Syria

Distributing a product

Distribution network

Two types of distribution circuits can be listed:
on the public side, an import monopoly is held in a specific sector by a structure which has its own distribution network.
On the private side, the concept of mass distribution does not exist. The import agents who are also wholesale distributors work for companies. There are no supermarkets or hypermarkets, and consumer goods sales points are the retailers. The role of salesmen is reduced to the role of an advisor. Lots of progress remain to be done for the products' shelf space, their presentation etc.
Thanks to the growth and improvement in the means of transport, distribution is facilitated and faster. Moreover, it is to be known that the notion of quality is relatively important which is often a plus point in favour of foreign products.

Market access procedures

Commercial policy

All imports are generally subject to an import license, less and less difficult to obtain. There are forbidden imports and others that are imported by the State or by companies.
There are prohibited imports, which are narcotics, appliances, food products likely to compete with the local ones, cheese and fruits.

Import procedures and custom duties

Any good imported from abroad is subject to the payment of duties and taxes. Import duties vary between 1 and 200% and the amount of customs duties varies according to the estimated necessity of a product by the Syrian Government. Raw materials are subject to a 5-10% duty, industries equipment 10-20%, food products 1-15% and machines 30-60%. Tourist vehicles weighing less than 1 ton are taxed at 150% and on heavier vehicles the duty levied is 200%. Then, an additional charge is imposed on products meant to be sold to military barracks, schools and municipalities. This additional charge is assessed at 6 and 35%.

Import taxes (excluding consumer taxes)

Identifying a supplier

Business directories

Domestic Trade Agencies and their representations abroad

Damascus Chamber of Industry

Organizing goods transport

By sea

As for maritime transport, the most important ports (Tartous, Lattaquie, Banias) are located on the Mediterranean side: the traffic is modest but constantly improving. Lattaquie is specialised in trade and works with private companies. The port of Tartous is a military port with a petroleum terminal.

By air

The maintenance of the planes of the domestic fleet, Syrian Air, does not call any particular comment. Cancellations without previous notice can occur.

By road

The road transport network is in a good state. In 1993, there were 36,377 kms of road in Syria. The main axis are served by national highways or two-lane roads. 90% of the freight is carried by road and not by railway.

Useful resources

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