Advance Rate Halved
Syria's Ministry of Finance has reduced the income-tax advance levied on importers of industrial-production inputs and foodstuffs to 1%, down from the 2% rate set just over a month earlier. The finance minister, Mohammad Yasser Bernieh, announced the decision on 31 May 2026, amending an earlier order governing collection of the advance at the point of import.
From 2% to 1%
The measure modifies Decision No. 637, issued on 29 April 2026, which had introduced a 2% advance on income tax collected from importers when goods enter the country. The advance is calculated on the value declared by the importer in the import invoice, plus all fees and charges, with the exception of the consumption-spending fee where it applies.
By halving the rate, the authorities framed the change as a step to serve the economy and support the business sector.
Small Imports Exempted
Under the second article of the decision, import operations whose value does not exceed 100,000 new Syrian pounds (SYP) are exempt from the advance. A further provision exempts goods brought in by entities that are legally exempt from income tax.
Collection and Oversight
The General Authority for Border Crossings and Customs collects the advance at the time of import, based on the customs declaration filed for local consumption. The sums are then transferred to the Central Treasury account held at the Central Bank of Syria within 15 days of the month following the deduction.
Each transfer must be accompanied by monthly schedules listing the taxpayer's name and tax number, commercial-registry number, governorate, customs-declaration number and date, and the amount collected. A tax-inquiry directorate is tasked with verifying the declared values afterward.
Effective 1 June
The reduced rate takes effect on 1 June 2026. Amounts collected under the advance are to be settled for each taxpayer once the relevant tax-committee decisions become final.