Ban on Sudanese gold in Switzerland from 10 September (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• Prohibited purchase, import and transit of Sudanese gold from 10 September 2026
• Prohibited supply of financial services and chemical products for gold extraction to Sudan
• Federal Council aligned with EU sanctions of 13 July 2026

Key facts

• What: Prohibition of trade, import and transit of gold originating from Sudan and certain chemical products
• When: 10 September 2026 (entry into force)
• Where: Switzerland
• Who: Federal Council
• Regulatory basis: Ordinance establishing measures against Sudan (RU 2026 462)
• Alignment: Decision of the European Union of 13 July 2026

The Federal Council's decision

The Federal Council decided on 9 September 2026 to prohibit the trade of gold originating from Sudan. The measure enters into force on 10 September 2026. The prohibition covers the purchase, import and transit of Sudanese gold, as well as the provision of financial services and the granting of connected financing means. Also prohibited are the sale and supply of certain chemical products destined for Sudan, used for gold extraction and exploitation.

The Executive justified the decision with extreme concern for the humanitarian situation in Sudan. According to available information, gold constitutes an important conflict resource in the ongoing war in the African country. The ordinance establishing measures against Sudan — in force since 2005 — is used to implement United Nations sanctions and, since 2023, also supplementary measures of the European Union.

…

Operational details

Who is affected by the sanctions

The sanctions directly affect precious metals traders, import-export companies, financial institutions and intermediaries operating in the gold sector. Any activity involving the purchase, sale or transit of Sudanese gold becomes illegal as of September 10, 2026. Companies operating in the chemical and industrial sector must verify that their products destined for Sudan are not used for gold extraction or exploitation. If they are, the supply is prohibited.

This restriction is added to the already strict due diligence obligations that apply in Switzerland for the import of gold and other precious metals. These obligations also aim to prevent trade in resources from conflict zones. Switzerland, even before this decision, imposed strict due diligence standards in the precious metals sector.

Strengthened compliance obligations

Affected companies must document the origin of gold, supply sources and the chain of custody in full. Verifying that suppliers and customers are not subject to sanctions is a mandatory obligation. Those operating in the sector must implement robust internal controls, thorough document verification and may need to resort to specialized consulting to ensure compliance with the new restrictions.

The new sanctions strengthen the due diligence mechanism and make explicit that Sudanese gold is considered a conflict resource according to international community assessments. This entails increased responsibility for those carrying out gold transactions: any violations expose them to significant legal consequences.

Key points

What Enterprises Must Do

If your company operates in the trade of precious metals, financial services or the production of chemicals, you must immediately verify whether your activities involve Sudanese gold or chemical products destined for Sudan. Check your supply contracts, pending orders and ongoing transactions. If you identify issues, you must cease activities by September 10, 2026, when the ban comes into force. Timely verification is essential to avoid involuntary violations of regulations.

Verification and Documentation

Verify with your suppliers and customers the origin of gold you import or trade. Request complete certificates of origin and supply chain documentation. Consult the official lists of sanctioned entities maintained by federal authorities to ensure your business partners do not appear among the 36 individuals, organizations and companies already covered by previous restrictions.

Implement or strengthen your internal compliance processes: detailed documentation of transactions, systematic supply chain control, updated records of origin. If your business includes provision of financial services, verify that no transactions concern Sudanese gold and that you do not, indirectly, finance operations linked to this resource. The main Swiss banks and credit institutions often have departments specialized in compliance with international sanctions.

…