Exporting from Syria to Kuwait
The agreement that applies, the expected duty, and what each side asks for — for factories in Syria selling to buyers in Kuwait.
Send a certificate of origin with the shipment to claim the preference.
VAT — Kuwait: None (no VAT as of 2026)
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2025) and EU (May 2025) lifted most economic sanctions; the US ended its Syria sanctions programme from 1 July 2025, repealed the Caesar Act in December 2025 and removed the terrorism-sponsor listing on 24 August 2026.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 Kuwait
- Import licence (Kuwaiti holder)
Importers must be Kuwaiti citizens or Kuwait-based companies registered with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The import licence is valid one year, renewable, and covers many shipments; the bill of lading must show the licence holder's name. Machinery, pharmaceuticals and some other goods need extra licences.
Source ↗ - Product conformity: KUCAS (PAI)
Under the Public Authority for Industry's KUCAS scheme, shipments of regulated products (such as automotive parts, chemicals, toys and household electrical and gas appliances) must carry a Technical Inspection Report (TIR) and Technical Evaluation Report (TER) from an approved body.
Source ↗ - GCC G-mark for toys and low-voltage goods
Products covered by GCC technical regulations, starting with children's toys and low-voltage electrical equipment, must carry the GCC conformity mark (G-mark) issued under the GSO system.
Source ↗ - Documents and legalization
Commercial shipments need a commercial invoice and certificate of origin (one original and two copies each), a packing list and the bill of lading or airway bill. The invoice and certificate of origin should be legalized by a chamber of commerce; if the goods contain foreign parts, state their origin.
Source ↗ - Arabic labelling and origin marking
Food labels must include Arabic (multi-language labels are fine) with name, batch, ingredients, expiry date, maker and storage details. All imported goods need an origin mark that cannot be removed or altered; meat and poultry labels must state halal slaughter.
Source ↗ - Banned and restricted goods
Banned: pork products, alcohol, gambling machines, pornography, narcotics, used medical equipment and cars older than 10 years. Firearms and explosives need special approval.
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