Customs Information

Lebanon - All

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED Lebanon

  • Original Lebanese Passport showing entry date into Lebanon (returning citizens)
  • Statement by the Lebanese Embassy or Consulate at the country of origin, specifying that owner has resided in the country of origin for more than 3 years and he is moving back to the home country (returning citizens)
  • Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) (returning citizens, foreigners)
  • Delivery Order
  • Detailed Packing List 
  • Transfer letter from employer at origin and at destination (foreigner)
  • Sales Contract / Lease Agreement attested from the local municipality (returning citizens, foreigners)
  • Employment Contract with Lebanese firm (foreigners)
  • Work Permit issued by the Lebanese Labor Office (foreigners)
  • Residence Permit issued by the Lebanese General Security Office (foreigners)
  • Visa, if applicable

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

  • The shipment must arrive within 3 months of the owner’s entry date.
  • All used household goods shipments are subject to Customs duties and value added tax (VAT), unless documents for exemption are provided.
  • All diplomatic shipments are duty free.
  • Shipper and consignee should be the same name showing on the OBL / AWB.
  • The shipper must be present for Customs clearance (returning citizens, foreigners).
  • The detailed packing list must be duly authenticated by the Lebanese Embassy in the country of origin for returning citizens.
  • An exemption from duties for a returning citizens is allowed only once in a lifetime.
  • There are no exemptions on new household goods and personal effects.
  • The name of the shipper should match identically on the Passport and OBL / AWB.
  • If exemption clearing documents are not available or complete and the shipment has arrived to the Beirut sea port, the shipment can be cleared under a refundable Bank Guarantee Letter, valid for 3 months, to be withdrawn against presentation of the clearing documents required when available. The client must have a rental contract for apartment residence in Lebanon,
  • Failure to provide the documents required for Customs clearance will result in customary duties and taxes per the Customs tariff code issued by the Lebanese Customs authorities.
  • All videotapes, CDs books, records, are inspected by the General Security Office.
  • Satellite dish, receivers, fax machines and wireless telephone machines, are inspected by Ministry of Post and Telecommunications prior to delivery of shipment (it takes approximately 3-4 days). 

MOTOR VEHICLES

  • Vehicle Title / Registration
  • OBL
  • Purchase Invoice
  • Automobiles and boats are subject to Customs duties and value added tax (VAT), unless documents for exemption are provided.
  • Cars older than 8 years cannot be imported; all cars less than 8 years will be taxable at a minimum of USD 5000 except for diplomats who are exempt from this prohibition.

PETS

  • The documents required must prove vaccination against rabies.
  • Pets are subject to taxes.

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

  • Food items (subject to inspection by the Agricultural Research Institute and require a Visa from the Ministry of Agriculture, Health and Economy)
  • Electronic components (subject to inspection by the Industrial Research Institute)
  • Dangerous goods (a preliminary authorization from the carrier line or airline is required for import and should be classified as non-restricted cargo)
  • Alcohol is permitted but is taxable.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

  • Firearms and ammunitions
  • Drugs and narcotics
  • Ivory
  • Pornographic materials
  • Swords (including ornamental), knives