Following the expiration of the December 31, 2025, deadline for importing used vehicles, Syria’s National Committee for Import and Export has issued a new directive. This measure permits the entry of vehicles currently stationed at ports, border crossings, and free zones, specifically those whose chassis numbers were not previously synchronized with the national electronic platform. The move is designed to finalize the legal standing of cars already on Syrian territory.
The committee’s resolution, which was made public on 29 December 2025, outlines specific requirements for vehicles to qualify for this regularization. To be eligible, the car must have been physically located at the specified sites prior to the announcement. Furthermore, authorities must verify that the chassis number is authentic and shows no evidence of being altered or erased. Owners are required to provide a full set of technical and legal documentation, and the vehicle must not be involved in any active smuggling investigations, final judicial sentences, or existing legal restrictions.
Provisions for Temporary Admission and Fines
The new regulations also extend to vehicles that entered the country via the temporary admission system but exceeded their permitted stay, accruing delay penalties. These cars can be regularized provided that “All customs duties and due fines are paid in full” and that the vehicle is not entangled in smuggling cases or court rulings. Owners are granted a 30-day window from the decision date to settle all financial obligations and complete the necessary administrative steps for legal entry.
The General Directorate of Customs is responsible for overseeing the implementation, which includes verifying vehicle data, managing customs transactions, and collecting the required fees. This follows a previous extension by the Ministry of Economy and Industry on 19 November 2025, which gave importers until 31 December 2025 to finalize the entry of used cars registered on the General Authority for Land and Sea Transport’s platform. Those failing to comply remain subject to existing legal penalties.
Economic Perspectives on Vehicle Imports
In an interview with Enab Baladi, economic specialist Dr. Fadi Ayash explained that from an economic viewpoint, vehicles for family use are “durable consumer goods,” with many categorized as luxury products. He emphasized that such imports are not productive tools and do not drive development, particularly in a nation recovering from conflict. Ayash highlighted data indicating that roughly $5 billion was spent on vehicle imports following the regime’s collapse—a figure representing approximately 20 to 25% of the country’s GDP.
Dr. Ayash argued that the primary benefit of the decision might be a reduction in car prices, making ownership more accessible to the public after the significant price hikes seen in previous years. However, Dr. Mohammed al-Jishi, who leads the Finance and Banking Department at the Syrian International Arab University, noted that the impact on prices might be minor. He told Enab Baladi that since the decision only applies to vehicles already at border points rather than new imports, its market influence is constrained. Al-Jishi also stressed the need for rigorous inspections to ensure these vehicles meet safety standards, avoiding the quality issues that surfaced in early 2025.
Market Trends and Price Volatility
Market analyst Abu Atta Shamiya observed that while used-car prices surged after the July 2025 import suspension, they may now decrease by 5 to 10% by next summer, provided there is effective oversight. Shamiya noted that new-car prices have remained largely unchanged because sanctions were only lifted at the end of 2025, which delayed the return of global brand agencies. He predicted that as vehicles move from crossings into the market during the first quarter of this year, inflation in the sector might slow down.
Despite potential price drops, Shamiya warned of increased traffic problems. Damascus Governorate records show that the number of vehicles in the city spiked from 250,000 to approximately 600,000 in 2025. This influx, combined with an aging existing fleet and newer vehicles entering without strict controls, could worsen congestion on both main and secondary roads.
Evaluating the Advantages and Drawbacks
According to Shamiya, the policy could offer several benefits, such as preserving foreign currency reserves and stabilizing the Syrian pound by lowering the annual import expenses. Furthermore, prioritizing newer models could lower the average vehicle age from 17 years to 10 years, potentially improving air quality. There is also hope that the move could stimulate local industrial zones to begin car assembly and encourage private banks to offer automotive financing.
However, significant challenges remain. Shamiya pointed out that:
- Middle and low-income citizens may still find newer models unaffordable.
- Smuggling could increase, as car prices in regions like Qamishli and Manbij are roughly 25% lower than elsewhere.
- Customs revenues could be negatively impacted by illegal cross-border trade with Turkey and Iraq.
- Taxi operators may struggle to modernize their aging fleets.
Dr. Ayash concluded that while banning imports may not be strictly necessary, the government should prioritize replacing dilapidated vehicles that cause economic and environmental strain. He suggested doubling customs duties on high-end luxury models and focusing solely on new vehicles to support the national budget and manage the overwhelming number of cars on Syria’s limited infrastructure.
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