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Topic

The identification of a proper procedure for the clearance of personal baggage and household goods received through shipment to enhance the custom development plan in fighting corruption.

Objective

According to the general director of customs, after several visits and inspection tours at the Rafic Hariri Airport, it has been witnessed that the public has been complaining about delays and complexity in receiving their personal belongings through shipment. This has been caused by chaotic bureaucratic processes that are required prior to receiving the belongings. Since this is portraying a negative image for Lebanon, especially during the high season period with the growing influx of visitors to Lebanon. For that reason, the decision to ensure proper application of the law is crucial for simplification and transparency, in addition to achieving full accuracy in the application and unification of customs procedures at various customer centers. The implementation of proper procedures would facilitate customs transactions, particularly the one relating to non-traders as well as facilitate the travel of both visitors and citizens.

Policy and Procedures

After the relevant parties obtain the delivery permit and the shipping policy concerning land, sea or air shipping companies, they shall bring with them their passports or other supporting documents to the customs inspector who reviews he documents. The Custom sergeant shall make the decision, either by giving the immediate approval or inspecting the consignment in an eclectic and expeditious manner and with all his responsibility, whatever deems necessary or useful to resort to this procedure, provided that such inspection is done immediately.

If the results of the inspection indicate that the imported consignments are from personal possessions and / or household appliances used by their owner’s abroad, full exemption from customs duties and VAT may take place, under the two following conditions:

Firstly, if the possessions happen to be appliances in use by the owners with visible traces that they have been used.

Secondly, the owners shall hand in a request to the customs authorities in order to receive their consignments within the period of three months. The period is effective between the date of their arrival in Lebanon and the date of arrival of their consignments.
If the results of the screening reveal that the imported consignments do not meet the conditions for exemption with respect to personal belongings and household items, then they shall qualify for: The intention of personal use and hold no commercial character, along with its value that shall not exceed five million Lebanese pounds.