Among the companies targeted are two involved in the manufacture of weapons and vehicles for the Sudanese armed forces and three involved in procuring military equipment for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

Both sides have been accused of war crimes during the conflict, which erupted last April, and has left thousands dead and millions of people displaced.

In a statement, the EU said it remained deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Sudan and reaffirmed its support for the Sudanese people.

All diplomatic efforts to try to halt the conflict have so far failed.