Switzerland bans Sudan gold trade, aligning with EU sanctions
Switzerland has banned trade involving gold originating in Sudan and restricted supplies of certain mining chemicals to the country, aligning with European Union sanctions effective Sept. 10.
BERNE, Sept. 9, 2026 — Switzerland is widening its sanctions on Sudan to cover gold linked to the country’s conflict and certain goods used in its extraction.
The new measures prohibit the purchase, import and transit of gold originating in Sudan. They also bar related services and financial assistance connected with such gold, extending the restrictions beyond the metal’s physical movement.
Sales and supplies to Sudan of certain chemicals used in gold mining and extraction are also prohibited. The Federal Council said gold is reportedly a key conflict resource in the ongoing war and cited the country’s dire humanitarian situation in announcing the action.
The bans take effect Sept. 10 and align Switzerland with European Union sanctions adopted on July 13. They will be incorporated into the Ordinance on measures against Sudan.
Switzerland has used that ordinance to implement United Nations sanctions related to Sudan since 2005 and additional EU measures since 2023. It already includes an arms embargo and targeted financial and travel sanctions covering 36 individuals, entities and companies.
For compliance teams, the expansion adds restrictions involving the origin, movement and financing of Sudan-linked gold, as well as controls on specified mining inputs. Switzerland said strict due diligence requirements already apply to imports of gold and other precious metals, including measures intended to prevent trade in conflict resources.
Regulatory Actions
Structured data extracted from official sources and validated by sanctions experts