Libya: import and export rules
Libya imports most of its food, consumer and industrial goods, and most import payments run through letters of credit at the Central Bank's official rate. Institutions are split between rival governments in Tripoli and the east, so procedures and fees can vary and change often.
⚠ Before you trade
- Divided institutions
Libya has rival governments in Tripoli and the east. In 2024 a dispute over the Central Bank froze banking operations and halted oil output for weeks. Confirm current rules with your buyer, bank and clearing agent before shipping.
Source ↗ - Foreign currency limits
Hard currency for letters of credit is allocated by the Central Bank in batches, and the parallel market rate is well above the official rate (2026). Payment can be delayed; prefer confirmed letters of credit.
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Importing into Libya
- Importer registration and LC eligibility
The importer needs a commercial registration and business licences. Since January 2025 the Central Bank classifies companies allowed to open letters of credit at the official rate into 12 product groups (food, building materials, electronics, etc.).
Source ↗ - Pre-shipment inspection certificate (VoC)
Under Central Bank Resolution 96/2015, imports paid by letter of credit need an inspection/conformity certificate from an approved body. Bureau Veritas says certificates will no longer be issued on arrival in Libya from 1 September 2026, so arrange inspection before shipping.
Source ↗ - Libyan standards (LNCSM)
Goods such as food, toys, cosmetics and clothing must meet Libyan standards set by LNCSM, or international standards where no Libyan one exists. Test reports should come from ISO/IEC 17025 accredited labs, and markings and instructions must be at least in Arabic.
Source ↗ - Advance Cargo Information (ACI) number
Since 1 November 2024 every shipment to Libya needs an ACI number from Libyan Customs (aci.customs.gov.ly) before loading. The number and its approval date must appear on the bill of lading; carriers refuse cargo without it.
Source ↗ - Certificate of origin and legalization
The certificate of origin and commercial invoice must be certified by the chamber of commerce in the exporting country and then legalized by the Libyan embassy. The embassy processes the certificate of origin only together with its invoice.
Source ↗ - Documents and Arabic labels
Customs needs the original bill of lading, invoices, packing list, certificate of origin and, for food, a health certificate. Food must be registered with the Ministry of Economy and labelled in Arabic with product name, net weight, exporter and importer details, expiry date and ingredients.
Source ↗ - Banned goods (examples)
Banned imports include pork and pork products, all alcoholic drinks, bread improvers containing potassium bromate and live poultry for slaughter. The Central Bank also keeps a list of goods that cannot be financed.
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