Switzerland has banned the purchase and import of gold originating from Sudan, bringing the country's measures into line with equivalent European Union sanctions. The federal council announced the decision on Wednesday.
The prohibition covers the purchase, import and transit of Sudanese-origin gold, as well as the provision of related services and the extension of financial assistance tied to such gold. It also forbids the sale and delivery of certain chemicals used in gold mining and extraction to Sudan.
The EU adopted a matching resolution in mid-July.
The federal council stated it was "extremely concerned" about the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, noting that the extraction and trade of gold constitute a significant conflict resource fueling the war.
The ban will be incorporated into Switzerland's Sudan Measures Ordinance, which has been used since 2005 to implement United Nations sanctions against Sudan. Since 2023, the same ordinance has also been used to transpose additional EU measures.
The Sudan ordinance currently includes an arms embargo and targeted financial and travel sanctions against 36 individuals, organizations and companies.
