General Authority for Borders and Customs (Syria)

The General Authority for Borders and Customs (الهيئة العامة للحدود والجمارك (Arabic)) 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 Presidency of the Republic.

General Authority for Borders and Customs

الهيئة العامة للحدود والجمارك
Agency overview
Formed	November 23, 2025 (2025-11-23)
Preceding agencies	General Directorate of Customs General Authority for Land and Sea Ports
Jurisdiction	Syria
Headquarters	Damascus
Agency executive	Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, Director General Deputy Director General

History

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.ref>"الشرع يصدر مراسيم بإحداث الهيئة العامة للمنافذ والجمارك وتعيين رئيسها ومعاونيه". Syria TV. 2025-11-23. Retrieved 2025-11-24.</ref>

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.^[5]

Controversies

The authority's formation and related tariff unification have sparked debate. In January 2025, unified customs duties led to increases of up to 500% at northern crossings, previously under lower "service fees," causing public anger and fears of price hikes in an economy where over 90% of the population lives in poverty.^[6] Critics argue the changes threaten state revenues due to potential smuggling surges, while supporters view them as necessary for equitable economic policy.^[7]