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Customs clearance

Four documents to get right before you load cargo for Syria

Before the cargo is loaded, its paperwork has to be ready and consistent. Four documents decide how fast clearance goes in Syria: the commercial invoice, the packing list, a legalised certificate of origin, and an import approval when the goods need one.

Commercial invoicePacking list matching the marksLegalised certificate of origin
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Published · MIDTRANS SHIPPING AND SERVICES

Reviewed by Khaldoun Al-Khouli, General Manager

In this updatePre-loading documents

What we check before the cargo leaves

Customs clearanceSyrian customs tariffRequest a quote
Commercial invoice

A clear description, quantities, values and the HS code for each line.

Packing list

Package count, weights and marks exactly as they are on the cargo.

Certificate of origin

Duly legalised, matching the supplier and origin on the invoice.

Import approval

For goods that require one. Confirm with us before shipping.

The basis

Commercial invoice: a precise description and the right HS code

The commercial invoice is the document duties are calculated from. Describe each item clearly instead of using general words such as "spare parts" or "assorted goods", and give the quantity, unit, unit price, total value and country of origin.

Set the HS code for every line before shipping, not after the cargo arrives. You can search by code or product name in the Syrian customs tariff on our site, or in the tariff app on your phone. The right code means predictable duties and a clearance without extra questions.

  • A specific description for each item
  • Quantity, price and value on every line
  • HS code checked before shipping
Illustrative image
Illustrative image

On the cargo

The packing list must match what is in the container

The packing list is compared with what is actually opened and inspected. The number of packages, gross and net weights, dimensions and the marks written on the cases have to match what is in the container or truck.

The most common mistakes: a weight on the packing list that differs from the invoice or the bill of lading, marks on the packages that do not appear on the list, or a package count that changed after repacking without the papers being updated. Any difference of this kind invites questions at inspection.

  • The same package count on every document
  • Weights match across invoice, list and bill of lading
  • The marks on the packages appear on the list

Origin and approval

A legalised certificate of origin, and an import approval where required

The certificate of origin proves where the goods were made. It must be duly legalised and match the supplier name, country of origin and description on the invoice. Legalisation takes time, so start early rather than on the last day before shipping.

Some goods need an import licence or approval before they reach Syria and others do not. Requirements depend on the HS code and the type of goods, so send us the description and code before booking and we will confirm what your shipment needs.

With MIDTRANS

Check the file before loading, not after arrival

A document corrected before loading costs an email. A document corrected after the container reaches the port can cost days of storage and waiting.

The MIDTRANS customs clearance team reviews draft documents before loading and checks that numbers, descriptions and HS codes match. Send us the drafts with your quote request and we will come back with our notes.

  • Send drafts before loading
  • We check the documents against each other
  • We confirm the requirements for your goods
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Which documents are needed to ship goods to Syria?

The commercial invoice, packing list, a legalised certificate of origin and an import approval for goods that require one, plus the bill of lading issued by the carrier.

Do all goods need an import approval?

No. It depends on the type of goods and their HS code. Send us the description and code before booking and we will confirm the requirements.

How do I find the HS code for my goods?

Search by code or product name on the Syrian customs tariff page of our site or in the tariff app, or ask our team to check it with you.

What mistake delays clearance most often?

Numbers that do not match between documents, such as weights, package counts or marks, or a general description that does not say what the goods are.

Documents ready for a check?

Send us the drafts and the shipment details. We review them before loading and send you a quote.

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