Syria Extends Apple Import Ban and Sets Restrictions on Lemons
The Syrian National Import and Export Committee has announced an extension to the existing ban on apple imports, which will now remain in effect until the end of November. This decision is part of a broader set of measures designed to regulate the domestic agricultural market and provide protection for local producers.
Furthermore, the committee has formally approved a ban on the import of lemons, effective from October 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027. This schedule aligns with the established agricultural calendar, which governs the import and export of products to ensure they do not conflict with domestic production cycles. By aligning trade policies with harvest seasons, the government aims to balance the availability of goods in local markets while ensuring that farmers can successfully sell their crops during peak production periods without facing undue competition from imports.
The Syrian Ministry of Agriculture emphasized that these regulatory actions are based on the specific timelines for local harvests. The extension of the apple import ban is mandated under the provisions previously set forth in Article Five of Resolution No. 10 of 2026. The committee had previously implemented an import ban on apples starting from the beginning of August through the end of October of this year.
To facilitate the enforcement of these regulations, the committee has tasked the General Customs Administration with taking all necessary executive measures. The decision is set to be published in the Official Gazette and will enter into force upon its issuance.
The agricultural calendar serves as a fundamental instrument for Syrian authorities to manage import processes, stabilize market conditions, and guarantee that local crops remain available during their designated seasons. These measures are intended to strengthen the domestic agricultural economy and alleviate the pressure that national harvests may face due to competition from imported goods during critical harvesting and gathering windows.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
