Import Regulations – Syria

Import control is administered by the Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade of Syria who also issue import licenses. Practically all imports require an import license.

It is prohibited to import into Syria the following items:
• narcotics;
• devices for use in opium smoking;
• strong psychotrophic substances;
• weapons;
• pornographic material;
• products that compete with locally produced goods, including cheese and fruits (except for bananas);
• furniture.

Product certification, labeling and packaging
Animals, plants and their products require sanitary certificates issued by an approved authority in Australia.

Pharmaceutical and medical products entering Syria for the first time require a certificate of free sale issued by the Therapeutic Goods Administration or the National Registration Authority for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals.

Food and dairy products should be labeled in Arabic, or bilingual labels, and include the following details:
• ingredients;
• name of producer/exporter;
• expiry date;
• date of manufacturing.

There are no restrictions in use of packing materials. Items of import should be securely packed, having due regard to the nature of the goods, means of transport and likely climatic conditions during transit.

Documentary requirements
The following documents are required for customs clearance:
• a valid import license (if required);
• set of clean bill of lading;
• copies of packing list;
• original copies of the commercial invoice;
• copies of certificate of origin;
• an Arab Boycott Compliance Certificate may be required for certain imports.

Pro-forma invoice is required by importer to obtain import license and subsequent foreign exchange.
2 original copies of commercial invoice describing type of goods, price, basic specifications and method of payment are necessary. In addition to this 6 copies must be signed and stamped by the exporter.

Bill of lading must include detailed description of shipment. It is necessary to have a set of clean bill of lading plus 1 non- negotiable copy issued to the Commercial Bank of Syria  and marked In Order to (as applicable to) and Freight prepaid.

6 copies of a packing list, including gross and net weights, contract number and batch number are required.

5 copies of the certificate of origin, certified by the Syrian Embassy in Australia and the exporting firm’s chamber of commerce.

3 copies of a certificate of analysis is required for some chemical products showing manufacturing and expiry dates.