopted the ten year Comprehensive National Strategy (1992-2002).
It assigned agriculture a leading role as the dr iving force for economic growth.  Reforms in this
connection resulted in the liquidation and privatisation of the agricultural production corporations.
(a) Imports
Agricultural imports are extremely low in the Sudan.  Wheat, rice, lentils, tea and coffee are
the major agricultural crops imports, which together account for less than 10 per cent of the total
import value.  Wheat is the single largest food import.
Other imported agricultural products like fresh vegetables, and meat have a 20 per cent tariff
and canned vegetables have 50 per cent tariff.  The livestock requirements which are usually imported
from abroad are the following:
(i) medicines, equipment and veterinary supplies;
(ii) super concentrates;
(iii) fertilised eggs, parent stock and exotic breeds characterised with high yielding efficiency.
(b) Exports
Agricultural exports accounted for about 60 per cent of the total merchandise export for the
period 1990-1994.  Sudan's exports can broadly be classified in two categories: raw materials and
food.  The major raw materials exports (55 per cent) include cotton, gum arabic, hides and skins,
while the major food products include oilseeds, ground nuts, sesame, livestock, meat and sorghum.The single most important export commodity is cotton which accounts for almost 40 per cent of
export earnings.  Over the period 1970-1994 Sudan's exports showed a drastic change in their
commodity composition.  The most noticeable feature is the persistent fall in the share of cotton.  In
spite of this, cotton maintains the leading position in exports for the entire period.  Ground nut exports
have historically been a significant source of foreign exchange but declined substantially since 1980.
Exports of livestock have been increasing during 1990-1994.  Livestock exports accounts for
45 per cent of the total agricultural exports.  They include live animals, skins, hides, fisheries and
aquarium.  The share of other export commodities witness high fluctuations.
As for types of border protection for both imports and exports of agricultural commodities,
tariff equivalent are obtained by calculating the deviation of the average whole sale price from borderequivalent price.  Border prices are measured at both the official and market exchange rate.  Tariff
equivalent, therefore, measures the effect of all tariff and non-tariff measures that bring a wedge
between border and producer prices.  Tariff on agricultural imports are consistently higher than
agricultural exports.  The period from 1992 to 1995 witnessed a fall in both tariffs.
The aggregate measures of support (AMS)
Is divided into two types:  product-specific support and non-product-specific support
measures.
Support measures
The support is in favour of the producers of the basic agricultural products while non-product-
specific support measures support is in favour of the producers in general.  Estimates of product-
specific support show that the major agricultural crops (apart from wheat) were consistently taxed.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 28
Non-product-specific support shows that producers benefit from subsidies on imported inputs and on
the use of domestic resources.  The most important subsidies were those on petroleum products
(gasoline and diesel oil).  Other subsidies on improved seeds and irrigation played a modest role.
Generally speaking, the policy mostly responsible for transferring resources from producers is the
foreign exchange policy.  Over valuation of the Sudanese Dinar resulted in taxes to producers.
(c) Export prohibitions and restrictions
There is no prohibition for agricultural exports with the exception of sorghum in the years of
short supply due to food security considerations.  The restrictions imposed on livestock exports are
prohibition of export of raw skins and hides which have not passed an initial stage of treatment and
restriction of exports of female livestock.
(d) Export credits, export credit gu arantees or insurance programmes
The credit policy issued annually by the Central Bank gives priority to agriculture and export
sectors.
(e) Internal policies
There is no systematic production plan for products cultivated in rainfed traditional areas.
These crops depend on the first year prices and the rainy season.  In the rainfed mechanised sub-sectorproduction plan of sorghum, sesame and other oil crops depend on the credit availability as well as
agricultural inputs such as gasoline.
The irrigation sub-sector has a defined production plan for each season.  The boards of
directors of Gezira, New Halfa a nd Rahad schemes comprise farmers and government representatives.
The production plan specifies the size of the areas to be cultivated and the crop to be grown in each
area.
5. Policies Affecting Foreign Trade in Other Sectors
(a) Textiles regime
Investment in this sub-sector is estimated at 1.5 billion US Dollars.  There are about
150 factories including small ready-made clothes enterprises in this sector.  Out of these, five factories
produce more than 30 per cent of the total out-put.  However, all of these are producing under the
designed capacity.  Most of the production in this area is Damoria and Dablaan for local consumption.
Cotton yarn and grey sheeting is also produced and part of that  is exported.  The rate of duty on
textile, textile articles, carpets and other textile floor covering is 75 per cent.  Exports of cotton yarnare exempted from export duty.
(b) Policies affecting foreign trade in other major sectors
There are no policies affecting foreign trade in other major sectors.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 29
V. TRADE-RELATED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY REGIME
1. General
(a) Intellectual property policy
Sudan is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and supports its
objectives, including the protection of intellectual property rights.  The Government recognises the
importance of amending the laws pertaining to in tellectual property, like Copyright and Neighbouring
Rights Protection Act 1996, taking into consideration, the international property conventions, and
conditions for entry into the WTO.
(b) Responsible agencies for policy formulation and implementation
The following are the agencies responsible for policy formulation and implementation:
- the National Assembly;
- the Council of Ministers;
- the Ministry of Justice;- the Courts of Law;
- the Ministry of Culture and Information.
The Ministry of Justice, the Commercial Registrar General is the agency entrusted with the
duty to protect industrial property namely:  patents, trade marks, industrial design, and businessnames.  The Ministry of Culture and Information is the agency entrusted with the duty to protect
Copyright and Neighbouring rights.
(c) Membership of international intellectual property conventions and of regional or
bilateral agreements
Sudan is a member of the following:
- the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual  Property Organisation (WIPO);
- the Patent Co-operation Treaty (PCT);
- Madrid Agreement of Registration of marks;
- the Paris Convention for the protection of industrial property.
Regional conventions
Sudan is a member of the Lusaka Agreement and is signatory to the Harare Protocol that
established the African Regional Industrial Property Organisation (ARIPO).  Sudan is also signatoryto the Banjul Protocol for the protection of marks.
(d) Application of national and MFN treatment to foreign nationals
Regarding the protection of industrial property the current industrial property laws provide
foreigners the same treatment provided to Sudanese nationals (no discrimination).
The current Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act 1996 provides protection for:  (a) works
published or reproduced for the first time in Sudan for Sudanese as well as for foreign authors;
(b) unpublished works of Sudanese authors or aliens domiciled in Sudan;  (c) works of Sudaneseauthors, which are published for the first time in  a foreign country which the Director of the
Department of Culture may by order after consultation with the work registrar extend the protection
prescribed by this Act to such works of foreign authors which are published in a foreign country onWT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 30
the basis of reciprocity.  Trade Marks Law 1969 section 14(3) stipulated that in case of non-resident,
application for registration, opposition to registration, or any other correspondence shall be made
through a local agent.
(e) Fees and taxes
Fees for patenting inventions:
Dinars
On application for a patent under section 16 of the Patent Act 1971 5
On application for obtaining a copy of the registered patent and any pertinent
information under section 20(2) of the Act1.5
Annual fee for a patent under section 25(1) of the Act 2.5
Additional fee under section 25(2) of the Act 1
For registration of assignment or transfer of a patent application by
succession under section 26(3) of Act1.5
On application for registration of a licence contract under section 28(3) of the
Act1.2
On correction of a written error in a patent application description of the
invention, patent document or any information on the patent register under
Rule 15 of the Regulations5
On application for a licence to act as a patent agent under Rule 13(1) of the
Regulations5
On annual renewal of licence under Rule 13(2) of the Regulations 2.5
On issuance of a patent application certificate under Rule 14 of the
Regulations1.2
On issuance of letters patent under section 19(1) of the Act 1.1
Ten thousand pounds for patent publication in the Official Gazette.
Fees:  According to section 29(1) of the Trade Marks Act 1969 the Minister of Justice has the
authority to determine the fees acco rding to the provision of the Act.
Dinars
On application for registration under section 9 and 22 and Rule 27 100
On issue of an advertisement in Gazette 1,000
For registration of trade or service mark under section 22 and Rule 27 100
On application for assignment under section 21(2) and Rule 32 in respect of
each mark in any one class10,000
On making a search under Rule 42 1,000
On alteration of address or the register upon the change of name of a
registered proprietor under Rule 37500
On inspection of register under Rule 44 or document lodged in connection
with the registration of trade or service mark or under section 22 and Rule 27100
On renewal of registration at the expiration of 10 years (section 19(1) of the
Act)6,000
Additional fee on application to renew registration after notice of proposed
removal of the mark has been given under Rule 33(2)(a)500
On issue of a notice of renewal in the Gazette under Rule 33(2)(a) 1,000
On publication of any order of the court in the Gazette under Rule 46 1,000WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 31
For copies or extracts for every 100 words or part thereof 100
For certified copies or extracts 100
2. Substantive Standards of Protection, Including Procedures for the Acquisition and
Maintenance of Intellectual Property Rights
(a) Copyright and related rights, including rights of performers, procedures of phonograms
and broadcasting organisations
The Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act 1996 governs the protection of copy right in
Sudan.  The Ministry of Culture and Information is the agency responsible for the protection of
copyright and neighbouring rights.  Section 5 of th e law defines the works to be protected including
written works, works of fine arts, motion picture and other audio-visual works.  Song and musical
works, computer programs and any other works k nown and unknown.  It includes also translation,
abridgement, explanation and commentary, etc.  In case of registration of copyright (optional) it mustbe in the prescribed form including the name of th e applicant and his address, if the applicant is out
side Sudan, the name of his agent in Sudan, a copy of the work, the date of its publication, etc.
The protection of the economic rights of the author will continue for the duration of his life
and for 50 years after his death according to section 13(2).  The protection of his moral right isperpetual section 13(1).
According to section 13(3) the protection period of copy right will be 25 years from the date
of publishing, regarding sound and audio-visual works, photographs and cinema films as well as
works which are published without mentioning the name of the author;  calculation of the period inthis case will start from the date of the first publication of the work.  Works that have been published
for the first publication of the work.  Works that have been published for the first time after the death
of the author if the work consists of many parts or volumes it will be published separately or in
paragraph, etc.
The Law gives the author moral right as stated in section 8(a) of the law and economics rights
stated in section 8(b).  The Law gives the author th e right to transfer his work to any person and such
transfer will be in writing and signed by the author or his agent and registered at the office of the
Registrar section 15(2) of Act.  The Law is being revised and amended to comply with copyright
protection in TRIPS.  So rights of performe rs, procedures of phonograms and broadcasting
organisations are protected under the Act.
(b) Trademarks, including service marks
In 1969 a new Trademark Law based on the model law of developing countries came into
force. According to section 9, application for registration of a mark shall be made to the Registrar in
the prescribed form and upon payment of the fees.  The form shall contain name and the address ofthe applicant and if the applicant is outside the country his application must be filed through an agent.
If the application is not completed within three months from its filing, the Registrar may after giving
notice of the non completion to the applicant in writing in the prescribed manner, consider the
application abandoned unless it is completed within the time specified in such notice.  The trademarks
when accepted are published in the official gazette.  A period of six and eight months is allowed foropposition from the date of such publication in the gazette (6 months for resident and 8 months for
non-resident).  Correspondences or communication for non-resident application shall be made through
an agent.  The period of duration of the registration of trademark shall be 10 years from the date of
registration and subject to renewal at any time within six months before expiry.  The registration of
the mark shall confer to the owner exclusive rights  to preclude other persons from using his work,WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 32
section 20.  Cancellation of the registration of trademark shall be ordered by the court on the request
of any interested party or the Registrar, section 24.  The competent court under this act is the Province
Court.  In case of opposition the Registrar may h ear both parties and after considering the evidence
decide whether and subject to that conditions and amendment, modification or limitation if any the
registration is to be permitted. The decision of Registrar is subject to appeal to the court section 18(6).
Marks similar to existing marks or which are against morality or public interest may not be
registered section 8.
(c) Geographical indications, including appellations of origin
No present legislation is available.
(d) Industrial designs
Industrial Design Act 1974.  Designs are protected under this act through registration
according to section 7(1).  The design shall be new and it should not violate the public order ormorality.  The laws impose formalities for registration of the design section 15.  Right of priority
section 16.  The office can examine the application and it will refuse the registration of the design if it
does not comply with certain condition's section 18(1-2), upon registration the design will be
published in the Gazette. A design registration is valid for five years starting as from the date of filling
the application. Registration can be renewed for two similar periods of five years each section 23-24;any infringement or unauthorised use of registered industrial design is punishable under this Act.  The
owner of industrial design has civil remedies section 38 and criminal remedies under section 39.
(e) Patents
The Sudan Patent Law is to some extent new, it goes back to 1971.  The law is based on
formal examination system.  Application for registration of patent could be submitted by nationals and
foreigners as well as through agents section 12.  Right of priority is stated in section 15 of the Act.
The patent when granted is published in the Gazette.  The patent is granted for a maximum period of
twenty years.  In the event that the owner of a patented invention in Sudan does not satisfy the
stipulated working requirements of the country within  four years as from the date of the filling of an
application for a patent or three years as from the date of the granting a patent then the patent will besubject to compulsory licence, and it may be granted on the grounds mentioned in section 34, even
before the expiry of the period mentioned above for products and process declared to be of vital
importance for defence, national economy and public health by order of Minister of Justice section 35.
According to section 44 any application for com pulsory licence shall be made to the court.
(f) Plant variety protection
No present legislation available.
(g) Layout designs of integrated circuits
No present legislation available.
(h) Requirements on undisclosed information, including trade secrets and test data
Part II (Technical Know-how) of the Patents Act, 1971, including section 53 (Conditions of
Protection of Technical Know-how) and section 54 (U nlawful Acts) section 53(2) stipulates that the
processes and knowledge will be protected if these processes and knowledge have not been published
or made available to the public, section 54 provides that any use, disclosure or communication,
without the consent of the owner, of the processes and knowledge referred to in section 53(2) by anyWT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 33
person who is aware of their secret character, or who could not fail to be aware of such character,
shall be deemed to be unlawful, and section 49 and 50 shall be applicable regarding those unlawful
acts.
(i) Any other categories of intellectual property
No other categories than those mentioned above.
3. Measures to Control Abuse of Intellectual Property Rights
(a) Trademarks
The Trademark Law 1969 includes regulations to control abuse of trademark rights at
different stages during the process of trade mark application of which we mention the following:
(i) before acceptance of the trademark application, the law includes a list of marks which are not
capable of registration section 8, for example if the mark is against the public order or
morality;
(ii) upon publication of the mark in the official Gazette, the law includes regulations in section 18
which allow any interested person to file an opposition action against the registration of a
trade mark published in the official Gazette, for example, if the mark was not entitled to
registration under the provisions of this Act or if the owner has failed to use it for fiveconsecutive years unless he has lawful excuse;
(iii) beyond the registration of a trade mark; the law includes regulations in section 24 which
allow any interested person or the registrar to apply to the court to bring a cancellation action
against the registration of a mark, example, if the mark has been obtained by fraud.
(b) Patents
The Patents Act 1971 includes regulations to control abuse of patent rights:
(i) before acceptance of the patent application, the law includes regulations which allow the
Registrar to refuse a patent application or require some amendments in specificationssection 17 of the Act;
(ii) beyond the registration of a patent, the law include regulations in section 47 which allow any
person to bring an action to the court to declare the patent null and void.
(c) Copyright and neighbouring rights
The Copyright and Neighbouring Right Act 1996 includes regulations in chapter 7 to control
abuse of copyright and neighbouring rights, section 34, 35, 36, 37 and 38, include civil and criminal
remedies.
(d) Design
The Industrial Design Act 1974 includes regulations to control abuse of design rights at
different stages during the process of the design application:
(i) before acceptance of design application; the law includes regulations which allow the office
of the industrial design to refuse registration of industrial design on certain grounds
section 18;WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 34
(ii) beyond the registration of design; the law includes regulations in Act 36 which allow any
person who has legal interest or any competent authority to file a cancellation act against the
registration of a design.
4. Enforcement
(a) Civil judicial procedures and remedies
The legal system of Sudan is relating to evidence injunction.  Damages and other remedies,
including provisional measures, are dealt with under the general law of civil procedure for all civil
wrongs.  Civil Procedure Act 1983.
Section 38 of the Industrial Design Act 1974, allows the registered owner of an industrial
design, whose rights under section 26 are threatened with infringement or stop its continuation, may
apply for damages or any civil remedy.  The Sudanese Copyright and Neighbouring Right Protection
Act 1996 provides that the copyright owner can instit ute an action for damages by reason of copyright
infringement, such action shall be instituted in the district court or on application of the copyrightowner or his agent (section 38).
Section 49 of the Patents Act (civil sanctions) provides (by way of an injunction) to prevent
infringement or to prohibit its continuation; it further provides for damages and the application of any
other sanctions provided for in the civil law; such as seizure and destruction of the infringementproducts or machinery used for the making of such products.
Criminal procedures
Section 27 of the Trademarks Act "offences and infringements" provides for criminal
procedure and penalties wilful trade mark for counterfeiting. A person shall be guilty of an offence
against this act and shall be punishable upon conviction with imprisonment for a period not exceeding
one year or with a fine, the court may order that all goods, wrapping, packing and advertising or other
material in respect of which the offence is committed be confiscated and destroyed.
Regarding Patents Act, section 50 (penal sanctions) provides that any intentional infringement
of the right of the registered owner of a patent constitutes an offence, punishable by a fine or byimprisonment, or both, the maximums of which shall be doubled if there is recidivism.  The court
competent under this Act is the Province Court.
The Sudanese Copyright and Neighbouring Right Protection Act 1996 provides that the
infringement of copyright is deemed to be an offence punishable with fine, it further provides that thecourt may in addition to fine order the confiscation or destruction of all copies of such work, if it is of
the opinion that such copies were the result of copyright infringement (section 36).
Section 39 of Industrial Design Act 1974 (penal sanctions) provides that any intentional
infringement of the right of a registered owner of industrial design constitutes an offence punishableby fine or by imprisonment or both and shall be doubled if there is recidivism.
(b) Provisional measures
No other measures available than those mentioned in Civil Procedure Act 1983.
(c) Any administrative procedures and remedies
No administrative procedures are available now.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 35
(d) Any special border measures
No present legislation is available.
(e) Criminal procedures
No criminal procedures available than those mentioned above.
5. Laws, Decrees, Regulations and Other Legal Acts Relating to the Above
(i) the Patents Regulations 1981;
(ii) the Trademark Regulation 1969;
(iii) the Copyright Regulation 1974;
(iv) Civil Procedures Act 1983;
(v) the Business Name Ordinance 1931;
(vi) Judicial Precedents.
6. Statistical Data on Application for and Grants of Intellectual Property Rights, as well as
Any Statistical Data on their Enforcement
Patent registered from 1994 until August 1997.
Local patents 66
PCT 83
Trademarks registered until 1997:
Local trademarks 4,000
Foreign trademarks 10,947
VI. TRADE RELATED SERVICES REGIME
1. General
The share of the services in the GDP for the year 1996 was about 7 per cent.  The services
sector provided employment for approximately 40 per cent of the labour force.  The main sub-sectors
are:  financial services, producer services, communications, transport and construction and insurance.
2. Policies Affecting Trade in Services
(a) Government departments, agencies, professional associations or other bodies with
authority or a role relevant to the conduct of service activities
Sudan regulations of public sector are imposed equally on both foreign and domestic
suppliers with very few exceptions e.g. holding of land, supplying of maritime services, etc.,
therefore, foreign suppliers generally enjoy national treatment.
Supply of most services is subject to licensing or certification for both domestic and foreign
suppliers.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 36
The different laws regulating all types of services, contain provisions related to licences
issuing.
Education and scientific research
- General education
The Federal Ministry of Education is responsible for technical issues concerning, planning
and co-ordination, training, curricula and educational research, secondary school certificate
examinations, the technical foreign aid and cultural relations.
Other issues are the responsibility of the State Ministries of General Education.  These are
mainly dissemination and direction of general education, literacy and functional education and
supervision of private general education, etc.
The main laws regulating the sector are:
- the 1998 Constitution;
- the Presidential Decree No. 49, 1995;
- the General Education Organisation Act 1992.
According to the General Education Organisation Act, 1992.  The establishment of a private
school is the right of nationals only; the only exception is the resident foreign communities which
could establish their schools with curricula including the basics of Arabic language, the history and
geography of the Sudan.  These must be according to the curricula set by the Federal General
Education Authority.
The following table shows the basic statistics of general education for scholastic year
1995/96.
Basic Statistics for General Education
1995 - 1996
Table VI-1
Number of
Level Schools Pupils Teachers
Pre-education 7,541 343,767 8,897
Basic education 10,680 2,951,282 85,262
Special education 10 771 158
Vocational training institutes 43 3,713 591
Academic secondary education 1,217 439,807 10,569
Technical secondary education 87 24,424 1,334
 Religious institutes 57 5,010 213
Total 19,635 3,768,774 117,024
- Higher education
Higher education in the Sudan has witnessed a great change in recent years.  It comprises
27 government universities, and 17 private institutions (including two universities).  There is also a
joint university established by the Sudan Government and some other countries.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 37
Higher education and scientific research is planned for and supervised by the Ministry of
Higher Education and Scientific Research, throug h the National Council for Higher Education and
Scientific Research and its sub-committees.  One of these committees is the Private and Foreign
Higher Education Committee.
The table below shows some statistical information for three years:
Table VI-2
Institutions 1992/93 1993/94 1994/95
The number of institutions 28 27* 38
The number of students 85,025 116,204 120,090
* One technological college was merged with a university.
The main scientific and higher education regulation acts are:
- the Higher Education and Scientific Re search Organisation Act 1990 (Amended 1995);
- the National Centre for Research Act 1991;
- the Private and Foreign Higher Education Committee Statute 1992.
In addition every university is governed by its own act while every other institution is
governed by a warrant of establishment.
Higher education services can be conducted by nationals, foreigners or foreign organisations
by approval of the Ministry of Higher Educati on and Scientific Research through the Private and
Foreign Higher Education Committee.
The qualifications necessary for approving any institution are:
- it must have the following bodies:
- a board of trustees, (a list of its membership is necessary),
- a council responsible for administrative and financial affairs, (a list of its membership
is necessary),
- an academic board responsible for academic affairs, (a list of its membership is
necessary);
- an experienced Principal (for college) or a Vice-Chancellor (for university) with academic
qualifications must be appointed;
- a description of the number and qualifications of its teaching staff, 50 per cent of whom must
be full-time employees of the institution;
- submitting the proposed curricula;
- a financial statement;- literature of teaching methodology;- must have buildings suitable for higher education purpose;WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 38
- have necessary educational materials and teaching equipment as required by the state
education standards;
- admission must be controlled by the Higher Education Admission Committee in the Ministry
after submitting the proposed number of the candidates of the institution;
- tuition fees and the way of payments;- offering scholarships to the needy bright students with a ratio not less than 10 per cent of the
total admission of the institution.  Their selection is done by the Admission Committee in the
Ministry;
- the institution must be established as a college or institute;
- the medium of instruction is Arabic language (Council of Ministers Resolution No. 419-
1990).
The Sudan signed many bilateral cultural agreements (some of these are part of the economic
co-operation agreements).  In addition Sudan has multilateral agreements e.g. International
Association of Universities, the African Association of Universities, the Arab Association of
Universities, the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils, etc.
- Scientific research
Scientific research is a vital component in the objectives of the Ministry of Higher Education
and Scientific Research.  The Ministry is trying hard to make research an essential part in high
education institutes.  Beside research in the universities the National Centre for Research is an integralpart of the Ministry.  Scientific research concerned with the national development strategy is the main
objective of this centre.
Research in this centre is in progress in many fields especially environment and natural
resources, renewable energy, tropical medicine, traditional medicine and medicinal plants, remote
sensing, biotechnology together with economic and social studies.
The National Centre for Research has built good relations with International Research
Organisations and similar institutes and a number of joint research projects are now in progress.  The
Ministry has established scientific committees for co-ordination and policy making.
The health services in Sudan
The private health service providers, i.e. doctors, dentists, and pharmacists, obtain a licence
from the registrar of the Sudanese Medical Council appointed under the Sudanese Medical Council
Act of 1992.
The health services in Sudan are provided through:
- government hospitals, private hospitals, health centres and dispensaries, dressing stations and
Primary Health Care (PHC);
- health and medical services are regulated by the Public Health Act of 1995;WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 39
Table VI –3
1994 1995
Number of physicians and all specialists 609 "
Number of medical support personnel 41,328 "
Number of health care establishments 253 "
Number of hospital beds 22,444 "
Number of health care establishments offering out-patient
polyclinic services22,444 "
- health services  are regulated by Public Health Act 1975;
- a person who has gone through the appropriate medical training and education, and received a
diploma upon graduation, or in the case of a specialist a corresponding certificate after
graduation; has the right to obtain a licence authorising him or her to offer health careservices for pay to the public.  A person who has acquired a medical education and diploma in
a foreign country also has such right, provided that the diploma is of a status equal to
diplomas of medical education establishment in Sudan.
Transportation services
- General
Sudan is served by four major modes of transportation:  road, rail, river and air.  These modes
are combined together to provide an extensive transportation infrastructure for an area of about2.5 million square miles.
There are 4,569 kilometres of rail track of 2.6" gauge single track rail.  It consists of
787 kilometres main line connecting the port at Port Sudan with the capital Khartoum and five branch
lines serving the northern, western and southern regions.
- The road system in Sudan
Is extensive, comprising 19,000 kilometres, however, only about 2,800 kilometres are paved
and about 2,300 kilometres under construction, 1,600 kilometres are gravel surfaced the rest are onlypartly, all weather earth tracks.
The length of paved and gravel roads per square kilometres of land area is considered very
low in comparison to similar indicators in many other developing countries.
- River transport network
Is composed of two links:  one link connecting Kosti in the North with Juba in the South with
a length of 1,436 kilometres;  the other links connect Karima - Dongola in the North with a length of
287 kilometres.  Both links are navigable.
Sudan has approximately 750 kilometres of coast served with one deep sea port (Port Sudan)
and two medium ports (Suakin and Oseif).  However, the country is dependent mainly on Port Sudan
as a main port in its foreign trade.  Recently Sudan has developed a new oil exporting port.
Sudan owns one national shipping company Sudan Shipping Line, its share in country foreign
trade is about 20 per cent.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 40
In air services, there are external and internal air services, the national carrier is (Sudan
Airways) and there are other small private and public air companies that provide domestic air
services.
Road transportation is provided by road trucking, and road passenger buses, mostly private
companies.  Their shares account for nearly 80 per cent of cargo transportation and 90 per cent of all
passengers turnover.
All major modes of transportation, rail, river, marine are run by State- owned corporations and
public companies.  These enterprises are not yet subject to privatisation, also some transformed to
public companies i.e. Roads and Bridges Corporation.
The basic laws governing the provision of transportation services are laws and acts of public
enterprises operating these services.
All persons and legal entities offering transportation services to the public must be licensed
by these public enterprises according to the laws governing them or by other regulatory bodies i.e.maritime administration directorate in the case of marine services or inland water navigation
administration in the case of river transport services, or road administration in the case of road
transportation provider.  All are departments within the Ministry of Transport.
For all motor vehicles transportation services for goods or passengers a licence is required.All vehicles must be registered and licensed as commercial vehicles, licences must be
renewed on yearly basis and vehicles must comply with safety and technical regulations issued by
concerned authorities and by traffic police administration (a department within Ministry of Interior
Affairs).
- Air transportation
Air transportation services are organised by Civil Aviation Authority which is authorised to
issue an aviation licence in accordance with the Ci vil Aviation Act 1960 and international agreements.
The Civil Aviation Authority is a department of the Ministry of Aviation.
In general there are no restrictions on foreign participation in or ownership of transportation
services.
Telecommunications services
In the telecommunication services market, telephone services were wholly provided by the
State-owned Telecommunication Public Corporatio n (STPC).  By 1996 STPC was privatised and
SUDATEL has become the sole provider of fixed telecommunication network in Sudan.  Other firms
desiring to offer telecommunication services utilis ing the network must enter into an agreement with
SUDATEL.SUDATEL is a joint venture between the government and the private sector (both local and foreign).
SUDATEL has available capacities, subscriber lines in 1996 120,000 compared with 69,000
in 1993, international traffic per year 1996 I/C 30 352 081 O/G 12 287 674.
The Ministry of Roads and Communications is generally responsible for administering the
regulations affecting telecommunication.  A National Telecommunication Committee (NTC) in
charge of regulatory function was recently established.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 41
The governing law, at present is the Telecommunication Act 1974 (amended 1978). This act
is under revision to incorporate changes in telecommunication  environment in Sudan.
The postal service is organised by the Law of Posts and Telegram Public Corporation 1990.
State-owned postal telegram services provider is the Post and Telegram Public Corporation
which provides such services through 295 offices and 116 agencies scattered all over the country; as
for international postal and telegram services they are provided according to regional and international
agreements.  DHL, and electronic mail services are open for both domestic and foreign operators
licensed to provide service on commercial basis.
According to Ministerial Decree No. 14 for 1997, private companies must obtain a licence
from the technical committee in order to provide DHL services.
Banking services
The Bank of Sudan supervise and control the banking financial system.  Licences to the banks
and non-bank dealers of  this kind are granted in accordance with the Bank of Sudan Law (1959), the
Banking Regulation Act (1991), the foreign regulation, and the Foreign Exchange Dealers Act.  The
number of commercial banks in the Sudan is 29, comprising two public sector commercial banks;
three specialised banks (agricultural, real estate and saving and social development), three branches of
foreign commercial banks and twenty private sector commercial banks of which one is owned by theLabour Trade Union, one by the Farmers' Trade Union, and one by the Co-operative Union.  Some of
these banks, are registered in Khartoum Stock Exchange.  All these banks own about 700 branches all
over the country.  New national commercial banks mu st be registered as public share companies. State
banks minimum capital is 100 million Sudanese Dina r, investment banks 200 million Sudanese Dinar
and commercial banks 250 million Sudanese Dinar.  Foreign investors must pay in foreign convertiblecurrency and the minimum capital for each branch is 10 million US Dollars.  The banking system
deals on Islamic finance principles, such as murabaha, musharaka, mudaraba  or any other Islamic
mode of finance, i.e. the system prevents the using of rate of interest as a mode of lending or a
monetary policy.
Insurance
The Insurance Corporation Business (supervision on and control) in the Ministry of Finance
and Economy is the responsible agency for licensing and supervision and control of companies
dealing in insurance activities in accordance with the Insurance Business and Control Act 1992.  The
number of companies registered is 17.  Sudan's insurance policy is derived from the Islamic co-
operative insurance system where the insurers are sh aring in the benefits gained from the activities
they participated in. Takaful  is the Islamic insurance system equivalent to life insurance.
Government ministries and departments must insure at Sheakan Insurance Company Limited.
All companies must give 50 per cent of th eir reinsurance to Sudan Reinsurance Co.,
5 per cent to the African Insurance Corporation and 10 per cent to the ZEP the Reinsurance Company
of the COMESA.
Securities
The Khartoum Stock Exchange Law was enacted in 1994.  Up to now 40 public share
companies are registered.  Foreigners are permitted to  subscribe in the securities issued in the primary
market and sell and buy in the secondary market.  The Minister of Finance and National Economy has
the right to determine the percentage of foreigner's share in the capital of the Sudanese public
companies.  However, this right has not been exercised yet.  Currently, an amended bill to furtherWT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 42
meet the policy of liberalisation is under consideration enlarging the scope of investment in the
securities for foreign investors.  In addition to their right to subscribe in the capital of Sudanese public
companies, the amendments permit Arab and foreig n companies to issue securities in the primary
market with consent of the Minister of Finance and National Economy, and to deal with these
securities in the secondary market.  Also it proposes the establishment of an independent centre fordeposits and clearance of securities to be in contact directly with similar Arab centres.  Lastly, the
amended bill includes a whole chapter on transparency of information in accordance with the
principle of transparency of laws.
Auditors and legal accountants must have Sudanese auditing and legal accounting certificate.
Those who have other certificates from recognised institutions must sit for qualifying exams in
Islamic inheritance, Law- Zakat  and financial system.
Legal practitioners must hold a legal degree from a Sudanese University or its equivalent and
must pass the bar examination and register themselves under Advocates Act.
The following table VI-4 sets the services and the responsible authority:
Table VI-4
Type of Activity Requiring Licence Responsible Licensing Authority
Legal services Ministry of Justice and Private Lawyers
Telecommunications Ministry of Roads and Communications
Motion picture and video-tape and distribution
servicesMinistry of Culture and Information
Radio, television services and transmission services,
sound recordingMinistry of Roads and Communications
Whole sale services and retailing services State Ministries of Finance and Economic
Development
Primary, secondary education services State Ministries of Education
Higher education and scientific resear ch Ministry of Higher Education and
Scientific Research
Sewerage services State Ministries of Engineering Affairs
Refuse disposal services Local Councils
Sanitation and similar services Local Councils
Insurance and reinsurance related services Ministry of Finance and National
Economy
Banking and financial services Ministry of Finance and Bank of Sudan
Hospital services and other human health services Federal Ministry of Health and State
Ministries of Health
Hospitals and restaurant services Ministry of Environment and Tourism and
the State Authorities
Hunting activities Ministry of Interior
Private detective and guard activities Ministry of Interior
Postal and courier services Ministry of Roads and Communications
Telecommunications services Ministry of Roads and Communications
Travel agencies, travel operator services and
tourism servicesMinistry of Environment and Tourism and
the State Authorities
Entertainment services Ministry of Culture and Information and
the State Authorities
News agency services Ministry of Culture and InformationWT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 43
Type of Activity Requiring Licence Responsible Licensing Authority
Librarian archives and museums and other
recreation servicesFederal Ministry of Social Planning and
State Ministries of Cultural and SocialAffairs.
Internal waterway transport services Ministry of Transport
Air transport services Ministry of Aviation
Rail transport services Ministry of Transport
Roads transport services Ministry of Communication and State
Ministries of Engineering Affairs
Pipeline (transportation of fuels) Ministry of Energy Mining
Searching for, exploring and exploiting mineraldepositsMinistry of Energy Mining
Construction of dams Ministry of Irrigation, Ministry of Energy
Table VI-5 sets the State bodies and professional associations and councils having authority
related to services:
Table VI-5
Type of Activity Bodies with Authority
Civil aviation services Civil Aviation Authority
Auditing services Auditors and Accountants Council
Legal services The Bar Association
Medical and dental services The Medical Council
Architectural and construction services The Engineering Council
Pharmaceutical services Pharmaceutical Council
Engineering services Engineering Council
Printing and issuing of newspaper and magazines The National Council for News
Paper and Publications
(b) Judicial, arbitral or administrative tribunals or procedures providing for the review of,
or remedies in relation to, administrative decisions affecting trade in services
The review of administrative decisions affecting trade in services is done by administrative
courts like the review of all other administrative decisions.  Those courts have the power to award
proper remedies.
(c) Provisions, including those in intern ational agreements, concerning qualification
requirements and procedures, technical standards and licensing and/or registration
requirements for the supply of services
The provision of different services, in particular medical, legal consultancy or engineering
services, is governed by special laws and regulations.  The international agreements governing some
of those services supplement such legal regime whenever the Sudan is party to such agreements.
(d) Provisions governing the existence and opera tion of monopolies or exclusive service
suppliers
The Government is the exclusive services supplier of radio and television services
transmission, railways and the other public utilities services such as water and electricity.  However,WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 44
telecommunication services are monopolised by a public share company (Sudatel) owned by the
government, public shareholders and nationals and foreigners.
Table VI-6 sets the list of services monopolies:
Table VI-6
Type of Services Name of the Monopoly
Electric power generation and distribution The National Corporation for Electric  Power
Railway transportation Sudan Railways Corporation
Telecommunication services Sudatel Company Ltd.
Tap water services Urban Water Corporation
Radio services Central Government Radio National
Corporation and States
Television services Central Television National Corporation and
States
(e) Provisions relating to safeguard measures as they apply to trade in services
Sudan does not at present have any safeguard measures that apply to trade in services.
(f) Provisions relating to international tran sfers and payments for current transactions of
services
No restriction on international transfers and payments for current transaction of services (the
Organisation of the Foreign Exchange Transactions Regulation).
The Act and the Memorandum of Organisation of Foreign Exchange Dealing 1979 amended
1983, regulates the movement of foreign currency to and from abroad.
(g) Provisions relating to capital transactions affecting the supply of services
Sudan has no restrictions on capital transactions, receipts or payments, by foreign or resident
investors in trade services (Investment Encouragement Act, 1996).
(h) Provisions governing the procurement by government agencies of services
The government procurement is executed by the Tenders system in accordance with the
following procedures stated in  the Accountancy and Financial Procedures Regulation (1995):
- tender;
- general quotations;
- limited quotations;
- direct purchase;- direct offers.
(i) Provisions concerning any form of aid, grant, domestic subsidy, tax incentive or
promotion scheme affecting trade in services
There are no special aids, grants or subsidies that directly affect trade in services.  Tax
incentives are applied in accordance with the Investment Encouragement Act 1996, so as to encourage
investment in the different service sectors.  These incentives are:WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 45
- exemption from federal or local charges totally or partially;
- exemption from the business profit tax for a period not more than five years;
- exemption not more than 70 per cent from custom duties and excise duties;
- incentive price for a piece of land;
- the Minister may offer other preferential incentives in certain conditions e.g. investment in
less developed areas, investment which promot e Sudan exports, investment in mining sector,
etc.
3. Market Access and National Treatment
(a) Limitations on the number of service suppliers
There are no limitations on the number of foreign services suppliers.
(b) Limitations on the total value of services transactions or assets
There are no limitations on the total value services transactions or assets.
(c) Limitations on the total number of service op erations or on the total quantity of service
output
There are no limitations on the total number or service operations or the total quantity of
service out-put.
(d) Limitations on the total number of natural persons that may be employed in a
particular service sector
No limitation on the total number of foreigners employed in the different sectors in
accordance with the Labour Law of 1996.  Foreign workers are required to obtain work permits from
the Ministry of Manpower.
(e) Restrictions on, or requirements of specific type of legal entity through which a service
may be supplied
The legal entities through which a service may be provided are either companies registered
under the Companies Act of 1925, or partnerships registered under the Partnership Registration Act of
1933 or a legal entity created by an Act of Parliament.  Such entities could register their business
names under the Registration of Business Names Act of 1931.
(f) Limitations on the participation of foreign capital
No limitations on the participation of foreign capital in accordance with the Investment
Encouragement Act of 1996.
(g) Measures providing for less than the treatmen t accorded to national services or service
suppliers
In general, foreign companies and individuals are accorded the same treatment as nationals
except for the fact that they are not allowed to own free hold of land, except by decree from the
Cabinet.  However, land is available on lease basis for foreign investors according to the InvestmentEncouragement Act 1996.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 46
4. Most-Favoured-Nation Treatment
Sudan does not exercise any special favoured treatment for certain nations.
VII. INSTITUTIONAL BASE FOR TRADE AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS WITH
THIRD COUNTRIES
1. Bilateral or Plurilateral Agreements Relating to Foreign Trade in Goods and Trade in
Services
The Republic of the Sudan maintains bilateral economic, technical and trade agreements, with
Arab, African, Asian, European and neighbouring countries.  The majority of these agreements are of
a general nature.  The agreements with the neighbouring countries include provisions for facilitation
of border trade, combating illegal trade and harmonisation of custom documents.  Some agreementsinclude measures for promotion of bilateral trade as exchange of trade information, establishing joint
chambers of commerce, and participation in trade fairs (Annex 7).
2. Economic Integration, Customs Union and Free Trade Agreements
The Republic of the Sudan is a party to a number of economic integration agreements,
African and Arab.  The most significant are the Common Market for East and South Africa
(COMESA) where the member countries had agr eed to reduce the custom tariff for the COMESA
region by 80 per cent as a preference rate to encourage trade among the member States.
The COMESA member countries had already established a Trade and Development Bank, a
Reinsurance Co., and other institutions.
Sudan also is a member of the Arab League, the Arab Economic Unity Council, the
Agreements for Facilitation and Development of Trade among the Arab countries where the members
are working to establish an Arab Common Market and Free Trade Arab Area.
Sudan also is a party to the African Economic Community which aims to establish an African
Economic Community .
3. Labour Markets Integration Agreements
Sudan is not a member in any labour market integration agreement.
4. Multilateral Economic Co-operation, Me mbership in the Multilateral Economic
Organisations, Trade-Related Programmes of Other Multilateral Organisations
Sudan is a member of the following multilateral organisations:
- African Development Bank (ADB);
- African Economic Community;
- Arab Agreement for Trade Facilitation and Development;
- Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa;
- Arab Economic and Social Council;
- Arab Economic Unity Council;- Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development;
- Arab League;
- Arab Monetary Fund;
- Arab Organisation for Agricultural Development;WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 47
- Arab Organisation for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID);
- Arab Organisation for Industrial Development and Mining;
- Arab Organisation for Investment Guarantee and Export Credit;
- Association of African Trade Promotion Organisation;
- Common Market for East and South Africa;- Economic Commission for Africa (ECA);
- Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO);
- Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP);
- Inter Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD);
- International Atomic Energy Agency;
- International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD);
- International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO);- International Finance Corporation (IFC);
- International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD);
- International Monetary Fund (IMF);
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU);
- Islamic Centre for Trade Development;- Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment;
- Islamic Development Bank (IDB);
- Lomé Convention (ACP/EU);
- Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA);
- Office International Des Epizootics (OIE);- Organisation of Africa Unity (OAU);
- Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC);
- PRC referential Reinsurance Company;
- PTA DB referential Trade and Development Bank;
- PTLI referential Trade Leather Institute;- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNACTAD);
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP);
- United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP);
- United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO);
- Universal Postal Union (UPU);
- World Custom Organisation (WCO);
- World Food Programme (WFP);- World Health Programme (WHO);
- World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO);
- World Meteorological Organisation (WMO);
- World Tourism Organisation.WT/ACC/SDN/3
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ANNEX 1
STATISTICS AND PUBLICATIONS
1. Foreign Trade Statistics for Goods and Services:  responsible agencies- the Central Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Finance and National Economy;
- the Ministry of Finance and National Economy;
- the Central Bank of Sudan.
2. Publications Related to Statistics
(a) The Central Bureau of Statistics is issuing Annual Foreign Trade Statistics based on external
standards:
- Monthly Inflation Consumer Price Index CPI;
- National Income Accounts;
- Agricultural Statistics.
(b) The Central Bank of Sudan is issuing:
- the Quarter Economic Survey;
- the Quarter Foreign Trade Statistics;
- Annual Economic Survey;
- Annual Foreign Trade Digest;
- Annual Report.
(c) The Ministry of Finance and National Economy is issuing an Annual Economic Survey.
3. Statistical Data
(a) Main economic indicators
(i) GDP at Constant Prices 1981/1982
(million Sudanese Dinar)
Sector 1994 1995 1996
Agriculture 392.0 428.3 469.4
Industry and mining 72.9 66.6 77.2
Electricity and water 25.0 19.3 19.9
Construction 53.9 54.8 53.8
Government services 72.3 84.1 78.0
Other services 337.5 343.6 345.3
Gross Domestic Product (constant prices) 953.6 996.7 1,043.6
(ii) Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
GDP at Current Prices
(million Sudanese Dinars)
Sector 1994 1995 1996
Agriculture 97,357.0 177,641.7 459,467.5WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 49
Sector 1994 1995 1996
Industry and mining 18,105.4 27,623.0 75,566.5
Electricity and water 6,902.0 8,004.9 19,479.0
Construction 13,383.6 22,728.8 52,661.5
Government services 17,956.4 34,881.3 76,349.5
Other services 85,821.5 142,511.5 337,993.4
Gross Domestic Product (Current Prices) 236,833.0 413,391.2 1,021,517.4
(iii) GDP per capita in current prices
1994 1995 1996
GDP (SD) 6,506.0 9,988.0 33,359
(iv)(a) Budget
Financial Year 1994/95 July-Dec. 1995 1996
A. General self revenue 28,470.6 20,674.7 69,777.0
Direct taxes
Indirect taxes
Others8,344.5
12,522.5
7,603.66,607.7
10,384.0
3,683.020,015.9
8,318.4
9,318.4
B. Current government expenses (27,820.3) (19,625.3) (88,000.0)
Economic services
Social services
Debt repayment
Defence and security
State governments
Others
Surpluses (+) deficits (-)9,053.1
10,445.6
1,242.4
5,713.4
702.2
636.6
650.32,514.2
3,768.7
5,689.9
4,141.2
564.9
8,932.2
749.58,354.0
20,550.0
6,132.0
13,343.0
12,700.0
21,910.0
13,222.9
C. Development expenditure 3,709.9 1,392.8 7,795.0
Agricultural sector
Industrial sector
Transportation sector
Services sectorOthers
Capital transfer and finance203.1
84.3
332.4
263.7320.0
594.2481.3
484.0
136.7
404.8132.7
272.02,450.0
1,385.0
307.0
1,208.0
015.0
2,380.0
D. General situation of public sector 16,338.5 (915.4) 21,017.9
Deficit financeForeign loans
Banking finance (Net)Self finance balance
Local component programme6,338.5
52.7
3,601.12,684.7915.4
-
398.9210.521,017.9
2,200.0
16,438.9
2,379.0
(b) General government budget
(million Sudanese Dinars)
1994/95 1995 1996
Revenue 21,918 17,225 69,777
Expenditure 23,371 21,758 87,903
Surplus/deficit -1,453 -4,423 -18,126WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 50
(v) Production and consumption of the basic goods:
(a) Production of main agricultural commodities
Commodities 1993/94 1994/95 1995/96
Cotton (000 bales) 438 569
Sorghum (000 tons) 2,386 3,651 2,450
Millet (000 tons) 221 973 385
Wheat (000 tons) 475 448 527
Sesame (000 tons) 175 170 313
Gum arabic (000 tons) 23.5 48.1 31.7
Ground Nut (000 tons) 428 714 738
(b) Industrial production
Commodities 1993/94 1994/95 1996
Sugar (000 tons) 420 428 459
Flour(000 tons) 433 450 381
Mineral water 14 7 13
Cigarettes (000 tons) 2.1 1.1 1.7
Tomato paste (tons) 400 200 2,100
Jams (tons) 400 200 1,400
Fodder (000 tons) 64 12 48
Starch and galaxies 13 6.5 5.2
Vegetable oil (000 tons) 80 50 100
Laundry soap (000 tons) 65 35 5.2
Toilet soap (000 tons) 2.4 1.2 5
Yarn (000 tons) 9.4 7.5 12
Textile (million yards) 43 30.4 25
Medical cotton (tons) 247 145 295
Leather shoes 0.4 0.7 5.5
Plastic shoes 30.2 32 30.1
Paints (000 tons) 2.8 8.4 11.9
Pesticides (000 tons) 4 6 8
Tyres (00 units) 29.5 50.25 207
Medicine tables 210 253 400
Capsules (000 capsules) 783 148 95
Powder (000 bottle) 2.1 1.1 3.4
Syrup (tons) 0.51 0.72 1
Spare parts (tons) 2,800 1,283 2,490
Refrigerator 8,366 2,554 6,626
Nails (tons) 145 65 344
Printing 376.4 267 380
Paper (tons) 200 38.7 300
Carton (tons) 1,650 328 880
Cement (000 tons) 153 247 280
Marble (000 sq. m) 9 8 9WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 51
(vi) Annual changes in prices;
(a) Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the years 1990,1995,1996,1997
(base year January 1990 – 1000)
Months 1990 1995 1996 1997
January 100.00 3,837.60 7,058.70 14,215.10
February 104.70 3,892.80 7,662.20 14,729.50
March 111.00 4,016.50 8,140.80 15,449.50
April 114.60 4,067.80 8,768.30 15,329.90
May 123.30 4,126.40 9,251.80 15,711.50
June 127.60 4,424.00 11,611.50 16,462.00
July 135.80 4,823.20 12,412.00 17,021.9
August 164.90 5,169.60 13,685.60 18,083.2
September 166.80 5,426.30 13,902.90 17,731.4
October 157.80 5,632.20 14,595.30 17,349.5
November 161.30 6,222.90 14,518.90 18,418.3
December 174.40 6,628.70 14,203.30 18,754.4
Average 136.80 4,863.20 11,317.60 16,604.6
(b) Inflation rate
Months 1995 1996 1997
January 80.00 83.90 101.04
February 89.90 96.80 92.20
March 74.80 102.30 89.80
April 63.90 115.60 74.80
May 55.00 119.40 69.80
June 57.10 162.50 41.80
July 56.40 157.30 37.1
August 59.20 164.70 32.1
September 60.40 156.20 27.5
October 72.00 159.10 18.9
November 89.00 133.31 26.9
December 70.80 114.30 32.0
(vii) Employment in different sectors
Sector Percentage
Agriculture 53.3
Industry 6.3
Electricity, gas and water 0.4
Construction 2.7
Trade 9.7
Transport and communication 4.9
Finance, insurance and estate 1.1
Government services 19.4
Not adequacy qualified 2.1WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 52
(viii) Balance of payments during the period (1994-1996)
(US $ million)
Months 1994 1995 1996
A. Current account -624.4 -576.2 -873
Exports 523.9 555.7 620.3
Cotton
Others96.6
427.3123.0
432.7128.3
492.0
Imports -1,095.5 -1,184.8 -1,504.5
Govt. direct purchases
Private sector purchases-464.2
-631,3-448.4
-736.4-624.7
-879.8
1. Trade balance -559.9 -629.1 -884.2
2. Services and transfer 13.2 52.9 11.2
Payments
Receipts-186,1
199.3-426.8
479.7-281.7
292.9
B. Capital account 226.1 391.5 90.1
1. Drawings 29.1 67.8 22
- International and regional
organisations
- Arab countries- US and West European countries
- East socialist countries and China
- Asian countries
-O t h e r s27.4
-
-
-
-
1.764.8
-
1.7
-
-
1.322
-
-
-
-
-
2. Repayment -23.8 -6.9 -43.5
- International and regional
organisations
- Arab countries
- US and West European countries
- East socialist countries and China
- Asian countries-O t h e r s23.8
-
-
-
--6.5
-
-
-
--43.5
-
-
-
--
- Compensation of nationalised
bank and companies
- Short-term capital movement
(net)
- Direct investment (net)
- Other investment (net)
- Errors and omissions
- Monetary movements-
201.2
-
-
338.5
-17.9-
330.6
-
-
177.6
7.1-
110.9
0.4
0.3
719
63.9
(ix) Other procedural requirements
The importer provides foreign exchange from his own resource services (invisible operation)
during 1994-1996.
(million Dollars)
1994 1995 1996
Invisible receipts 199.3 479.7 292.9
Travel 4.3 7.8 8.4
Transportation 0.6 0.7 0.8
Insurance 0.7 2.9 -
Investment returns - - -
Governments - - 4.6WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 53
1994 1995 1996
Others - 1.9 0.2
Governmental revenue
Unclassified 32.2 49.7 13.7
Donations 0.4 0.3 16.1
Governmental transfer 13.9 - 220.1
Transfer of workers abroad 107.2 346.2 1.3
Salaries and pensions - 0.7 14.5
Services 4.0 0.1 13.2
Others 36.0 69.4 281.7
Invisible payments 186.1 426.8 27.7
Travel 46.9 42.9 9.4
Transportation 5.0 4.2 -
Insurance 6.5 0.5
Investment expenses
Govt. loan expenses 8.2 0.3 -
Others 7.5 3.7 0.7
Governmental expenses 24.5 22.8 32.0
Private transfer 38.5 286.1 199.4
Services 4.2 0.4 10.8
Commissions - 0.2 1.1
Donations - - 0.4
Salaries and pensions 0.2 0.9 -
Education 1.0 0.1 -
Others 43.6 64.7 0.2
Deficit (-) or surplus on invisible operations 13.2 52.9 11.2
Source:  Bank of Sudan
(x) Foreign exchange (rate of currency in Sudanese Dinars)
Months 1990 1995 1996
January 00.029 00.023 00.011
February 00.027 00.027 00.011
March 00.024 00.027 -
April 00.024 00.019 00.009
May 00.029 00.019 00.008
June 00.031 00.019 00.007
July 00.029 00.0019 00.006
August 00.027 00.017 00.006
September 00.027 00.016 00.006
October 00.025 00.013 00.006
November 00025 00.013 00.006
December 00.024 00.012 00.006
Average 0.0026 0.0018 00.0075WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 54
(b) Foreign trade statistics
(i) Export of commodity value in US$ thousand
Commodity 1994 1995 1996
Unit Qty Value Qty Value Qty Value
Cotton Bale 416,958 96,634 441,485 122,951 480,941 128,209
Gum arabic m.tons 28,035 65,675 18,481 51,368 15,551 29,531
Sesame m.tons 130,543 66,742 97,395 80,449 157,405 141,132
Ground nut m.tons 5,213 3,436 4,642 2,736 2,176 1,301
Sorghum m.tons 116,955 11,295 406,911 43,956 17,250 2,587
Millet m.tons 14,243 160,065 6,688 751 - -
Karkedeh m.tons 830 309 32,209 12,947 14,548 13,357
Senna pods m.tons 34,069 10,178 1,173 475 2,524 1,033
Melon seeds m.tons 6,351 2,628 22,194 8,196 88,360 22,683
Vegetables and fruits m.tons 1,006 757 8,554 4,369 9,609 3,528
Henna m.tons 32,208 21,307 74+ 772 1,077 834
Oil seeds m.tons - - 12,489 11,357 14,015 12,645
Sesame oil cakes m.tons 89,229 8,967 1,247 200 939 152
Ground nut oil cakes m.tons 8,700 963 64,732 7,221 68,066 9,143
Cotton seed oil cakes m.tons 21,966 181 4,642 752 5,642 937
Sun flower oil cakes m.tons 1,089,116 85,556 2,218 200 - -
Sheep Heads 1,472 34 841,547 71,802 1,187,753 74,427
Goats Heads 991 2,088 50,374 1,705 57,175 1,453
Camel Heads 3,297 13,502 53,025 9,480 15,317 2,833
Meat m.tons 4,008 11,579 5,052 14,192 11,916 28,293
Leather m.tons 124,680 36,597 7,120 20,491 - 28,694
Sugar m.tons 310,663 17,444 18,700 8,400 44,773 18,948
Molasses m.tons 2,883 36,668 180,382 13,553 174,001 14,315
Gold Kg. 15,042 1,253 1,770 46,791 4,422,347 53,592
Scrap of iron and copper m.tons 55,255 3,918 12,563 1,923 12,069 1,452
Chrome m.tons 55,255 3,918 16,011 2,324 9,624 820
Lead m.tons 966 242 1,118 82 1,019 88
Shells m.tons 513 223 500 238 374 199
Cotton yarn m.tons 287 462 2,889 7,118 6,303 15,039
Others m.tons - 9,188 - 8,875 - 12,961
523,891 555,674 620,186
(iii) Import by commodity during the period 1994-1996
Unit 1994 1995 1996
Commodity Qty Value Qty Value Qty Value
Food stuffs:
Rice m.tons 21,921 8,890 14,588 6,763 24,166 11,259
Wheat 207,672 38,041 107,381 30,281 202,651 47,515
Wheat flour 280,456 74,887 200,429 59,566 151,694 50,344
Sugar 227 91 2,114 849 817 461
Tea 16,326 24,795 15,566 26,885 25,292 33,350
Coffee 4,318 7,726 4,820 9,459 6,397 12,905
Dairy products 2,895 6,307 3,438 9,212 2,437 6,350
Fish and fish preparation 56 260 48 78 94 158
Meat and meat
preparation35 970 169 279 79 238WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 55
Unit 1994 1995 1996
Commodity Qty Value Qty Value Qty Value
Fruits and fruits
preparation1,688 2,564 2,398 2,439 1,143 1,234
Vegetable and vegetable
preparation15,855 13,487 15,650 12,367 3,504 3,037
Confectionery 2,530 1,487 2,508 1,792 2,380 2,187
Sweets, cakes and biscuits - - - - - -
Lentils 16,219 13,395 9,834 4,778 11,261 5,016
Animal and vegetable oils 31,547 10,298 8,688 5,998 20,224 10,903
Spices 962 1,189 1,397 1,795 1,163 2,017
Miscellaneous - 13,455 - 7,895 - 17,747
Total 217,824 180,094 204,721
Drinks and tobacco:
Non-alcoholic m.tons - 2,646 614 4,675 621 2,486
Cigarettes 5 115 18 392 3 58
C i g a r s ------
Tobacco 1,154 7,499 1,851 11,428 1,962 12,612
O t h e r s ------
Total 10,255 16,495 15,156
Transport equipment:
Planes No. - - - - 13 1,575
T r a i n s ----3 7 1 0
Railways wagon - - - - 75 4,350
Road passenger car 488 9,591 1,229 38,094 1,226 20,047
Lorries and trucks 934 23,203 155 17,995 1,477 51,092
Buses 181 4,434 173 3,645 236 7,908
Tyres and tubes 8,606,950 19,694 815,055 11,686 420,090 14,665
Ferries and steamers 17 794 28 4,374 12 909
Auto-spare parts - 24,859 - 17,837 - 21,448
Motor cycles 15,775 1,009 1,859 2,296 2,292 2,118
Bicycles 44,660 1,162 21,434 929 9,759 1,261
Locomotives parts 376 2,530 - 2,893 - 4,767
Planes - Spare parts - - - 5,813 - 2,521
Others - 8,245 - 1,786 - -
Total 95,521 109,345 133,371
Crude materials:
Crude rubber m.tons 917 2,178 1,669 3,518 3,887 7,490
Waste papers - - 100 20 448 85
Crude fertilisers - - - - - -
C o a l ------
Petroleum materials 1,794,559 238,999 1,059,565 194,212 1,488,875 305,278
Seeds for sowing 8,103 3,534 189 654 422 1,024
Tallow 111,482 20,163 24,803 15,804 50,810 26,089
Others - 6,360 - 10,613 - 14,450
Total 271,234 224,821 354,416
Chemicals
Medical and
pharmaceutical productsm.tons - 27,447 - 38,150 - 99,509
Perfume and cosmetics 1,092 5,061 3,851 7,085 17,306 10,582
Fertilisers manufactured 58,586 12, 726 47,397 15,745 261,447 74,711WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 56
Unit 1994 1995 1996
Commodity Qty Value Qty Value Qty Value
Insecticides 3,048 20,467 3,374 31,825 589 6,696
Explosives 931 1,220 6,271 3,458 4,365 3,738
Others - 37,047 - 37,701 - 24,623
Total 103,968 133,964 219,859
Manufactured goods:
Leather and leather
manufacturedm.tons 101 309 198 792 163 946
Rubber manufactured 1,309 2,109 367 2,632 6,536 2,173
Wood and cork
manufactured39,843 19,674 30,548 13,050 4,112 17,614
Glass and glass wares 25,146 16,463 19,851 13,657 20,915 14,024
Iron and steel 162,559 78,615 8,923 71,025 132,513 90,212
Metals manufactured 11,480 23,083 10,822 60,233 6,064 17,260
Footwear 225,616 2,048 3,264,189 3,918 - 5,752
Jute and sacks - 8,399 8,280,952 3,478 38,177,61
322,460
Books, magazines,
newspapers, films2,205 6,233 1,010 4,409 1,141 3,207
Asbestos, cement pipes 262,418 17,832 292,209 21,247 168,214 14,898
Scientific instruments - 7,792 25,224 17,662 - 10,218
Paper manufactured and
paper116,628 22,171 - 24,804 26,456 36,580
Plastic and plastic
manufacturedm.tons 9,619 13,511 18,449 22,037 40,902 30,063
Ceramic and ceramic
manufactured11,055 5,625 6,108 4,114 13,594 18,471
Toys and sporting goods 351 1,183 - 781 - 726
Others - 11,282 - 12,779 - -
Total 236,329 276,618 297,033
Machinery and equipment
Machinery electric m.tons 4,254 18,542 6,935 25,349 7,497 35,861
Machinery non-electric 15,656 69,517 19,679 103,377 74,589 98,831
Refrigerators 64,078 1,812 7,220 2,166 3,732 2,182
Air conditioners 5,187 769 3,927 3,558 3,291 4,262
Ovens 14,630 324 66,395 909 20,151 767
Machinery -spare parts 5,394 53,027 6,618 45,149 - 65,808
Radio and television - 54,795 - 18,210 - 28,479
Dry batteries - - 121 3,104 754 4,414
Others - 4,757 - 6,680 - 8,756
Total 209,120 212,951 253,634
Textiles
Cotton textiles - - 264 1,758 1,181 1,045
Textiles yarn thread 663 3,135 809 3,196 18,394 1,442
Synthetics 327 2,358 1,167 7,587 1,010 5,416
Ready made - 2,488 1,562 12,398 255 6,515
Others 656 9,268 - 15,244 - 11,779
Total 1,161,478 1,184,471 1,184,471
Grand TotalWT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 57
(iv) Imports from main suppliers
Main Imports from Sudan
(US$ million)
Importers 1994 1995 1996
European Communities 150.1 184 203.3
Other Western Europe countries 29.3 6.6 7.4
United States of America 18 24.6 13.3
East Europe countries 0.4 9.5 0.6
Japan 2.6 32.5 24.8
China 23.0 56.7 42.4
India 12.7 11.5 2.6
Saudi Arabia 121.3 102.2 116.9
Egypt 3.7 24.4 41.4
Other Arab countries 59.0 46.8 72.9
Other countries 73.8 56.9 94.5
Total 523.9 555.7 620.2
(v) Trade by geographic areas
Main Exports to Sudan
(US$ million)
Exporters 1994 1995 1996
European Communities 348.7 368.5 388.9
Other Western Europe countries 50.7 15.0 17.0
United States of America 40.9 58.8 69.0
Russia 2.2 4.1 2.6
Yugoslavia 0.8 1.5 0.4
Other East European countries 42.2 42.5 106.5
Japan 24.8 67.5 62.9
China 37.4 42.3 64.6
India 23.1 24.7 56.9
Saudi Arabia 185.8 122.3 170.3
Egypt 70.1 71.9 53.3
Other Arab countries 79.7 111.5 116.2
Other countries 255.1 253.9 395.8
Total 1,161.5 1,184.5 1,504.4WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 58
ANNEX 2
LIST OF LAWS AND LEGAL ACTS
1. Laws and legal acts regulating the activity of the custom authorities;  responsible
agencies
- Customs Law 1986;
- Customs Regulations;
- Consumption and Excise Duty Act 1985;
- Additional Tax Act 1990;- Customs Tariff issued under the Customs Act 1986.
Responsible agencies:
- Council of Ministers;
- Customs Administration;
- Ministry of Finance and National Economy;
- Ministry of Interior.
2. Laws and legal acts relating to non-tariff regulation of imports, exports and trade in
transit, rules of origin:  responsible agencies
- Trade Regulation Act 1994;
- Imports, Exports Registration Act 1984;
- Bank of Sudan Law 1959;- Foreign Exchange Regulation Act 1992;
- Public Health Act 1975;
- Customs Act 1986;
- Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organisation Act 1992;
- Animal Diseases Law (1901) amendment 1994;
- Animal Import and Export Law (1913);
- Rabies Control Law (1948);- Fisheries and Aquarium Law (1954);
- Meat Hygiene Law (1964);
- Livestock Route and Veterinary Inspection Posts (1993);
- Disease Free Zone (1974) updated in 1993.
Responsible agencies:
- Council of Ministers;
- Ministry of Foreign Trade;
- Ministry of Finance and National Economy;- The Bank of Sudan Act 1959;
- Customs Administration;
- Sudan Union of Chamber of Commerce;
- Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organisation (SSMO);
- Ministry of Animal Resources.
3. Laws and regulations relating to foreign investment:  responsible agencies
- Encouragement of Investment Act 1996;
- Khartoum Stock Exchange law 1994;WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 59
- Bank of Sudan Law;
- Public Enterprises Disposition Act 1990.
Responsible agencies:
- Ministry of Finance and National Economy;
- Ministry of International Co-operation and Investment;
- Bank of Sudan;
- Khartoum Stock Exchange;
- Ministry of National Industry;
- Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry;
- Ministry of Transport;- Ministry of Health;
- or any other ministry responsible for the sector of interest and the State Government where
the project  is proposed.
4. Other laws and legal acts dealing with econom ic issues that affect trade:  responsible
agencies
- Khartoum Stock Exchange Law 1994;
- Public Enterprises Deposition Act 1990;
- Company Law 1925;- Registration of Business Name Act 1931;
- Partnership Act;
- Banking Deposits Guarantee Act 1995;
- Non-Bank Dealer;
- Industrial Design Act 1974;- Patent Act 1971;
- Commercial Agents Licensing and Control Act 1972;
- Trademarks Law Act 1989;
- Banking Practice Regulations Act 1991;
- Public Corporations Act 1996;
- Public Corporations Regulations Act 1996;
- Law for Dealing in Foreign Currency 1981;- Foreign Currency Regulations 1979;
- Financial and Accounting Procedure Act 1977;
- Copyright 1996;
- Bankruptcy Act 1928.
Responsible agencies:
- Ministry of Justice;
- Ministry of Finance and National Economy;
- Central Bank of Sudan.
5.(a) Existing laws, regulations or administrative  guidelines which significantly affect trade in
services
- Insurance Business Supervision and  Control Act 1992;
- Public Health Law;
- Consultancy Houses Regulation Act 1979;
- General Education Regulation Act 1992;
- National Council for Illiteracy Law 1991;
- National Centre for Educational Research and Methodology Law 1996;WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 60
- High Education Organisation Act 1990;
- General Administration for Post and Telegram Public Corporation Act 1990;
- Encouragement of Investment Act 1996.
(b) Publications or sources of information, concerning measures of general application, of
relevance to the GATS
(c) Enquiry points, if any, as foreseen in Article III of GATS
The focal points for inquiry about the GATS is the Ministry of Foreign Trade, and for
statistics is the Central Statistical Bureau besides the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Sudan.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 61
ANNEX 3
INFORMATION ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES
I. OUTLINE OF SYSTEMS
General importation in the Sudan requires pre-registration of the importer in the importers-
exporters registry at the Ministry of Foreign Trade.  All commodities are allowed entry into Sudan
except narcotics, wine, spirits, alcoholic drink, gambling instruments (arms and ammunition).
II. PURPOSES AND COVERAGE OF LICENSING
1. Import licensing is mainly to ensure the appropriate technical specifications and for statistical
purposes.  The import of the following goods in Sudan is subject to licensing:
Licence Granted By
Pharmaceuticals Ministry of Health
Medicines, medical equipment and food stuff Ministry of Health
Seed, fertiliser, pesticides Ministry of Agriculture and Forests
Livestock, poultry Ministry of Animal Resources
Communication equipment Ministry of Communications and Roads
Arms and ammunitions Ministry of Interior
Petroleum products Ministry Energy and Mining
Airport equipment Civil Aviation Authority
Sugar, used or second hand goods Ministry of Foreign Trade,
Equipment and industrial inputs Ministry of National Industry.
Toxic chemicals Ministry of Environment and Tourism
2. The system applies to any country, and any importer.
3. The licensing requirements do not include any restrictions relating to value.  The main
purpose is to ensure the appropriate technical specifications for the above mentioned specific goodsand statistical reasons.
4. The Trade Regulation Act 1994.
III. PROCEDURES
2. No goods under the import licensing produce are restricted as to the quantity or value of these
imports.  There are no requirements as to how far in advance an application for a licence must be
made.  Normally an application can be approved in  about one week.  An application can be approved
in a short time, if all the required documents are in order.  In the  case of an emergency or when goods
arrive at the border without an import licence, a licence can be granted upon request if all thedocuments are in order.  Applications for import licence may be made at any time of the year without
any limitations.  Consideration of an import licence application may be effected by more than a single
administrative organ.  Application for an import licence may be refused only for failure to meet the
stipulated criteria.  The reasons for refusal will be provided in writing to the applicant.  A decision for
refusal can be appealed to the Ministry which refused the application.  The complainant has the rightto appeal to the administrative court even if the refusal is made by the concerned Minister himself.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 62
IV. ELIGIBILITY OF IMPORTERS TO APPLY FOR LICENCE
All persons, firms and institutions are eligible for registration at the Importers-Exporters
Registry in the  Ministry of Foreign Trade.
V. DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION FOR
LICENCE
1. An application may be written in any form.  The following details should be indicated,
description of goods to be imported, quantity, country of origin, unit price, method of payment, name
of importer, address, port of discharge.  A pro-forma invoice should be submitted with the application.
2. There are licensing fees, depending on the goods.
3. No, deposit or advance payment.
VI. CONDITIONS OF LICENSING
1. The validity can be extended.
2. No penalty for non-utilisation.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 63
ANNEX 4
INFORMATION ON IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION
OF THE CUSTOMS VALUATION AGREEMENT
1. Questions concerning Article 1:
(a) Sales between related persons:
(i) Are sales between related persons subject to special provisions?
Yes, to make sure that there are no special discounts, allowances or commissions (section 75).
(ii) Is the fact of inter-company prices prima-facie considered as grounds for regarding the
respective prices as being influenced?
Yes, unless there is evidence that the price shown is what any importer would pay
(section 75).
(iii) What is the provision for giving the communication of the afore-mentioned grounds in
writing if the importer so requests? (Article 1.2(a))
It will be given in writing if the importer so request.
(iv) How has Article 1.2(b) been implemented?
The sales between related persons will be accepted if the values do not much differ from the
identical or similar goods at the same place and time of import (section 75).
(b) Price of lost or damaged goods:
Are there any special provisions or practi cal arrangements concerning the valuation of
lost or damaged goods?
The lost goods will be estimated according to the actual value of their prices but for the partial
damaged goods the price will be determined according to the decision of a committee appointed by
the Director of Customs (section 75).
2. How has the provision of Article 4 to allow the importer an option to reverse the order
of application of Articles 5 and 6 been implemented?
By adding to the Customs Act a section showing the importer shall be informed, he has the
right to reverse the application of the Articles 5 and 6 if such importer shall so require.
3. How has Article 5.2 been implemented?
The customs value after further processing shall be based on the prices of these goods after
adding the value increased by such processing and that there has not been and will not be any
commercial relationship between the seller and the buyer of the said goods.
4. How has Article 6.2 been implemented?
The customs authorities usually verify information supplied by the producer of the goods for
the purposes of determining the customs value.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 64
5. Questions concerning Article 7:
(a) What provisions have been made for making value determinations pursuant to
Article 7?
That the value of any imported goods shall be ta ken to be the price which an importer, would
pay for such goods at the time and port or place of import..
(b) What is the provision for informing the importer of the customs value determined under
Article 7?
The importer shall be informed in writing of the customs value determined under the
provision of Article 7 if he so requests.
(c) Are the prohibitions found in Article 7.2 delineated?
Yes all prohibitions found in Article 7 are determined  .
6. How have the options in Article 8.2 been hand led? In the case of f.o.b. application, are
ex-factory prices also accepted?
All options found in Article 8.2 have been included in the customs value. In case of f.o.b.
application, the ex-factory prices are also accepted.
7. Where is the rate of exchange published, as required by Article 10?
Customs Administration announces rates of exchange issued daily by Central Bank and
published to all customs enclosures (section 82).
8. What steps have been taken to ensure confidentiality, as required by Article 9.1?
All information shall be treated as strictly confidential by the authorities concerned for the
purposes of customs valuation.
9. Questions concerning Article 11:
(a) What rights of appeal are open to the importer or any other person?
If any dispute arises as to the value of or amount or rate of duty or charges payable in respect
of any goods or as to the liability of any such goods to duty under this ordinance, the owner of the
goods if so requested by the chief customs officer shall state on the authorised form and to the best ofhis ability the grounds upon which he disputes his liability to the duty or charges as assessed by the
customs and subject to his compliance with any such request may pay under protest the sum
demanded by the proper officer of customs as the duty and charges payable in respect of the goods
(section 90).
(b) How is he to be informed of his right to further appeal?
The importer is to be informed of his right to further appeal in writing (section 90).
10 Provide information on the publication, as required by Article 12, of:
(a) (i) the relevant national laws;
(ii) the regulations concerning th e application of the Agreement;
(iii) the judicial decision and administrative rulings of general application relating to
the Agreement;WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 65
(iv) general or specific laws being referred  to in the rules of implementation or
application.
All information concerning laws, regulations, judicial decisions and administrative rulings of
general application are all published.
(b) Is the publication of further rules anticipated? Which topics would they cover?
Any further rules will be published they will cover any agreements or instructions.
11. Questions concerning Article 13:
(a) How is the obligation of Article 13 (last sentence) being dealt with in the respective
legislation?
It shall be lawful for the director of Customs to permit goods imported to be withdrawn from
the customs enclosure without previous payment of any such duty upon such terms and subject to
such security for the future pa yment thereof as he shall in each case in his discretion think fit
(section 84).
(b) Have additional explanations been laid down?
Customs shall have a first and paramount lien on all goods to whomsoever consigned or in the
control of customs (section 85).
12. Questions concerning Article 16:
(a) Does the respective national legislation contain a provision requiring customs
authorities to give explanation in writing as to how the customs value was determined?
Yes, sections 75 and 90 of Customs Act give an explanation in writing as to how the customs
value was determined
(b) Are there any further regulations co ncerning an above-mentioned request?
Yes there are further regulations concerning procedure where difference or any dispute arises
as to the value of goods (section 90).
13. How have the Interpretative Note s of the Agreement been included?
The Interpretative Notes of Agreement have been included in Customs Act, Customs
Regulation and Instructions.
14. How have the provisions of the Decision of 26 April 1984 on the Treatment of Interest
Charges in the Customs Value of Imported  Goods (Val/6/Rev. 1) been implemented?
No amendments have been implemented on the provisions of the Decision of 26 April 1984
on the Treatment of Interest Charges in the Customs Value of Imported Goods (Val/6/Rev.1).
15. For the countries paragraph 2 of the Decision of 24 September 1984 on the Valuation of
Carrier Media Bearing Software for Data Processing Equipment (Val/8), how have theprovisions of this paragraph been implemented?
Paragraph 2 of the Decision of 24 September 1984 on the Valuation of Carrier Media Bearing
Software for Data Processing Equipment (Val /8) is not applied.WT/ACC/SDN/3
Page 66
ANNEX 5
INFORMATION ON TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO TRADE
1. Description of relevant laws, regulations, administrative orders, etc. relating to
implementation and administration of technical barriers to trade.
The Republic of the Sudan policy in the area of certification and standardisation is intended
mainly to ensure the safety of goods and to protect the life, environment, health and property of
citizens and is not intended to establish technical barriers to trade.
The most significant legal acts include:
- Sudanese Standard and Metrology Organisation Act 1992;
- Public Health Act 1975;
- Pharmacy and Poisons Act 1963;- Weights and Measures Act 1955;
- Plants Diseases Act 1913 is deleted in connection with each state which makes a new law
governing plant diseases;
- Plant Diseases (Quarantine Guards) Order 1958;
- Animal Export (Quarantine) Order 1915;- the Radioactive Act 1971.
2. Information regarding:
(a) names of publications, if any, on work relating to draft technical regulations or
standards and procedures;
Publication is available from SSMO for Sudanese Standards.
(b) the name and address of the enquiry points foreseen in Articles 10.1 and 10.3 of the
WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trad e with an indication as to whether they
are fully operational;
The address and telephone/fax numbers of the agencies having information on standards are
as follows:
Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organisation (SSMO)
Khartoum Gama Avenue
P.O. Box 194, Khartoum, 13573
Tel.:  0024911 - 775 247
Fax.:  0024911 - 774 852
(c) the name and address of the agency dealing with consultation as foreseen in Article 14 of
the Agreement;
Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organisation (SSMO)
Khartoum Gama AvenueP.O. Box 194, Khartoum, 13573
Tel.:  0024911 - 775 247
Fax.:  0024911 - 774 852WT/ACC/SDN/3
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(d) the names and addresses of the agencies dealing with specific functions foreseen in the
Agreement:
- SSMO;
- Ministry of Health, Nile Avenue – Khartoum;- Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Gama Avenue;
- Ministry of Animal Resources.
* The scope of responsibility of the central government authorities in the area of notification
requirements foreseen in Article 10.11 of the Agreement and of individual government authorities if
the responsibility is divided among two or more such authorities.
* Measures and arrangements to ensure that national and sub-national authorities preparing new
technical regulations and substantial amendment, to existing ones provide early information on their
proposals.WT/ACC/SDN/3
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ANNEX 6
INFORMATION ON STATE-TRADING
I. ENUMERATION OF STATE-TRADING ENTERPRISES
Does your country maintain enterprises covered  by the provisions of Article XVII?  If
so, list the products or groups of products for which State enterprise is maintained or
for which an enterprise has exclusive or special privileges.
Yes, raw gum arabic.
II. REASON AND PURPOSE FOR INTRODUCING AND MAINTAINING STATE-
TRADING ENTERPRISES
State for each product the reason and purpose for introducing and maintaining the
enterprise (it should be indicated, for exampl e, whether the purpose or the effect of the
enterprise is to prevent prices to  consum ers from exceeding certain maximum limits, or
to protect domestic producers by the control of imports and/or the purchase of domestic
supplies at above world price levels, or to facilitate export sales, or to make it possible to
establish or administer a stabilisation arrangement).  A description of the legal
provisions should be included in so far as this  has been submitted in earlier notifications.
The exports of processed gum arabic is opened to all exporters, however the exports of raw
gum arabic is monopolised by Gum Arabic Company Ltd. a public share company registered in
Khartoum Stock Exchange Market.
The reasons behind this:
(a) since Sudan is the major producer and exporter of gum arabic its export policy in this respect
is to achieve a balance in supply and demand and stabilise prices;
(b) to ensure the regular good incomes for producers;
(c) protecting the environment;
(d) development of gum arabic production areas.
III. DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNCTIONING OF STATE-TRADING ENTERPRISES
1. Describe, item by item, the functioning of  such enterprises and state in particular:
- Whether the enterprise deals with exports or with imports, or both;
The enterprise deals with exports.
- Whether private traders are allowed to import  or export and, if so, on what conditions;
Whether there is free competition between private traders and the State-trading
enterprise;?
Private traders are not allowed to export raw gum arabic, (but they are functioning as agents
for the importers).
- The criteria used for determining the quan tities to be exported and imported?
There is no such criteria.WT/ACC/SDN/3
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- How are export prices determined? How is the mark-up on imported products
determined?
- How do export prices and the re-sale prices compare with domestic prices?
Prices are determined by market forces.
- Are long-term contracts negotiated by the State-trading enterprise? Are State-trading
methods are used to fulfil contractual ob ligations entered into by the government?
No.
IV. STATISTICAL INFORMATION
Gum Arabic Production In Tons
Year Production
1990-91 12,061
1991-92 7,415
1992-93 11,410
1993-94 33,458
1994-95 48,758
1996-97 40,000
Gum Arabic Exports for  the Years 1994-1995-1996
Year Quantity Value
1994 28,035 65,675
1995 18,481 51,368
1996 15,551 29,531
Quantity in metric tons
Values in thousands US$WT/ACC/SDN/3
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ANNEX 7
BILATERAL ECONOMIC, TECHNICAL AND TRADE AGREEMENTS
-A z e r b a i j a n ;
- Central Africa;
- Chad;
- China;
-C r o a t i a ;
- Egypt;
- Indonesia;-I r a q ;
-I r a n ;
- Jordan;
-K e n y a ;
-L i b y a ;- Malaysia;
- Morocco;
- Pakistan;
- Qatar;
- Turkey;- Yemen;
-V i e t n a m .
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