Country profile
Syria
SY · SYRAs of: 6/30/2026Levant coastal state on the Mediterranean; reconstruction and transit market between Turkey, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon.
Following the fall of the Assad regime (December 2024), Syria is a recovering Levant market with a Mediterranean coastline. The main seaport is Latakia, whose container terminal is being modernised by CMA CGM; Tartus is operated by DP World. Damascus and Aleppo airports have resumed international scheduled traffic. Comprehensive US, EU and Swiss sanctions were lifted in 2025, while targeted sanctions remain. Customs run on ASYCUDA World; a new sales-tax system takes effect in 2026.
Overview
Syria lies in Western Asia, bordering Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Israel and Lebanon, with a Mediterranean coastline. After the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, the country entered a reconstruction phase under a transitional government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The economy rests on agriculture, oil and gas, industry and services, with infrastructure heavily damaged by years of conflict. Logistically, Syria relies on the seaports of Latakia and Tartus, the airports of Damascus and Aleppo, and road and rail links that are only partly operational. The currency is the Syrian pound (SYP). During 2025 the United States, the EU and Switzerland lifted their comprehensive economic sanctions, opening the way for foreign investment in ports, energy and reconstruction, while targeted sanctions on former regime figures remain in force.
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
General Authority for Borders and Customs (General Authority for Borders and Customs; Decree 244 of 23.11.2025, formerly General Directorate of Customs)Import system
Electronic customs declaration via ASYCUDA World (asycuda.customs.gov.sy), processed by licensed customs agents. Customs tariff 2025/2026 reformed; according to the customs authority, rates reduced by 50 to 60 percent.
Export system
Electronic export declaration via ASYCUDA World with the General Authority for Borders and Customs; exports are exempt from the new sales tax (zero rate).
Import VAT
- No classic VAT. New sales tax law with tiered rates of 5, 10, 15 to 45 percent (luxury) replaces the consumption tax in 2026
- basic goods exempt, exports zero rate (status 2026: introduction).
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin
- Bill of lading / waybill
- Import licence
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin
- Export declaration
Origin proofs / FTA
Proofs of origin under the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA / Arab League). There is no free trade agreement with Switzerland or EFTA; no preferential agreement with the EU.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Numerous goods require import licences; restrictions apply to weapons, dual-use goods and certain luxury goods, among others. Import regulations are currently changing during the reconstruction phase.
Export controls & sanctions
Comprehensive sanctions lifted in 2025: USA (EO 14312, 1.7.2025; Caesar Act 18.12.2025), EU (28.5.2025), Switzerland/SECO (20.6.2025). Targeted sanctions against Assad-linked actors and US export controls partly remain in force.
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
Common pitfalls
- Vague description or missing HS codes → delays and clarifications
- Incoterms unclear: who clears customs/pays charges?
- Incomplete origin data → preferential treatment may not apply
- Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
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
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- Damaskus International (DAM)
- Aleppo International (ALP)
- Bassel al-Assad / Latakia (LTK)
Seaports / access ports
- Latakia (main container port, CMA CGM / LICT)
- Tartus (multipurpose terminal, DP World)
- Baniyas (oil port)
Road corridors & border crossings
- M5 Damascus-Homs-Hama-Aleppo
- M4 Latakia-Aleppo
- Bab al-Hawa border crossing (Turkey)
- Nassib/Jaber (Jordan)
Rail corridors
- Syrian Railways (Chemins de Fer Syriens, CFS), heavily damaged by war
- Damascus-Homs-Aleppo-Latakia axis (under reconstruction)
Top trade lanes
- Turkey-Syria
- China-Latakia
- UAE-Syria
- Lebanon-Syria
- Iraq-Syria
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Post-war and reconstruction phase following the fall of the Assad regime (December 2024). Security situation uneven across regions, infrastructure partly destroyed, banking connections being rebuilt. Continue to check sanctions compliance carefully despite relaxation.
Seasonal & weather risks
Mediterranean coastal climate with hot dry summers and cool, rainy winters on the coast; arid interior. Weather risks for logistics are low compared with security and infrastructure risks.
Current logistics notes
2025 turning point: CMA CGM is modernising the Latakia container terminal (about 230 million euros, 30 years), DP World operates the Tartus multipurpose terminal (800 million USD). Damascus and Aleppo are back in international liner services.
As of: 2026-06-30
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.sy
- seco.admin.ch
- consilium.europa.eu
- ofac.treasury.gov
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Are sanctions still in place against Syria?
The comprehensive economic sanctions were lifted in 2025 (USA under EO 14312 as of 1.7.2025, Caesar Act on 18.12.2025; EU on 28.5.2025; Switzerland/SECO on 20.6.2025). Targeted sanctions against figures of the former Assad regime, human rights violators, Captagon networks and certain US export controls remain in place. A case-by-case review remains necessary.
Which port is most important for imports to Syria?
Latakia is the most important container port; CMA CGM is modernising the terminal (about 230 million euros, 30-year contract, target of over 1 million TEU). Tartus is operated by DP World (800 million USD) and serves as a multipurpose terminal. Baniyas is the oil port.
Is there VAT in Syria?
So far there is no classic VAT, but a consumption/expenditure tax. A new sales tax law with tiered rates (5, 10, 15 to 45 percent for luxury goods) is due to enter into force in 2026; basic goods are exempt, and exports are taxed at a zero rate.
How does customs clearance work?
Clearance is carried out electronically via ASYCUDA World; declarations are filed by a licensed customs agent with the General Authority for Borders and Customs (established by Decree 244 of 23.11.2025). The customs tariff was reformed in 2025/2026 and, according to the authority, significantly reduced.
Are Syria's airports back in operation?
Yes. Damascus International resumed operations in early January 2025, followed by Aleppo; more than a dozen Arab and international airlines again serve the country on scheduled routes.
Is there a free trade agreement with Switzerland or the EU?
No. There is no free trade or preferential agreement with Switzerland, EFTA or the EU. However, Syria is a member of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) of the Arab League.
What is the current logistics and security situation?
Syria is in the reconstruction phase. Parts of the infrastructure are destroyed, the security situation is uneven across regions, and banking connectivity is still being rebuilt. However, major investments by CMA CGM, DP World and AD Ports signal the beginning of a recovery.
Which trade partners are important for Syria?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Syria?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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