Burdensome conditions, rising fees at Semalka spark traders’ anger

A new customs system, known as “Munsiq,” was implemented at the Semalka crossing in April by the Syrian Interim Government, following the integration of the crossing into Syria’s border system as part of the merger process based on an agreement between SDF General Commander Mazloum Abdi and Syrian Interim Government head Ahmed al-Sharaa.

The new system has led to a sharp increase in customs duties on various goods, in addition to what traders and customs brokers working at the crossing describe as “impossible conditions” imposed by the Interim Government;conditions not applied at other crossings in Syria.

In this context, the customs fee per ton of rice rose from about $13 to $27, while the fee on vegetable oil surged from $20 to around $250. Flour fees increased from $11 to $53 per ton, sugar from $13 to $53, footwear from $90 to $3,000, and household items from $60 to $1,000.

The cost of clearing vehicles loaded with fruits and vegetables also jumped from around $200 to several thousand dollars.

Additionally, the Interim Government issued a decision banning the import of many types of fruits and vegetables through border crossings starting June 1, a move that is expected to trigger significant increases in food prices.

Restrictive conditions unique to Semalka border crossing! 

Sources indicated that the Interim Government has imposed restrictive conditions on traders, customs brokers, and transport companies at the Semalka crossing—conditions not enforced at other Syrian crossings—suggesting what they described as a systematic policy targeting the region.

According to the owner of a transport company, who requested anonymity, shipments coming from Europe have been banned from entering through the crossing. He stated: “Many expatriates from the region used to send supplies to their families, but this type of shipment has now been completely blocked,” noting that local shipping companies relied heavily on this business and have now lost a key source of income.

Sources also reported that the import of fabrics has been completely banned through Semalka, although it remains permitted at other crossings such as Jarablus. Similarly, the import of second-hand clothing is allowed via Lebanon and Turkey but prohibited through Semalka.

They further explained that even permitted goods face significant obstacles, whether at the crossing itself or at checkpoints controlled by the Interim Government. For example, when importing footwear, traders face strict conditions to allow entry. Even after crossing, goods transported to other Syrian cities are treated differently at checkpoints, where shipments may be unloaded and subjected to additional procedures that discourage traders from importing such items into the region.

Authorities reportedly require detailed documentation, including invoices, country of origin, health certificates, sender and recipient information, tax numbers, serial numbers, type of goods, weight, unit and total price, official stamps, and invoice dates.

Certificates of origin must also include certificate numbers, issuing authority, recipient, country of origin, weight, quantity, commercial name of the goods, and official stamps.

Traders and customs brokers have condemned these measures, calling for eased restrictions on imports in light of Syria’s economic conditions and declining purchasing power.

They also announced their intention to strike in protest against these measures. In this regard, they held a meeting with the crossing administration, according to sources inside the facility, where they demanded a reduction in the imposed restrictions and conditions.

Sources noted that the matter now rests with the Interim Government, which must decide whether to take these demands into consideration and to what extent it will account for the public interest.

Previously, the Autonomous Administration followed more flexible customs policies, keeping fees within reasonable limits to maintain price stability and ensure the steady flow of essential goods into markets. This approach helped limit price fluctuations compared to other regions of Syria.

Experts point out that the difference between the two approaches lies in their priorities. Current data suggest that the Interim Government’s policies focus on increasing revenues through higher fees, with little regard for citizens’ living conditions, while the Autonomous Administration seeks to balance revenue generation with protecting purchasing power.

In light of these developments, observers warn that the Interim Government’s measures could lead to a new wave of price hikes, further complicating access to basic needs and weakening the purchasing power of residents in the region.

A-H 

ANHA