Syria Import Restrictions

by countryaah · Published June 2, 2019 · Updated February 13, 2025

In order to enter Syria, certain goods are subject to specific controls and, regardless of their value and quantity, they require the consent of Syria government, preferably, license must be obtained prior to passage through the customs, preventing the goods from being retained. On this page, you will see what kinds of items are prohibited from entering the Syria, and which items need special documentation before exporting to Syria.

Syria, located in the heart of the Middle East, has faced significant political and economic challenges in recent years, particularly due to the ongoing conflict in the region. Despite these challenges, Syria has maintained a regulatory framework to control and monitor imports into the country. The Syrian government has enacted import restrictions to protect public health, preserve national security, and protect local industries. These import restrictions also aim to ensure that goods entering the country are safe, meet specific regulatory standards, and are compliant with international trade agreements and protocols.

Import restrictions in Syria are primarily enforced by the Syrian Customs Directorate and other government bodies such as the Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Agriculture. These agencies ensure that imported goods comply with the country’s laws and regulations regarding quality, safety, and environmental protection. As Syria continues to deal with international sanctions, the country’s import regulations are especially crucial in determining what goods can enter and under what conditions.

Overview of Syria’s Import Regulations

Syria’s import regulations are shaped by both domestic policies and international sanctions. Due to the geopolitical context and ongoing conflict, Syria faces numerous trade restrictions from international organizations and foreign governments, which have impacted the country’s import capacity. Despite these restrictions, Syria continues to regulate imports through its domestic channels, ensuring that products meet national standards and that the country’s economy can sustain its needs.

The Syrian economy has historically been reliant on imports for key commodities such as food, pharmaceuticals, and machinery. With international sanctions impacting Syria’s ability to import certain goods, the Syrian government has placed greater emphasis on monitoring and controlling the flow of goods into the country. Import duties, tariffs, and licensing requirements are regularly updated to reflect changes in the country’s trade relationships, economic needs, and the political situation.

The Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade is responsible for overseeing and managing import regulations, while the Syrian Customs Directorate ensures that imported goods are properly documented and comply with national regulations. Other relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture, focus on specific sectors, such as pharmaceuticals and agricultural products, to ensure that these goods meet local safety standards.

Prohibited Items in Syria

Syria has a list of goods that are completely prohibited from being imported into the country. These goods are banned due to their potential risks to public health, national security, the environment, or their incompatibility with Syria’s economic needs. These restrictions are enforced strictly by the relevant authorities, and violators of these regulations may face penalties, including confiscation of goods, fines, or even legal action.

Hazardous and Toxic Materials

Syria’s import regulations heavily restrict the entry of hazardous and toxic materials, as these substances pose significant risks to the health of the population, the environment, and national security. These regulations ensure that only safe goods are allowed into the country, and that harmful substances are kept out.

Asbestos: The importation of asbestos is strictly prohibited in Syria. Asbestos is a known carcinogen and poses significant health risks, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and respiratory issues. Syria follows international guidelines and treaties that regulate the trade of hazardous materials, ensuring that asbestos does not enter the country.
Radioactive Materials: The importation of radioactive materials is restricted in Syria to prevent any harmful exposure to radiation. These materials pose long-term health risks, and the government enforces strict regulations to ensure that only authorized entities handle radioactive substances in a controlled environment. Importing radioactive materials without proper authorization is prohibited and subject to severe penalties.
Toxic Chemicals: Certain chemicals and pesticides are banned from being imported into Syria due to their harmful effects on human health, wildlife, and the environment. These chemicals may include persistent organic pollutants (POPs), industrial chemicals, and pesticides that have been deemed hazardous under international agreements. Syria has made efforts to align its regulations with global standards for environmental protection and public health.

Counterfeit and Substandard Goods

The importation of counterfeit and substandard goods is prohibited in Syria to protect consumers and businesses from the dangers of poor-quality products. Counterfeit goods often fail to meet safety and quality standards, and they may also infringe on intellectual property rights. Syria enforces laws to prevent the entry of counterfeit products, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and luxury goods.

Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals: The importation of counterfeit drugs is strictly regulated in Syria. Counterfeit medicines may contain harmful or ineffective ingredients that can pose serious health risks to the population. The Ministry of Health closely monitors the importation of pharmaceutical products to ensure that all medicines entering Syria are safe, effective, and approved by regulatory authorities.
Pirated Goods: The importation of pirated goods, such as unauthorized copies of films, software, and books, is illegal in Syria. These products infringe on intellectual property laws and undermine the local economy by violating copyright protection. Syria has enacted laws that prohibit the trade of pirated goods, and the government takes action to prevent the illegal entry of these products into the country.
Substandard Electronics and Electrical Equipment: The importation of electronics that do not meet safety standards is prohibited in Syria. These goods may pose risks such as electrical malfunctions, fires, or other hazards to users. The Syrian government enforces regulations that require all imported electronics to meet national safety standards to ensure that they do not endanger the health and safety of consumers.

Endangered Species and Products Derived from Them

Syria has adopted regulations to protect endangered species and their products. As a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Syria enforces strict regulations that prevent the importation of goods derived from endangered animals and plants.

Ivory and Rhino Horn: The importation of ivory and rhino horn is prohibited in Syria in accordance with international wildlife protection conventions. These goods are often illegally obtained through poaching, and their trade contributes to the decline of endangered species. Syria’s enforcement of these restrictions is in line with global conservation efforts to protect wildlife.
Exotic Animal Parts: The importation of exotic animal parts, such as skins, furs, and bones, is also restricted. Syria regulates the trade of animal products derived from endangered species and ensures that these products do not enter the country. These measures help to combat illegal wildlife trade and protect biodiversity.

Products Requiring an Import License

While some goods are outright prohibited from entering Syria, there are others that require an import license before they can be brought into the country. These products must meet specific safety, health, and quality standards, and the importation process for these goods is subject to careful scrutiny by government authorities. Import licenses are issued by the relevant ministries, and only licensed entities are permitted to import these products.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices

The importation of pharmaceuticals and medical devices is heavily regulated in Syria to ensure that these products meet the necessary standards for safety, efficacy, and quality. The Ministry of Health is responsible for overseeing the importation of these products and ensuring that they are safe for use by the population.

Prescription Medicines: Importers of prescription drugs must obtain approval from the Ministry of Health and submit the required documentation, including evidence that the products meet national regulatory standards. The importation of medicines is closely monitored to prevent the entry of counterfeit or substandard drugs into the country. The Ministry of Health ensures that all imported pharmaceutical products are safe and effective for use.
Medical Equipment: The importation of medical equipment, such as diagnostic tools, surgical instruments, and hospital machinery, requires a license from the Ministry of Health. These products must meet international safety standards, and importers are required to provide certification that the equipment complies with national health regulations. Medical devices that do not meet these requirements are not permitted to enter Syria.

Firearms, Ammunition, and Explosives

The importation of firearms, ammunition, and explosives is subject to strict control in Syria due to national security concerns. These goods are heavily regulated to ensure that they are used only for legitimate purposes, such as law enforcement or military applications.

Firearms: Importers of firearms must apply for an import license from the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The licensing process involves a review of the applicant’s background and the intended use of the firearms. Firearms are typically imported for law enforcement, military, or sporting purposes, and any unauthorized importation of firearms is subject to severe penalties.
Ammunition and Explosives: The importation of ammunition and explosives is similarly controlled. Importers must provide justification for the intended use of the goods and ensure that they comply with Syria’s national security and safety regulations. These goods are inspected and require authorization from the relevant authorities before being allowed entry into the country.

Agricultural Products and Live Animals

The importation of agricultural products and live animals is another area where Syria imposes regulations. These goods require an import license to ensure that they meet health and safety standards and do not introduce pests or diseases to the country.

Live Animals: The importation of live animals, including livestock and exotic species, requires an import license from the Ministry of Agriculture. These animals must be certified as disease-free and must meet Syria’s quarantine and health standards before entering the country. Live animals are subject to inspections and must comply with Syria’s veterinary regulations.
Agricultural Products: Agricultural products, such as seeds, fruits, vegetables, and plant materials, are regulated to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases that could harm local agriculture. Importers must obtain a license from the Ministry of Agriculture and submit phytosanitary certificates from the country of origin to verify that the products meet Syria’s health and safety standards.

Food and Beverages

The importation of food and beverages is carefully controlled to ensure that imported goods are safe for consumption. The Ministry of Health regulates the entry of food products into Syria and ensures that they meet national safety and quality standards.

Processed Foods: Importers of processed foods, including canned goods, snacks, and beverages, must obtain an import license from the Ministry of Health. These goods are subject to inspection to ensure that they comply with Syria’s food safety regulations. Imported food products must meet labeling, quality, and health requirements to ensure that they are safe for public consumption.
Meat and Dairy Products: The importation of meat, dairy, and other animal-based food products is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Health. These products must comply with health and safety standards and must be certified by veterinary authorities in the country of origin. Importers must provide health certificates to demonstrate that the products meet Syria’s requirements.

Enforcement of Import Restrictions

The enforcement of import restrictions is the responsibility of the Syrian Customs Directorate, which monitors the flow of goods across Syria’s borders. Customs officers inspect shipments at various points of entry, including airports, seaports, and land borders, to ensure that goods meet the country’s import regulations.

Customs Inspections

Customs officers conduct routine inspections of goods entering Syria to verify compliance with import regulations. This includes checking documentation such as invoices, import permits, health certificates, and licenses. Goods that do not meet regulatory standards are either denied entry or confiscated, and importers may face fines or legal action.

Penalties for Violations

Violating Syria’s import regulations can lead to significant penalties, including fines, confiscation of goods, and legal action. Importers who attempt to bring in prohibited goods or fail to obtain the necessary licenses may face criminal charges. The government of Syria enforces these penalties to protect public health, safety, and national security, ensuring that only legitimate and safe products enter the country.