Market Overview
According to the Association des Importateurs d’Automobiles au Liban (AIA), the total number of registered new and imported to Lebanon from USA and other countries used cars has dropped by 6% during 2013 in comparison with 2012, by 9.5% in comparison with 2011 and by 27% in comparison with 2010 (meaning from 92,500 cars in 2010 to 67,500 cars in 2013). A detailed breakdown of the market offers further understanding of the broad picture. Over the past five years, the share of used cars in the overall market consistently narrowed from 66% to 45%. (1)
According to the message in blog Best Selling Cars, Kia still holds the largest market share in the Lebanese market with 3.471 sales and 18.1% share above Toyota at 3.274 and 17.1% and Hyundai at 3.006 and 15.7%. Nissan is the only other carmaker above 10% share at 10.3%. (2) If you are car dealer and planning to travel in this country, you have great opportunity to make program of exporting used cars.
Pros
- Comparatively low duty and tariff rates (even if you are not citizen of Lebanon and having visa in your passport).
- Robust banking system.
Cons
- Reduction in share of used cars in market.
- Major exposure to regional geopolitical trends. (3)
Departure Ports Serving Lebanon
RORO
- Everett, WA
- Port Hueneme, CA
- Galveston, TX
- Jacksonville, FL
- Baltimore, MD
- Newark, NJ
- New Westminster, Canada
Container Shipping Departure Ports (Shared and Full Containers)
- Oakland, CA (Shared & Full)
- Long Beach, CA (Shared & Full)
- Houston, TX (Shared & Full)
- Miami, FL (Full)
- Savannah, GA (Full)
- NJ (Full)
Arrival Port (RORO Ships)
- Port of Beirut
Arrival Ports (Container Ships)
- Port of Beirut
Documentation Requirements
- Original title and registration
- Purchase invoice (notarized by Lebanese Embassy at origin)
- Bill of Lading (indicating make, model, engine and chassis numbers, weight and color)
Other Requirements
- Cars over eight (8) years old cannot be imported into Lebanon.
- Diesel Vehicles are not permitted
Other Import Procedures
Additional import procedures for Lebanon.
Import Duties and Taxes
Duty Rates
Duties are as follows: Up to LL25 millions = 25% Over LL25 millions = 35%
Sales Tax
Imports are subject to VAT at a standard rate of 10% on the sum of the CIF value, duty, and Excise Duty if applicable. Some products are exempt from VAT.
Minimum Threshold
There is no minimum threshold in Lebanon; therefore, all imports are subject to duties and taxes regardless of the import value.
Other taxes and customs fees
Excise duty applies to products like alcoholic beverages and tobacco.
Local Customs office and contacts
More information on import declaration procedures and import restrictions can be found on the Lebanon Customs website.
Market Guides For Additional Countries.
Explore and read our Vehicle Auctions, Buying With Us and International Shipping Rates.
References
(1) http://www.blominvestbank.com/Library/Files/BLOM%20Invest/Spot2014/2014-01-The%20Lebanese%20Car%20Market%20Radical%20Shifts%20amidst%20Tough%20Economic%20Climate.pdf
(2) http://bestsellingcarsblog.com/category/lebanon/
(3) http://www.coface.com/Economic-Studies-and-Country-Risks/Lebanon
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