Sending a package to Lebanon – costs, customs and delivery time
Safely ship goods from Germany to Lebanon
Lebanon is a traditional trading market in the eastern Mediterranean. German companies are particularly interested in products such as machinery, spare parts, technical products, pharmaceuticals, and high-quality consumer goods.
- Shipping from Germany to Lebanon
- Parcel, express and freight solutions
- Compare carriers and shipping costs
- International shipment tracking
- Prepare customs information digitally
- Take EU preferential origin into account
- DAP and possible DDP solutions
- Solutions for regular B2B shipments
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Carefully prepare shipment to Lebanon
Fast customs clearance begins with complete product data. In addition to weight and package dimensions, the goods value, country of origin, and correct shipping method should be provided. Customs tariff number or HS code be known.
Depending on the product, import permits, technical documentation or health certificates may also be required.
Describe goods precisely
A good product description specifies the product, material, and intended use. General terms like "parts," "goods," or "samples" should be avoided.
Check preferential origin
A trade agreement exists between the EU and Lebanon. If goods meet the applicable rules of origin, customs duties may be reduced upon import. The decisive factor is the actual preferential origin, not simply the fact that the goods were shipped from Germany.
Clarify restrictions before shipping
Additional permits or certificates may be required for certain foods, plants, medicines, chemicals and other controlled products.
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Important information about customs and import duties
DAP or DDP imports to Lebanon: Who handles the import?
When shipping to Lebanon, it should be clarified before dispatch who is responsible for customs clearance and the import costs incurred.
For DAP The sender organizes transport to the agreed destination. The recipient is generally responsible for import clearance, customs duties, VAT, and other import costs.
For DDP In contrast, the sender assumes the agreed costs and obligations of the import.
A DDP solution for Lebanon should always be evaluated based on the specific goods and the available carrier services. Additional import permits or local requirements may affect the process.
We explain the differences in more detail in our guide to DAP and DDP for international shipping.
What are the customs duties in Lebanon?
The level of Lebanese import duty depends heavily on the specific goods.
Lebanese customs uses product-specific tariffs. The official customs tariff database, for example, lists rates of 5 percent for numerous goods, while other products may be duty-free or subject to significantly higher rates. For certain food groups, rates of 35 or 70 percent are also permitted.
Therefore, no flat customs duty rate should be specified for Lebanon.
The decisive factors are:
- Customs tariff number
- Type of goods
- Origin
- cart value
- possible tariff preference
The correct customs tariff number can be used to check which tariff applies to the specific goods.
You can find more information in our guide to HS code and customs tariff number.
What value-added tax (VAT) applies in Lebanon?
The regular one The VAT rate in Lebanon is 11 percent.This rule generally also applies to taxable imports of goods. However, exemptions or different regulations exist for certain goods.
This means that the total import costs can be composed of several components:
- Import duty
- 11% VAT
- Excise taxes, if applicable
- Handling or approval costs
Even with a reduced or eliminated customs duty rate, VAT can still be relevant.
VAT: 11%
How to correctly use EU preference and proof of origin
An association agreement has existed between the European Union and Lebanon since 2006. Trade in goods was subsequently liberalized gradually.
This can result in customs advantages for goods with corresponding EU preferential origin.
However, it is important:
A product does not automatically have EU preferential origin just because it is shipped from Germany.
For preferential treatment to apply, the rules of origin of the agreement must be met.
Depending on the applicable rules of origin, a EUR.1 movement certificate or a declaration of origin may be relevant as proof. In the PEM system, a declaration of origin can generally be issued by any exporter if the total value of the originating products does not exceed €6.000. For higher values, a corresponding authorization is generally required.
In 2026, the rules of origin between the EU and Lebanon were also adapted to the modernized Pan-Euro-Med system.
Especially with regular B2B shipping, a thorough check of the origin of goods is therefore worthwhile.
Sending a package to Lebanon: What companies should know
Lebanon is located on the eastern Mediterranean coast and is traditionally heavily involved in international trade flows.
For German retailers and manufacturers, the close economic ties to the European Union are particularly attractive. In 2025, the EU accounted for approximately one-third of all Lebanese trade in goods.
Despite this close connection, Lebanon is not part of the EU customs territory. Therefore, every shipment of goods from Germany must be properly documented for export and import.
What documents do I need for a shipment to Lebanon?
A commercial invoice is required for a normal sale of goods.
It should contain the following information as clearly as possible:
- Sender and recipient
- detailed product description
- number of pieces
- Value of goods and currency
- Country of origin
- Customs tariff number
- Delivery terms
Lebanese customs law generally requires information or proof of origin for foreign goods.
For free samples, replacement deliveries or other non-commercial transactions, a pro forma invoice may be used, depending on the reason for the shipment.
You can find more information in our guide. Commercial invoice or pro forma invoice.
Do not make the product description unnecessarily general.
Customs officials need to be able to identify what is actually being imported.
A description such as:
"Spare Parts"
This is not very informative.
A much better option would be, for example:
“Stainless steel pump housing for industrial filling machine”
This makes it much easier to understand the material, product type and intended use.
The right Customs tariff number This should also be determined before shipping.
Proof of origin can reduce customs costs
For goods with preferential EU origin, the EU-Lebanon agreement can be economically attractive.
If the conditions are met, imports can be subject to preferential treatment compared to the normal Lebanese customs tariff.
Therefore, proof of origin should not be created only when the goods are already in transit.
Especially for regularly exported machinery, spare parts or technical products, it is worthwhile to check whether the respective goods actually have EU preferential origin.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in Lebanon?
The delivery time depends heavily on the shipping service.
DHL Express currently lists around [number] for Beirut on Express Worldwide. 2 business daysAdditional time may be required for customs clearance of shipments.
In contrast, the current delivery time estimate for classic DHL parcel shipping is... 14 to 24 working days.
The actual duration is also influenced by the recipient's location, customs inspection, and type of goods.
Provide full address and contact details
For shipping to Lebanon, the address should be written in Latin letters and Arabic numerals.
DHL also strongly recommends providing the recipient's phone number and email address. This allows delivery information to be passed on directly and helps avoid returns due to lack of contact.
This is particularly important if the delivery address is located outside of major cities.
Compare shipping costs to Lebanon
The price depends on the specific shipment.
Particularly relevant are:
- Weight
- Dimensions
- Volumetric weight
- destination
- Type of goods
- desired duration
- Carrier
With the Shipping cost calculator from Paket International You can compare available services for your shipment.
Avoid typical mistakes when shipping to Lebanon
Thorough preparation is especially important when shipping to Lebanon. If a crucial document is missing, an already lengthy standard delivery time can quickly become even longer. A remarkably inefficient way to make paperwork more interesting.
Common problems include:
- general product descriptions
- incorrect customs tariff number
- missing or incomplete commercial invoice
- Untraceable origin of goods
- missing proof of preference
- missing import permits
- incomplete recipient data
- unaligned DAP or DDP solution
Another special feature is product-specific import restrictions. Various authorities may require technical, health, veterinary, or phytosanitary permits.
Some products are completely prohibited or severely restricted. These include, for example, certain used medical devices, as well as various types of waste and controlled goods.
Especially with regulated products, it is therefore advisable to check before booking whether import is actually possible.
What goods are shipped from Germany to Lebanon?
Lebanon is heavily reliant on international imports. Technically sophisticated and high-quality products could be of particular interest to German companies.
Typical business mailings may contain, for example:
- Machine components
- Spare parts
- Tools
- Electrical Engineering
- Measurement and testing technology
- car parts
- Medical Technology
- pharmaceutical products
- high-quality consumer goods
The European Union is Lebanon's most important trading partner. In 2025, approximately 37,7 percent of Lebanese goods imports came from the EU.
For food, medicines, plants and other regulated products, possible import permits should be checked before shipment.
You can find other shipping destinations in our Country overview.
Shipping information: Lebanon
Which shipping method is suitable for Lebanon?
For smaller goods and normal business shipments, international parcel services are an option.
If the goods are urgent, a Express shipping to Lebanon This makes sense. Spare parts or time-critical business shipments, in particular, reach Beirut significantly faster this way than with a standard service.
For larger or heavier shipments, a Pallet shipping or individual freight solutions might be more economical.
You can find all the options at international shipping methods.
How do goods get from Germany to Lebanon?
Parcel and express shipments are frequently transported via international air freight networks. Beirut is the country's most important air transport and logistics hub.
For larger quantities of goods, maritime transport also plays an important role. The port of Beirut is a major gateway for international goods deliveries.
Depending on the quantity of goods, weight and time constraints, air freight, sea freight or combined transport solutions may be appropriate.
For large or particularly heavy items, you will find further options under international freight shipping.
What import costs might arise in Lebanon?
Import costs vary significantly depending on the product.
Possible cost components include:
- Import duty
- 11% VAT
- Excise taxes, if applicable
- Handling fees
- possible approval or inspection costs
The official Lebanese customs tariff database shows that duties are directly linked to the respective customs tariff number. For example, the duty on many goods is 5 percent, while other products are duty-free or subject to significantly higher rates.
In addition, a VAT of 11 percent is normally added, unless the goods are exempt from tax.
You can find general basic information in our guide to Customs and import duties.
How much does a package to Lebanon cost?
It is not possible to reliably state a general shipping price for all shipments.
The costs depend on several factors, including:
- Weight
- Package dimensions
- Volumetric weight
- Destination address
- Runtime
- Type of goods
- selected carrier
An express parcel to Beirut is therefore calculated differently than a heavy goods delivery to a more distant region.
Via the <strong>integrated datalog</strong> the measuring values can be stored on the humimeter RH5 paper moisture meter and additional data can be added. You also have the possibility to use the Autolog function. This function automatically saves measuring values in adjustable time intervals. Shipping cost calculator Current transport options can be compared.
Shipping to Lebanon for online retailers
For online retailers, transparency regarding import costs is particularly important.
Will be via DAP When shipping, the recipient is generally responsible for customs clearance, customs duties, and VAT. This can result in additional costs after purchase.
An available DDP solution The retailer can factor these costs into their budget. However, it should first be checked whether the carrier, type of goods, and import situation actually allow for this.
Product labeling also deserves attention.
For imported goods, information such as manufacturer, country of origin, net weight, ingredients, and manufacturing and expiration dates may be required. Labels may be in Arabic, English, or French, depending on the product.
Further information regarding delivery terms can be found at DAP and DDP.
Why the origin of goods is important when shipping to Lebanon
Lebanon differs from many other third countries in its close trade relations with the European Union.
The Association Agreement between the EU and Lebanon entered into force in 2006. Mutual trade in goods was subsequently liberalized gradually.
This can make preferential origin economically relevant for German and European manufacturers.
However, the following also applies here:
A product manufactured in China does not become an EU-origin product simply because it is shipped from a German warehouse.
To qualify for a customs benefit, the respective rules of origin must actually be met.
In 2026, the original protocol in the EU-Lebanon relationship was also adapted to the current rules of the Pan-Euro-Med Convention.
Companies that regularly export to the region should therefore integrate origin of goods and preferential certificates into their shipping process in a structured manner.
Which shipping provider is suitable for Lebanon?
The appropriate shipping solution depends on the shipment.
For urgent spare parts, a short turnaround time is often paramount. For less time-critical goods, however, the more economical standard service may be more attractive.
The following should be compared:
- Shipping price
- Runtime
- Weight limits
- maximum dimensions
- Customs service
- Tracking
- Trade restrictions
Paket International allows companies to compare available carriers and shipping products for their specific shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
Can I send a package from Germany to Lebanon?
Yes. Parcels, express shipments, and business goods can be sent from Germany to Lebanon. Since Lebanon is not a member of the European Union, shipments require appropriate customs information.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in Lebanon?
It depends heavily on the service. DHL Express states a standard delivery time of around two business days for major destinations like Beirut. For standard parcel shipping, however, the current guideline is 14 to 24 business days.
What is the value-added tax (VAT) rate in Lebanon?
The standard VAT rate is 11 percent. Exceptions or tax exemptions exist for certain goods and services.
What are the customs duties in Lebanon?
The customs duty rate depends on the specific goods and their tariff number. The Lebanese customs tariff database lists rates of 0, 5, 35, or even higher percentages, depending on the product. Therefore, the specific customs duty should always be checked for each individual product.
What documents do I need for a shipment to Lebanon?
For commercial shipments, a full commercial invoice is required. Depending on the goods and import procedures, transport documents, certificates of origin, and other permits may also be necessary.
Is there a trade agreement between the EU and Lebanon?
Yes. The EU-Lebanon Association Agreement entered into force in 2006 and gradually liberalized mutual trade in goods. This can result in tariff advantages for goods with preferential origin.
Do I need a EUR.1 for Lebanon?
An EUR.1 certificate can be relevant as proof of preferential origin if the goods meet the applicable rules of origin. Alternatively, under the PEM origination scheme, declarations of origin can also be used. For originating products valued up to €6.000, such a declaration can generally be issued by any exporter.
Can I ship DDP to Lebanon?
DDP may be possible depending on the carrier, goods, and import conditions. Availability should be checked before shipment, as product-specific import regulations can affect processing.
Who pays customs duties and VAT at DAP?
Under DAP (Delivered on Postage and Delivery), the recipient is generally responsible for import clearance, customs duties, VAT and other import costs.
Which languages can I use for the customs declaration?
DHL lists English, French, and Arabic as acceptable languages for shipments to Lebanon. Additional requirements apply to certain shipping routes.
How should I address a package to Lebanon?
The address should be written in Latin letters and Arabic numerals. The recipient's telephone number and email address should also be provided so that the carrier can contact them if necessary.
Which goods are restricted when imported into Lebanon?
Various products are subject to prohibitions or licensing requirements. These include, among others, certain used medical devices, some chemicals, controlled goods, and various agricultural products. The specific regulations should always be checked against the product itself.
