Syria Prevents Truck Entry at Border Crossing with Lebanon

Syria introduced new regulations governing freight movement through its land border crossings and seaports, imposing restrictions on the entry of non-Syrian trucks into its territory, a move that has prompted concern in neighboring Lebanon.

The decision was issued by the head of Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, Qutaiba Ahmad Badawi, and outlines new procedures aimed at organizing cargo traffic across official crossings.

Under the new directive, no truck will be permitted to enter land crossings or seaports for loading or unloading without first obtaining an official receipt from the Freight Transport Office, to be issued by the Ministry of Transport. The decision also bars non-Syrian trucks from entering Syrian territory via land crossings. Instead, their cargo must be unloaded داخل the designated customs yards, known locally as “Al-Taboun” , and transferred onto Syrian trucks in accordance with approved procedures.

The decision exempts trucks operating under the transit system, provided they are escorted by customs authorities between the relevant entry and exit points. The measures took effect immediately upon issuance.

In Lebanon, the move has drawn sharp reactions. Marwan Al-Yaman, head of the Syndicate of Maritime Agents in Lebanon, expressed surprise at the ban on Lebanese trucks entering Syria. He said Lebanon had hoped for understandings that would ease transit fees rather than tighten restrictions.

Al-Yaman stressed that land transport to and through Syria represents an urgent economic necessity for Lebanon. He called for resolving any disputes through dialogue between the competent authorities in both countries.

He warned that preventing Lebanese trucks from entering Syria would impose additional burdens, particularly on refrigerated and sensitive goods, and could push traders to abandon Lebanese transport operators altogether — a development that could negatively impact both the Lebanese and Syrian economies.

Meanwhile, the Union of Freight, Transport and Transit Syndicates in Lebanon cautioned that the decision threatens Lebanon’s position as a key transit corridor for regional trade.