# Libya (LY) **Capital:** Tripoli **Currency:** Libyan Dinar (LYD) **Population:** 7,381,023 — Older stored figure; source year not documented. **Area:** 1,759,540 km² > Libya is a North African energy exporter with a long Mediterranean coast and the ports of Tripoli, Misrata, Benghazi and Khoms plus dedicated oil terminals. There is no VAT; customs duties were largely abolished in 2005, replaced by a 5 percent service fee on import value. An ECTN/BSC cargo tracking note is mandatory. Political division, a UN arms embargo and foreign-currency shortages raise handling risk. Libya (LY) lies in North Africa along the Mediterranean, bordering Tunisia, Algeria, Niger, Chad, Sudan and Egypt. Since the fall of the Gaddafi regime the country has been politically divided between competing administrations in the west and east, which complicates trade and regulation. The economy depends heavily on oil and gas, which dominate exports and state revenue, while machinery, vehicles, food and consumer goods are imported. There is no VAT; customs duties were largely abolished in 2005 (except tobacco) and replaced by a 5 percent service fee on import value plus about 0.5 percent other charges. An ECTN/BSC cargo tracking note has been mandatory since 2015, and in 2026 the Ministry of Economy introduced a Unified Digital Trade System. Logistics run through the Mediterranean ports of Tripoli, Misrata (with a free zone), Benghazi and Khoms plus dedicated oil terminals such as Es Sider, Ras Lanuf, Marsa el Brega and Zueitina; air freight uses Mitiga (MJI), Benina (BEN) and Misrata (MRA). A UN arms embargo, in place since 2011 and extended to August 2027 by Resolution 2819 (2026), and chronic foreign-currency shortages raise handling risk. The national currency is the Libyan Dinar (LYD). **Top Import Partners:** TR, CN, IT, DE, EG **Top Export Partners:** IT, DE, FR, ES, CN **Top Import Goods:** Machinery, Vehicles, Food, Consumer goods, Chemicals **Top Export Goods:** Crude oil, Refined petroleum products, Natural gas, Petrochemicals **Key Airports:** - [Mitiga International Airport (MJI)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/mitiga-international-airport-mji) - [Al Abraq International Airport (LAQ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/al-abraq-international-airport-laq) - [Benina International Airport (BEN)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/benina-international-airport-ben) - [Bombah Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/bombah-airport-4015) - [Brak Airport (BCQ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/brak-airport-bcq) - [Ghadames East Airport (LTD)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/ghadames-east-airport-ltd) - [Ghat Airport (GHT)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/ghat-airport-ght) - [Kufra Airport (AKF)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/kufra-airport-akf) - [Marsa al Brega Airport (LMQ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/marsa-al-brega-airport-lmq) - [Sabha Airport (SEB)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/sabha-airport-seb) ## Customs & Import **Import VAT:** No VAT. Customs duties abolished in 2005 (except on tobacco). Service fee of 5 percent on the import value plus around 0,5 percent other charges (as of 2026). **Customs complexity:** High **Customs system:** Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN/BSC) mandatory since 2015; in 2026 the Ministry of Economy introduced a Unified Digital Trade System for import tracking. **Customs authority:** [Libyan Customs Authority (Maslahat al-Jamarik)](https://customs.gov.ly/) ## Logistics & Risk **Logistics role:** Energy exporter (oil/gas) with Mediterranean ports **Economic area:** GAFTA / COMESA / Arab League **Logistics risk:** High **Dangerous goods relevance:** high **Pharma/cold chain:** medium ## FAQ ### Is there a value added tax (VAT) on imports in Libya? No. Libya does not levy value added tax (VAT). Customs duties were largely abolished in 2005 (except on tobacco). Instead, a service fee of 5 percent applies to the import value, plus around 0,5 percent in other charges. There are also no excise duties (as of 2026, PwC). ### Which authority is responsible for customs in Libya? The responsible body is the Libyan Customs Authority (Maslahat al-Jamarik), which reports to the Office of the Prime Minister and monitors imports and exports at all land, sea and air ports. Official website: customs.gov.ly. ### What is the ECTN/BSC and is it mandatory for Libya? The Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN), also called BSC, has been mandatory for all sea freight shipments to Libya since 2015. It must be validated before the ship arrives; the reference number must appear on the bill of lading and manifest. If it is missing or incorrect, penalty fees may apply. ### What are the main ports of Libya? The main ports are Tripoli (largest port), Misrata (busiest container port, with free trade zone), Benghazi in the east, and Khoms. In addition, specialized oil terminals include Es Sider, Ras Lanuf, Marsa el Brega and Zueitina. ### Is Libya subject to international sanctions? Yes. Since 2011, a UN arms embargo has been in place, which was extended by Resolution 2819 (2026) until August 2027. A Panel of Experts monitors compliance, and ship inspections target illegal oil exports. General trade goods are not comprehensively sanctioned. ### Which trade agreements does Libya use? Libya is a founding member of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA, since 1997) and has been a member of the COMESA free trade area since 2006. Preferences require GAFTA or COMESA certificates of origin, respectively. ### What special risks apply to deliveries to Libya? The political division into western and eastern administrations, security risks, changing regulations, as well as currency shortages and difficult payment processing are the greatest challenges. In spring, sandstorms (Ghibli) can further disrupt supply chains. ## Sources & Last Verified - [https://customs.gov.ly/](https://customs.gov.ly/) - [https://customs.gov.ly](https://customs.gov.ly) - [https://press.un.org](https://press.un.org) - [https://data.worldbank.org](https://data.worldbank.org) - [https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/libya/corporate/other-taxes](https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/libya/corporate/other-taxes) - [https://press.un.org/en/2026/sc16337.doc.htm](https://press.un.org/en/2026/sc16337.doc.htm) - [https://unscr.com/en/resolutions/2819/](https://unscr.com/en/resolutions/2819/) - [https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL?locations=LY](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL?locations=LY) *Last verified: 2026-06-25* --- *Freight Academy — Country Profile: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/ly](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/ly)* *Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/country/en/ly](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/country/en/ly)*