Switzerland announced a prohibition on the purchase, import and transit of gold that originates from Sudan, saying the metal helps fund the country’s ongoing conflict.

The measures, which take effect on Thursday, also forbid the provision of services and financial assistance linked to Sudanese gold.

Switzerland will additionally ban the sale and supply to Sudan of certain goods used in gold mining and extraction, including chemicals.

The new restrictions are incorporated into Switzerland’s existing Ordinance on Measures against Sudan, the legal instrument used for UN sanctions since 2005.

Swiss officials said they remain “extremely concerned” about the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan and described gold as a key conflict resource.

Measures mirror European Union sanctions

The Swiss action aligns with the European Union, which introduced similar bans in July on the purchase, import and transfer of Sudanese gold and on the export of mining chemicals to Sudan.

EU sanctions also cover technical assistance, brokering services and financial aid related to the gold trade, a scope adopted by Switzerland.

The EU first established its sanctions framework on Sudan in October 2023 after fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, expanding it in July to target the country’s “war economy”.

Compliance and broader sanctions regime

Switzerland will enforce strict due‑diligence procedures for gold and other precious‑metal imports to ensure compliance with the new restrictions.

The sanctions regime continues to include an arms embargo and targeted financial and travel restrictions on 36 individuals, entities and companies linked to the conflict.