Lebanon New & Used Vehicle Import Regulations

Lebanon New & Used Vehicle Import Regulations

Vehicle Import Regulations Of Lebanon

No special license required of companies seeking to import automobiles and commercial vehicles, the exception being the importation of diesel-powered cars, and a few restrictions on individuals importing cars.
The important thing is that cars be no more than 8 years old. This is being legislated down to 5 years.
Laws and regulations in Lebanon permits used cars and parts in the market.
The customs duties imposed on cars vary between 22 to 26%.
The duties on automotive parts and accessories are 20 percent, in addition to a 10 percent sales tax added on top.

Customs Duties on Imported Vehicles

In 2001, the government lowered import duties on new cars, part of its initiative to boost consumption and stimulate economic growth.
In particular, the cuts should improve sales on luxury cars, which were effectively snuffed out by high Customs duty.

Taxes on Second Hand or Used Cars in Lebanon

Secondhand car dealers also blamed a decrease in 1999 car sales on higher Customs duties. Used vehicles were subject to the same tax increase imposed on new cars. Trade figures showed that some categories were affected more than others.

According to the Ministry of Trade and Economy’s Trade Information Center, the number of imported used cars with a cylinder capacity of between 1,500cc and 3,000cc actually rose, albeit by only just under half a percent.

Taxes

Customs Duties and Taxes are based on the CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) value of the imported used vehicles, where the Cost is obtained from international references such as the Blue Book and Super Schwache Liste, and are calculated as follow:

For CIF value up to 20 Million LBP, Customs and Excise Duties is 5,000,000 LBP
For CIF value above 20 Million LBP, Customs and Excise Duties rate is 50%
VAT equals (CIF Value + Customs and Excise Duties) x 10%

Customs Certificate

To get a Customs certificate, the importer must present the following documents at the border crossing:

Certificate of origin issued by the car manufacturer.
Manifesto (Sales Details)
Bill of Lading
Identity of the Importer

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