🇸🇾 Import Customs & Duties: Syria
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
No functioning VAT system. Pre-war VAT was planned at 10% but never implemented. Different taxes in different zones.
Clearance Time
7-30+ (extremely variable) days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 10-30% (nominal) | 85 |
| Clothing | 15-40% (nominal) | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 15-40% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-40% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 5-15% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 20-40% | 33 |
| Books | 0-5% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 15-30% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Syrian General Directorate of Customs and Excise nominally manages imports in Assad government areas. Severely disrupted by civil war since 2011. Multiple areas under different control (government, SDF/Kurdish, HTS/rebel). Government areas use Damascus customs. Latakia port is the main functioning government-controlled port. COMPREHENSIVE US and EU sanctions restrict most trade. Post-2024 political changes may alter the situation.
What to Actually Expect
WAR-DEVASTATED since 2011. Customs non-functional in many areas. US and EU COMPREHENSIVE SANCTIONS restrict most commercial trade. Major carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) DO NOT serve Syria. Very limited shipping options, mainly through Lebanon, Turkey, or Dubai intermediaries and often legally grey. Banking system largely non-functional for international transfers. Syrian pound collapsed. Risk of shipment seizure by various factions. Post-2024 political transitions creating uncertainty. NOT RECOMMENDED for commercial shipping, verify latest sanctions status before any trade.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Comprehensive import licensing nominally required. Many goods banned or restricted due to war economy. Foreign currency controls severely limit imports. US/EU sanctions prohibit export of many goods to Syria from Western countries. Different rules in different zones of control.
Certificate of Origin
Syrian Chambers of Commerce in government areas. Extremely limited functioning trade agreements. GAFTA membership suspended. Most international trade severely restricted by sanctions.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Popular routes to Syria
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Syria?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Syria is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Syria?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Syria is 15%. VAT applies to: No functioning VAT system. Pre-war VAT was planned at 10% but never implemented. Different taxes in different zones.
How long does customs clearance take in Syria?
Typical customs clearance in Syria takes 7-30+ (extremely variable) days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Syria?
To import into Syria, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Syria?
Syria prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.