EU bans Sudanese gold, restricts mining chemicals

The European Union on Monday banned the purchase, import and transfer of gold originating in Sudan and prohibited the sale, supply, transfer and export of mercury and cyanide to the country, officials said. Market reaction pending.

EU bans Sudanese gold imports

The Council of the EU said the measures are intended to choke off a major funding channel for the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which has been active since April 2023. Officials said the rules also aim to block routes that route Sudanese gold into the bloc via third countries.

The package expands an existing sanctions framework created in October 2023: officials said the regime already covers 18 individuals and 8 entities and has been extended to October 2026. Data showed the EU has provided close to 600 million euros in humanitarian aid to Sudan since 2023 and pledged a further 812 million euros in April.

Officials said the measures stop short of listing entities linked to the United Arab Emirates, a restraint that diplomats expect will shape ties with Gulf partners as the bloc enforces the new rules. Humanitarian groups and some member states had pushed for wider financial and diplomatic targeting.

Implementation and customs guidance will be the immediate operational test; watch for member-state enforcement rules and EU-level guidance by July 21, 2026.