General Authority for Borders and Customs (Syria)
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| الهيئة العامة للحدود والجمارك | |
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| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | November 23, 2025 |
| Preceding agencies | |
| Jurisdiction | Syria |
| Headquarters | Damascus |
| Agency executive |
|
| Parent agency | President of Syria |
The General Authority for Borders and Customs (Arabic: الهيئة العامة للحدود والجمارك) is a Syrian government agency responsible for managing the country's border crossings, ports, customs operations, and related logistics. Established in November 2025, it serves as an independent public institution with legal personality and full financial and administrative autonomy, reporting directly to the President of the Republic.
The authority was created amid Syria's transitional period following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in late 2024.[1] Prior to its formation, customs functions were handled by the General Directorate of Customs, established in 1950 and affiliated with the Ministry of Finance. Border and port management was overseen by the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports.[2]
On 23 November 2025, President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued Decree No. 244, establishing the General Authority for Borders and Customs to unify oversight of land and sea border crossings, ports, free zones, and customs procedures. This move aimed to streamline operations, enhance internal controls, and implement digital systems for trade facilitation. The creation of the authority built on earlier transitional reforms, including the dissolution of the customs police in December 2024 under the interim government.
The establishment addressed longstanding issues of fragmented border management, particularly between regime-controlled areas and opposition-held northern regions, where customs tariffs varied significantly.[3]
Responsibilities
The authority is tasked with:
- Unifying and overseeing operations at all Syrian land and sea border crossings and ports.
- Managing customs enforcement, including tariff collection, smuggling prevention, and trade facilitation.
- Developing logistics and trade services in free zones.
- Enhancing internal oversight and implementing digital systems to streamline customs procedures.
- Coordinating with international partners on border security and economic integration.
These responsibilities aim to support Syria's economic recovery by reducing smuggling, improving revenue collection, and aligning with regional trade agreements.[4]
Organization
The General Authority is headquartered in Damascus and operates with financial and administrative independence. It integrates personnel and functions from predecessor agencies, including customs officers at major crossings such as Bab al-Hawa, Nassib, and ports in Latakia and Tartus.[5]
Leadership
- Director General: Position appointed by presidential decree; oversees overall operations.
- Deputy Directors: Appointed to handle specific portfolios, such as operations, finance, and digital transformation.
As of November 2025, specific appointments for leadership roles were announced shortly after the decree's issuance.[6]
