Federal Council joins EU sanctions against trade in gold from Sudan
Berne, 09.09.2026 — The Federal Council has banned the purchase and import of gold originating in Sudan. The sale to Sudan of certain goods used in gold mining and gold extraction is also prohibited. In so doing, the Federal Council is aligning itself with the EU’s equivalent sanctions. The measures will come into force on 10 September.
The Federal Council remains extremely concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan. It has therefore taken the decision to ban trade in gold originating from Sudan, which is reportedly a key conflict resource for the ongoing war. The ban applies to the purchase, import and transit of gold originating in Sudan, as well as to the provision of related services and the granting of financial assistance in connection with such gold. The sale and supply to Sudan of certain chemicals used in gold mining and gold extraction are also prohibited. In so doing, the Federal Council is aligning itself with the EU’s decision of 13 July on sanctions against trade in gold originating in Sudan.
The bans will be incorporated into the Ordinance on measures against Sudan, through which the Federal Council has been implementing the UN sanctions relating to Sudan since 2005. The Federal Council has also been implementing the EU’s additional measures by means of the same ordinance since 2023. The Sudan Ordinance includes an arms embargo as well as targeted financial and travel sanctions against, currently, 36 individuals, entities and companies.
Strict due diligence requirements already apply in Switzerland to the import of gold and other precious metals. These are also intended to prevent trade in conflict resources.
AS 2026 462 - Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Sudan | Fedlex
RO 2026 462 - Ordonnance instituant des mesures à l'encontre du Soudan | Fedlex