Sending a package to Syria: Customs, sanctions and shipping 2026
From Germany to Damascus, Aleppo or Latakia: current rules for business shipments
Shipping from Germany to Syria will be undergoing a fundamental transformation in 2026. Many previous EU economic sanctions were lifted in 2025. At the same time, targeted sanctions against specific individuals and organizations, as well as security-related export restrictions, remain in place. For companies, this means that shipping to Syria is not categorically prohibited, but must be carefully assessed based on the goods, recipient, and intended use.
- Check shipping from Germany to Syria
- Compare express and freight solutions
- Shipping to Damascus, Aleppo and Latakia
- Prepare customs and goods data completely
- Take the new 2026 customs tariff into account.
- Check recipients against sanctions lists
- Obtain import permits before shipping
- Check current carrier availability
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Shipping to Syria will be possible in 2026, but not without prior inspection.
The general conditions have changed significantly. Many previous economic sanctions have been lifted, while targeted and security-related restrictions remain in place.
Therefore, before every business shipment, at least the goods, recipient, end use, customs tariff number and actually available carrier should be checked.
New customs rules since June 2026
Syria introduced a new customs law and a new harmonized customs tariff in 2026. Therefore, old Syrian customs rates should not be used for current calculations.
Sanctions review remains required
The EU has largely lifted general economic sanctions. However, targeted sanctions against listed individuals and organizations, as well as security-related export bans and licensing requirements, remain in place.
Check carrier before order
DHL Parcel currently does not offer parcel or package shipping to Syria. Express, air freight, or other transport solutions must therefore be checked for each shipment.
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Important information about customs and import duties
DAP or DDP to Syria: Examine import structure particularly carefully
For deliveries to Syria, it should be clearly established before booking the shipment who will act as the importer and who will handle the import clearance.
For DAP The seller organizes the transport to the agreed destination.
Import clearance and the agreed import costs are generally the responsibility of the recipient.
This can include:
- Import duty
- product-dependent consumption taxes
- tax advance payments
- Import permits
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier and handling fees
For DDP The seller assumes further import obligations and agreed costs.
However, DDP should only be offered for Syria if the carrier, importer structure, payment processing and legal requirements have been clearly clarified in advance.
Before any calculations are made, at least the following should be checked:
- HS code
- current Syrian customs duty rate
- cart value
- Recipients and beneficial owners
- End use
- possible export controls
- Import permits
- Currently available transport service
What is the import duty in Syria?
There is no uniform customs duty rate for Syria.
The specific import duty depends on the customs tariff number and the type of goods.
What is particularly important is:
A new harmonized Syrian customs tariff has been in effect since June 1, 2026.
It was introduced by Decree No. 110 of 2026 and replaces previous tariff arrangements.
Therefore, the following should be checked in particular for customs calculation:
- current HS classification
- Product description
- Customs value
- current tariff
- possible additional consumption taxes
- Import restrictions
Old Syrian customs rates may be incorrect in 2026.
As early as the beginning of 2025, Syria had comprehensively restructured its customs tariff and reduced numerous customs duties.
Since June 2026, the new harmonized tariff according to Decree No. 110 has also been in effect.
For retailers, this means: A customs duty rate from an old table, a previous offer or a past shipment should not be adopted without verification.
Is there a value-added tax in Syria?
Syria currently does not have a classic value added tax based on the European VAT model.
Instead, there are, among other things, product-dependent consumption taxes.
The so-called:
Rasm al-Infaq al-Istihlaki – Consumption Expenditure Tax
is levied on certain goods and services.
The amount depends on the specific type of goods. Therefore, there is no general import VAT rate that can be applied to every shipment.
In July 2026, the Syrian Ministry of Finance published updated application regulations for this existing consumption tax.
New sales tax only as part of the tax reform
Syria is simultaneously working on a comprehensive reform of its tax system.
The plan is to replace the current system in the future with a simpler sales tax and, in the long term, possibly with a VAT system.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the new tax package is expected to come into force from 2027.
Therefore, for shipments in 2026, the currently applicable product-related regulation should continue to be reviewed.
New customs law and digital customs clearance since 2026
Syria is currently undertaking a comprehensive modernization of its customs procedures.
Decree No. 109, enacted in May 2026, establishes a new customs law.
It replaces the previous customs laws from 2006.
At the same time, customs procedures are increasingly being digitized and standardized.
These include, among others:
- electronic customs processes
- automated processes
- Single-window structures
- updated tariff classification
- modernized border and port clearance
Single Window at Latakia Port
Since July 2026, the port of Latakia also has a new single-window center.
The aim is to consolidate customs, logistics and administrative procedures in one location.
This development could be particularly relevant for larger freight deliveries.
Sending a package to Syria in 2026: What companies need to know now
Shipping to Syria has changed significantly within a short period of time.
While companies faced extensive economic sanctions for many years, the European Union lifted a large part of these restrictions in 2025.
However, this does not mean that any goods can be exported to Syria without inspection.
Targeted sanctions, export controls and security-related restrictions remain in place.
Will it even be possible to ship goods to Syria in 2026?
In principle, many civilian goods can be exported again, provided no specific restriction applies.
However, at least four points should be checked before booking the shipment:
- Is the merchandise subject to export controls?
- Is the recipient sanctioned?
- Is the intended end use permissible?
- Is a carrier currently available for this route?
The EU lifted the general economic sanctions against Syria in May 2025.
However, targeted measures against certain persons and organizations, as well as security-related prohibitions and licensing requirements, still exist.
What sanctions are still in place for Syria?
The EU has extended its targeted restrictive measures against individuals and organizations with links to the former Assad regime until [date]. June 1, 2027 extended.
This includes, in particular, the freezing of assets and the prohibition of providing funds or economic resources to listed persons or organizations.
In addition, restrictions remain in place for certain goods and technologies that could, for example, be used for internal repression.
Export bans or licensing requirements may also be relevant for certain dual-use goods.
Therefore, in B2B shipments, the business partner should always be checked in addition to the goods.
What documents do I need for Syria?
For a commercial shipment of goods, the following documents or data should typically be prepared:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing List
- Transport document
- precise product description
- HS code
- cart value
- Country of origin
- complete recipient information
- Import permits may be required.
- Export licenses may be required.
For goods not sold through traditional channels, such as samples or certain replacement deliveries, a pro forma invoice may be required depending on the transaction.
Further information can be found at How to correctly use a pro forma invoice at customs.
Are there any customs advantages for German goods?
The European Union and Syria have a cooperation agreement dating back to 1977.
The partial suspension of this agreement ended in May 2026, so the agreement is now fully applied again.
However, for exports from Germany to Syria, this does not automatically mean a preferential tariff as in a modern free trade agreement.
The historic agreement grants certain advantages, particularly to products of Syrian origin, regarding access to the EU market.
Syria is committed in principle to the EU to treat it according to the most-favored-nation principle.
Therefore, the specific Syrian customs tariff must still be checked for German goods.
Do I need a EUR.1 for Syria?
An EUR.1 certificate should not automatically be used as proof of preferential origin for normal German exports to Syria.
The current EU-Syria cooperation agreement is not a classic reciprocal free trade agreement where German-originating products generally receive a reduced Syrian import duty via an EUR.1 certificate.
The decisive factor is the specific Syrian customs tariff.
How long does it take for a package to Syria to arrive?
A general duration cannot currently be reliably specified.
DHL Parcel is currently explicitly informing:
Sending parcels and packages to Syria is currently not possible.
The standard transit time of 6 to 12 working days additionally listed on the DHL country page is therefore currently not a bookable standard transit time.
For business shipments, alternative express, air freight, road or special solutions must be individually examined.
The actual duration depends on several factors, including:
- currently available carrier
- Destination location
- Customs clearance
- Type of goods
- necessary permits
- chosen transport route
What language should the customs declaration be in?
DHL generally states the following for Syria:
- English
- Arabisch
For international business shipments, a precise English product description is recommended.
Not:
“Machine Parts”
but for example:
“Stainless steel coupling for industrial water pump”
This makes the product, material, and use much easier to identify.
Write the address to Syria correctly
International addresses should be written in Latin letters and Arabic numerals.
One possible format is:
SYRIA INDUSTRIAL TRADING CO.
25 AL MAZRAA STREET
AL MAZZEH
DAMASCUS
SYRIA
Additionally, the recipient's telephone number and email address should be provided.
Especially in more complicated customs or carrier processing, complete contact details can avoid unnecessary delays.
These errors can stop shipments to Syria
In the case of Syria, a standard third-country assessment is often insufficient.
Typical problems include:
- The recipient was not checked against current sanctions lists.
- The dual-use properties of the product were overlooked.
- End use is not clearly documented
- An outdated Syrian customs tariff was used.
- The product description is too general.
- HS code is incorrect
- Import permit is missing
- The value of the goods cannot be verified.
- The carrier is currently not accepting the shipment.
- Recipient and invoice details do not match.
Especially for regular exports, product master data should therefore contain more than just the customs tariff number and product description.
Export control features and potential licensing requirements should also be centrally documented.
What goods are being shipped from Germany to Syria?
Due to reconstruction, infrastructure projects and the resumption of economic activities, there is a need in Syria for various technical and industrial products.
For German companies, the following goods, for example, may be relevant:
- Machines and production facilities
- Machine spare parts
- Pumps and water technology
- Electrical Engineering
- Generators and power equipment
- Tools and workshop equipment
- Medical Technology
- Laboratory and hospital equipment
- IT and communication technology
- Construction machinery and spare parts
- Packaging and production technology
However, especially with technical products, it is necessary to check whether the goods are subject to export controls, dual-use rules or existing EU safety-related restrictions.
A general statement such as "machine part may go to Syria" is therefore not sufficient.
The decisive factors are the customs tariff number, technical characteristics, recipient, and intended use.
Further information on correct classification can be found at Avoid common errors with HS codes.
Shipping information: Syria
Standard, express or freight to Syria.
The selection is currently more limited than for many other destination countries.
Standard package
DHL Parcel does not currently offer parcel or package shipping to Syria.
Therefore, a standard parcel service should only be offered once the chosen carrier has confirmed the route.
Express Shipping
Depending on the carrier and recipient region, international express solutions may be available.
However, availability should be checked for each specific shipment.
Freight shipping
For machinery, production facilities, pallets and larger spare parts deliveries, air freight, road transport and sea freight are particularly suitable.
For larger quantities of goods, it should also be checked whether the recipient and importer can handle the local customs clearance.
Latakia and Tartus are important gateways for larger goods deliveries.
Syria's Mediterranean ports play a central role in major international trade flows.
Particularly important are:
- Port of Latakia
- Port of Tartus
In 2025, more than 14 million tons of goods were moved across Syrian border crossings.
More than 500 ships arrived in Latakia alone, while Tartus recorded more than 900 ship arrivals.
For machinery, production facilities and larger quantities of goods, sea freight can therefore be an alternative to parcel or express shipping.
In addition, there are road connections via Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon, among other countries.
However, which transport route makes sense depends heavily on the current route, border situation, goods and transport company.
For more information on larger shipments, please see international freight shipping.
What import costs might arise in Syria?
Import costs depend heavily on the specific goods.
Possible components include:
- Import duty
- product-dependent consumption taxes
- tax prepayment
- Import license costs
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier handling fees
Since March 2026, importers have also generally been required to make an advance tax payment of:
2% of the invoice value
applicable.
This payment is not an additional, separate import tax. It will be credited later against the importer's tax liability.
In addition, the importer must meet certain tax requirements.
How much does a package to Syria cost?
It is not currently possible to meaningfully state a general shipping price.
The decisive factors are:
- currently available carriers
- Weight
- Dimensions
- Volumetric weight
- Type of goods
- Recipient region
- necessary customs and export checks
- Additional Services
Additional import duties, local taxes and handling fees may apply.
For larger quantities of goods, it should also be checked whether air, road or sea freight is more economical than an express service.
Further information can be found at Multi-carrier shipping for international shipments.
Online trade to Syria: Check shipping capability before checkout
For online retailers, Syria is currently not a destination country that should simply be opened up like an ordinary third-country market.
Several points must be considered before placing an order:
- Carrier availability
- product classification
- Export control
- Sanctions review
- Import capability of the recipient
- current import duties
Especially with electronics, technical components or high-quality goods, an order should therefore not automatically go into the shipping process.
Import customs data directly from the shop if possible.
For international orders, the following information should ideally already be up-to-date:
- precise product description
- cart value
- Weight
- Country of origin
- HS code
Especially in the case of Syria, a manual or automated approval check should be provided before a shipping label is generated.
You can find out more at Automate shipping documents.
EU sanctions have been eased, but not completely abolished.
The biggest difference when shipping to Syria in 2026 is the changed sanctions situation.
The European Union lifted the general economic sanctions against Syria in May 2025.
However, this does not mean that there are no longer any restrictions.
Also of particular relevance are:
- targeted sanctions against listed persons and organizations
- Bans on certain goods for internal repression
- Licensing requirements for certain technical goods
- Export controls for dual-use products
- Verification of the actual end user
In May 2026, the targeted measures against individuals and organizations with links to the former Assad regime were extended until June 1, 2027.
At the same time, several organizations were removed from the EU sanctions list.
For German companies, this means:
The admissibility is not determined solely by the destination country, but by the combination of goods, recipient and end use.
Which carrier is suitable for Syria?
The carrier selection for Syria should be checked immediately before each shipping booking.
Depending on the broadcast, the following could be considered:
- international express services
- Air freight providers
- Road freight partner
- Sea freight and forwarding partner
- specialized logistics service providers
DHL Parcel is currently not a standard solution available.
DHL is currently explicitly stating that parcels and packages destined for Syria are not being accepted.
Other DHL business units and international carriers may offer different options depending on the route and shipment.
Therefore, one should not assume that a particular shipping provider is generally available.
The decisive factors are always the specific goods, the destination address, and the current network situation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
Can I send a package from Germany to Syria in 2026?
In principle, many civilian goods can once again be exported to Syria. However, the goods, recipient, end use, and current carrier availability must be checked. DHL Parcel, for example, does not currently offer parcel or package shipping to Syria.
Are deliveries to Syria still subject to sanctions?
The EU lifted general economic sanctions against Syria in 2025. However, targeted sanctions against specific individuals and organizations, as well as security-related export bans and licensing requirements, remain in place.
How long does it take for a package to Syria to arrive?
A reliable general delivery time cannot currently be given because DHL Parcel is not currently accepting any parcels or packages to Syria. Express and freight delivery times must be checked with the respective carrier for each specific shipment.
What is the value-added tax (VAT) rate in Syria?
Syria will not yet have a classic, general value-added tax (VAT) based on the European VAT model in 2026. Instead, product-dependent consumption taxes, among other levies, apply. Furthermore, the Syrian tax system is currently undergoing a reform phase.
What is the import duty in Syria?
Import duties depend on the applicable customs tariff number. A new harmonized Syrian customs tariff has been in effect since June 1, 2026. Therefore, old duty rates should not be used for new shipments without verification.
Do I need a EUR.1 for Syria?
For normal German exports to Syria, an EUR.1 certificate should not automatically be used as proof of preferential origin. The EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement is not a classic reciprocal free trade agreement with general tariff preferences for German goods.
Do I need to check the recipient in Syria against sanctions lists?
For business shipments, sanctions screening is particularly important. The EU continues to maintain targeted sanctions against certain individuals and organizations. Therefore, recipients and any other parties involved should be checked before shipping.
Will there be a new customs law in Syria in 2026?
Yes. A new Syrian customs law was introduced in May 2026. Additionally, a new harmonized customs tariff came into effect on June 1, 2026.
What documents do I need for shipping to Syria?
Typically, a commercial invoice, transport document, precise goods description, HS code, goods value, and origin information are required. Depending on the goods, import or export licenses may also be necessary.
Is there an import tax in Syria?
There is currently no standard import VAT. However, depending on the goods, excise duties may apply. Additionally, since 2026, importers have generally been required to make an advance tax payment of 2 percent of the invoice value, which is later credited against their tax liability.
Can I export machinery to Syria?
Civilian machinery can generally be exported. However, the customs tariff number, technical specifications, recipient, and end use must be verified beforehand. Dual-use goods or goods with safety-relevant properties may be subject to prohibitions or licensing requirements.
Which language should I use for customs documents?
For international business shipments, a precise English description of the goods is recommended. Depending on the carrier, Arabic descriptions may also be used. The product, material, and intended use should be described as clearly as possible.
