Alcohol regulations in Sudan

Licences needed

None available (commercial manufacturing is prohibited)

Authority

not confirmed

Who can import

Foreign diplomatic missions and accredited international bodies only; commercial importation is banned.

Licences or registrations

Diplomatic Duty-Free Import Exemption Permit (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Form No. 1 / MFA yellow form)

Authority

Sudan Customs Authority; Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Documents

MFA Form No. 1, Bill of Lading / Air Waybill, commercial invoice, diplomatic credentials

Fees

Exempt for accredited diplomatic missions

Time to obtain

not confirmed

Required

no

Process

No brand or label registration mechanism exists because commercial alcohol importation and sale are prohibited.

Authority

Sudan Standards and Metrology Organization (SSMO)

Alcohol is explicitly listed as a prohibited import by the Sudan Customs Authority and Ministry of Trade. General commercial importation and personal imports are barred. Clearance is permitted solely for privileged diplomatic cargo under seal and MFA exemption.

Not applicable; commercial import of HS 2208 is prohibited by customs law.

Not applicable; no lawful commercial trade exists and diplomatic imports are tax-exempt.

No licensed retail stores, bars, or state monopolies exist. The Miscellaneous Amendments Act 2020 decriminalized private consumption exclusively for non-Muslims, but did not establish a licensed retail or on-premise distribution system.

banned

Not applicable; no standards or label requirements exist for commercial spirits.

Banned; all forms of alcohol advertising, marketing, and sponsorship are prohibited.

None established for commercial spirits.

Nationwide prohibition applies to all Muslim citizens under the Criminal Act 1991. For non-Muslims, consumption is prohibited in public places and when in the presence of Muslims nationwide.

• No commercial alcohol market legislation has been introduced following the 2020 Miscellaneous Amendments Act that partially decriminalized private consumption for non-Muslims.
• Following the outbreak of armed conflict in April 2023, customs processing and federal ministries operate primarily from Port Sudan, with trade restrictions strictly enforced.
• In April 2026, the transitional government based in Port Sudan issued emergency directives banning dozens of non-essential imported consumer goods to control foreign exchange shortages, reinforcing existing customs import bans.

There are no viable commercial opportunities for international spirits exporters due to Sudan's prohibition on commercial importation and retail distribution. Lawful trade is restricted entirely to supplying foreign diplomatic missions.

• Sudan Customs Authority
• Ministry of Justice
• Sudan Standards and Metrology Organization (SSMO)
• Ministry of Trade and Supply

1. International Trade Administration: Sudan - Prohibited and Restricted Imports
2. International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA): Constitutional and Legal Developments in Sudan
3. International Association of Movers: Sudan Customs and Import Regulations
4. Reuters: Sudan to allow drinking alcohol for non-Muslims