Country profile
Lebanon
LB · LBNAs of: 6/25/2026Levant port location / crisis-shaped import market
Lebanon is a Levantine port hub on the eastern Mediterranean with high import dependence. Customs run on ASYCUDA World; import VAT is 11 percent. The economic and currency crisis and the rebuilding of the Port of Beirut shape logistics. Goods of Israeli origin are prohibited.
Overview
Lebanon (ISO code: LB) lies in the Middle East on the eastern Mediterranean coast, bordering Syria and Israel. It is a parliamentary democracy with a confession-based power-sharing system and has faced severe crises for years. The climate is Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, while the inland mountains are colder. Economically, Lebanon has suffered hyperinflation and a banking-sector collapse since 2019; the Port of Beirut was largely destroyed by an explosion in 2020 and is being rebuilt. Foreign trade has shrunk sharply and dependence on imported essentials is high. Customs are processed via ASYCUDA World; import VAT is 11 percent. Goods of Israeli origin are banned under the 1955 boycott law. The currency is the Lebanese Pound (LBP), heavily devalued, with the US dollar dominant in parallel. Key logistics nodes are the Port of Beirut, the Port of Tripoli and Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY).
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Lebanese Customs (Douanes Libanaises), under the Ministry of FinanceImport system
ASYCUDA World (since 2008) via the NOOR/NAJM platform of the Lebanese customs administration.
Export system
Electronic export declaration via ASYCUDA World (NOOR/NAJM) of the Lebanese customs administration.
Import VAT
- 11 percent standard rate (TVA)
- cabinet decision of February 2026 to raise it to 12 percent not yet in force. Additional fee of 3 percent on VAT-liable imports.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin (without Israeli components)
- Bill of lading/air waybill
- ASYCUDA import declaration
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin from the Chamber of Commerce
- EUR.1 (EU/EFTA)
- ASYCUDA export declaration
Origin proofs / FTA
EUR.1 for EU Association Agreement and EFTA FTA; certificate of origin from the Chamber of Commerce for GAFTA.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Goods of Israeli origin prohibited (Boycott Law 1955); proof without Israeli components required. Weapons, drugs and certain chemicals regulated.
Export controls & sanctions
The Israel boycott (Law 1955) is enforced. US and EU sanctions target persons and entities close to Hezbollah, not the state as such.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Asia) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Asia. Product requirements, certificates, and clearance processes can vary significantly by destination.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Depending on goods: certificates/compliance documents
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Cargo airports
- Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)
Seaports / access ports
- Port of Beirut
- Port of Tripoli
- Port of Saida (Sidon)
Road corridors & border crossings
- Beirut-Damascus (Masnaa border)
- Coastal motorway Beirut-Tripoli
- Beirut-Saida-Tyre
Top trade lanes
- China-Beirut
- Turkey-Beirut
- EU (Italy/Greece)-Beirut
- Gulf states-Beirut
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Economic and currency crisis since 2019, weak infrastructure, political instability and regional tensions increase transport, insurance and payment risks.
Seasonal & weather risks
Mediterranean climate; wet, stormy winters can affect sea traffic, hot dry summers. Snow in mountain regions in winter.
Current logistics notes
Port of Beirut rebuilding after the 2020 explosion; container terminal since 2022 under the CMA Terminals concession. Official rate around 89'500 LBP/USD; USD dominates in parallel.
As of: 2026-06-25
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
No news for this country yet.
View all news →Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- customs.gov.lb
- economy.gov.lb
- finance.gov.lb
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What is the import VAT rate in Lebanon?
The standard TVA rate is 11 percent. A cabinet decision from February 2026 to raise it to 12 percent is not yet in force (parliamentary approval pending). An additional fee of 3 percent is also charged on VAT-liable imports.
Which customs system does Lebanon use?
The Lebanese customs administration (Lebanese Customs / Douanes Libanaises) has used ASYCUDA World since 2008. Declarations are submitted electronically via the NOOR/NAJM platform at customs.gov.lb.
Can goods from Israel be imported into Lebanon?
No. The 1955 Boycott Law prohibits the import and trade of goods of Israeli origin. Importers must provide a certificate of origin confirming that the goods contain no Israeli components.
Which free trade agreements does Lebanon have?
Lebanon has an EU Association Agreement (in force since 2006), an EFTA Free Trade Agreement (since 1 July 2007) and membership in the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA). For the EU/EFTA, EUR.1 serves as proof of origin.
What is the condition of the Port of Beirut?
The port was severely damaged by an explosion in 2020 and is being rebuilt. The container terminal has been operated by CMA Terminals since 2022; in 2025, throughput again reached record levels. Parts of general cargo traffic were temporarily routed via the Port of Tripoli.
What is the currency in Lebanon and how stable is it?
The official currency is the Lebanese pound (LBP), which has been heavily devalued since 2019. The official rate is around 89'500 LBP per US dollar. In practice, the US dollar dominates trade.
Which documents are required for imports?
Typical documents are the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin (confirming no Israeli components), bill of lading or air waybill, and the electronic ASYCUDA import declaration.
Which trade partners are important for Lebanon?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Lebanon?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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