Syria Customs Clearance Service: DDP Shipping and Import Procedures

Syria Customs Clearance, Syria Import, DDP Syria, Turkey Syria Shipping2026-08-29By Dexpell LogisticsUpdated: 2026-08-31

A practical guide to customs clearance in Syria for importers: required documents, duty structure, current regulatory developments, and Dexpell's DDP shipping and customs clearance service via Turkey.

Last Updated: August 29, 2026

How Does Customs Clearance Work in Syria?

Customs clearance for imports into Syria is now governed by the new General Customs Law (Decree No. 109), which took effect in May 2026, and the harmonized customs tariff schedule (Decree No. 110), applied since early June 2026. Core clearance documents include a commercial invoice, a legalized certificate of origin, a packing list, a bill of lading or air waybill, and a valid import license. Dexpell provides DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) transport and customs clearance service for Syria shipments, meaning we manage the customs process and import duties on the shipper's behalf, end to end. This guide covers the required documents, duty structure, and current regulatory developments.

Customs-Cleared Transport Routes from Turkey to Syria

The most heavily used route from Turkey to Syria runs through the Cilvegözü border crossing in Hatay province (Bab al-Hawa on the Syrian side) and the Öncüpınar crossing in Kilis (Bab al-Salameh on the Syrian side). Both crossings are undergoing capacity expansion in 2026: Cilvegözü's yard is being enlarged from 17 to 23 dunams with lanes doubling from two to four, while a new service building is under construction at Öncüpınar, both signals of growing road freight volume.

By sea, the ports of Latakia and Tartus significantly increased commercial activity in the first half of 2026, together handling roughly 945 vessels and 8 million metric tons of cargo. Tartus leads on import volume, while Latakia continues to handle regular container and general cargo traffic. On the air cargo side, Damascus International Airport has at times operated a limited and variable schedule due to periodic regional tensions, so current flight status should be confirmed before booking urgent or high-value air shipments. Dexpell plans routing, road, sea, or a combination, based on cargo type, urgency, and volume.

Recent Developments in Syrian Customs Regulation

Syria's new General Customs Law, effective May 2026, is a 264-article framework covering the organization of the customs administration, the authority of customs officers, appointment procedures, duty and tariff rules, goods-release procedures, and penalties for smuggling. The accompanying harmonized tariff schedule has applied since the start of June 2026.

On the sanctions side, the US lifted most Syria-related sanctions in July 2025 and completed the process of rescinding Syria's state sponsor of terrorism designation in August 2026. The EU lifted broad economic sanctions in May 2025, removing entities including the Central Bank of Syria, though the arms embargo and restrictions on individuals and entities linked to the former Assad regime remain in force. Because this picture continues to shift, current sanctions and regulatory status should be reconfirmed before each shipment; Dexpell builds this check into shipment planning.

Required Documents and the Clearance Process

Typical documentation for importing into Syria includes a commercial invoice, a legalized certificate of origin, a packing list, a bill of lading or air waybill, and a valid import license. For many categories of goods, an insurance certificate issued by a locally registered Syrian insurer is also required for clearance. Importers must register with the Ministry of Economy and obtain an import license, a process that typically takes 5-7 business days.

During clearance, goods are classified under the Harmonized System (HS), duty is assessed on the CIF (cost, insurance, freight) value, and applicable VAT and processing fees are paid at an authorized bank or customs office. Goods are released for delivery once payment is confirmed and documentation is approved. Because the new customs law and tariff schedule are still relatively new in practice, complete and accurate documentation and correct HS classification are especially important for avoiding delays.

Customs Duties and Cost Factors

Syria's tariff system follows the Harmonized System, with ad valorem duty rates ranging from 0% to 30% depending on product category, assessed on the CIF value (goods value plus freight and insurance). VAT and various processing or stamp fees may also apply depending on the product group.

Actual freight rates and total landed cost depend on cargo type, weight and volume, transport mode (road, sea, or air), Incoterm (EXW, FOB, FCA, DDP, etc.), destination, and seasonal demand. Rather than quoting a fixed number, we recommend requesting a current quote tailored to your specific shipment.

Dexpell's DDP Shipping and Customs Clearance Service

Dexpell provides DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) transport and customs clearance service for Syria shipments. This means Dexpell manages the entire import process on the shipper's behalf: import license and registration follow-up, HS classification, duty and VAT calculation, payment processing at the relevant bank or customs office, and final clearance and delivery to destination. This gives the buyer a single point of contact and a predictable process, without having to navigate Syrian customs procedures directly. Dexpell also plans multimodal routing across road (Cilvegözü/Öncüpınar), sea (Latakia/Tartus), and, where feasible, air, based on the nature of the cargo.

Get a Quote for Your Syria Shipment

To plan your import and customs clearance process for Syria, request a current freight and clearance cost estimate here:

https://www.dexpell.com/en/quote

For Syria shipment requests, you can also email us directly at info@dexpell.com. Our team will respond with a tailored solution based on your cargo type, origin and destination, and timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are required to import into Syria?

A commercial invoice, legalized certificate of origin, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a valid import license are the core documents. Additional certificates or a locally issued insurance document may be required depending on the product category.

How is Syrian customs duty calculated?

Duty is assessed on the CIF value under Harmonized System classification, at ad valorem rates ranging from 0% to 30% depending on product category. VAT and processing fees may also apply.

Does Dexpell offer DDP shipping to Syria?

Yes. Dexpell manages the customs process and import duties on the shipper's behalf, providing DDP transport and customs clearance service for Syria shipments.

How long does it take to get an import license?

Registration with the Ministry of Economy and the import license process typically takes 5-7 business days, though timing can vary by product category.

Which routes are used from Turkey to Syria?

By road, the Cilvegözü (Bab al-Hawa) and Öncüpınar (Bab al-Salameh) border crossings; by sea, the ports of Latakia and Tartus. Air freight is assessed based on the current operational status of Damascus International Airport.

Is insurance required for shipments to Syria?

For many product categories, an insurance certificate from a Syria-registered insurer is required for clearance. Cargo insurance is also generally recommended to cover transport risk.

Have sanctions on Syria been fully lifted?

No, not fully. The US and EU have granted broad sanctions relief, but the arms embargo and restrictions on individuals and entities tied to the former Assad regime remain in place. Current status should be reconfirmed before shipping.

What transport modes are available to Syria?

Road, sea, and, depending on operational conditions, air are all available, and a multimodal combination is often used depending on cargo type and urgency.

Is there a risk of delay in customs clearance?

Because the new customs law and tariff schedule are still relatively new in practice, incomplete or incorrect documentation can cause delays. Complete, accurately classified documentation reduces this risk.

How do I get freight and customs clearance cost information?

Freight and clearance costs vary by cargo type, volume, transport mode, and current market conditions. We recommend requesting a quote for current, shipment-specific pricing.