Exporting from United Arab Emirates to Syria
The agreement that applies, the expected duty, and what each side asks for — for factories in United Arab Emirates selling to buyers in Syria.
Send a certificate of origin with the shipment to claim the preference.
VAT — Syria: None (no VAT); other import fees may apply
Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA / PAFTA)
- 0% customs duty
Arab-origin goods traded between members are fully exempt from customs duties and charges with equivalent effect, for both industrial and agricultural products.
Source ↗ - No non-tariff barriers, with set exceptions
Members may not apply non-tariff barriers to each other's goods, except for religious, health, security and environmental reasons. A few farm products can also be excluded temporarily during local harvest seasons (the agricultural calendar).
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Exceptions
- Syria: suspended 2011–2023
Syria's Arab League membership was suspended in 2011 and restored in May 2023, and trade with Syria was badly disrupted in between. Check Syria's current tariffs, payment channels and any sanctions before relying on GAFTA treatment.
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⚠ Before you trade
- Sanctions mostly lifted – some limits remain
The UK (April 2025) and EU (May 2025) lifted most economic sanctions; the US ended its Syria sanctions programme from 1 July 2025, repealed the Caesar Act in December 2025 and removed the terrorism-sponsor listing on 24 August 2026. Sanctions on listed persons remain, and some US-origin items still need export licences.
Source ↗ - Banking and payments are still difficult
Syrian banks are cautious: expect delays, extra due-diligence questions and transfer limits, and correspondent banking is limited. Screen your buyer against sanctions lists, use secure payment terms, and consider euro or regional-currency channels.
Source ↗ - Rules change often
Customs law, tariff, import lists and the authorities themselves changed in 2025–2026 and are still being updated. Always confirm current requirements with a licensed Syrian clearing agent before shipping.
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Importing into Syria
- Trader registration
Syrian importers need a valid commercial or industrial registration, an active tax file and registration with customs to file declarations. Regulated goods also need sector-specific approvals.
Source ↗ - Import approvals and licences
Depending on the product, imports may need an eligible importer, prior approval, an import licence or technical and sanitary inspection. Lists of restricted products change often; confirm with the Ministry of Economy and Industry before shipping.
Source ↗ - New customs law and authority (2025–2026)
A new General Authority for Borders and Customs (Decree 244, November 2025) now runs border crossings, ports, free zones and customs. Decree 109 of 2026 replaced the 2006 Customs Law, and Decree 110 introduced the new tariff from 1 June 2026.
Source ↗ - Documents and valuation
Prepare a commercial invoice showing the real transaction value, certificate of origin, packing list and transport document, with correct HS codes. Misclassification or undervaluation can lead to reassessment, fines or seizure.
Source ↗ - Used cars and other restrictions
Imports of used cars have been frozen since 29 June 2025, with limited exceptions for trucks, buses and farm machinery. Since May 2026 investors in free zones may bring in used cars only for display or dismantling, not for local sale.
Source ↗ - Israel boycott law still applies
Syria's 1956 boycott law is still in force. Goods with direct or indirect links to Israeli products or suppliers can be rejected, so check your supply chain and certificates of origin.
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