EU suspends Syria trade agreement; what shippers need to know
On 11 May 2026, the EU Council repealed parts of Decision 2011/523/EU, which had partially suspended the Cooperation Agreement between the EEC and Syria. This decision affects the preferential trade terms previously granted to Syrian exports into the EU market. Shippers moving goods to or from Syria must now verify current tariff treatment, as the suspension of the cooperation agreement may alter duty rates and eligibility for reduced tariffs on Syrian origin goods.
Photo: Noor Aldin Alwan / PexelsEU repeals partial suspension of Syria trade cooperation
On 11 May 2026, the EU Council issued Decision (EU) 2026/1087, repealing Decision 2011/523/EU, which had partially suspended the application of the Cooperation Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Syrian Arab Republic. This action fundamentally changes the preferential trade status of Syrian goods entering the EU.
"Council Decision (EU) 2026/1087 of 11 May 2026 repealing Decision 2011/523/EU partially suspending the application of the Cooperation Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Syrian Arab Republic" — EUR-Lex
Who is affected
Freight forwarders, e-commerce merchants, and exporters involved in trade with Syria face immediate changes to tariff classification and duty assessment:
- Syrian exporters shipping goods to EU member states will no longer benefit from the preferential rates that were in place under the previously suspended agreement.
- EU importers purchasing Syrian origin goods must recalculate landed costs and verify current Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rates or any applicable alternative trade arrangements.
- Customs brokers and logistics providers managing Syria-bound or Syria-originating shipments must update their systems to reflect the current duty treatment.
The repeal of the partial suspension effectively restores or clarifies the trade framework, but shippers must confirm which tariff schedules now apply. Without clarity on whether the cooperation agreement itself remains in force (only the partial suspension was repealed) or whether Syria now falls under standard MFN rates, all parties must consult current EU customs tariff tables and obtain classification rulings before shipment.
What this means for shippers
Verify the current tariff treatment of any Syrian origin goods or Syria-bound shipments immediately with your customs broker or the relevant EU member-state customs authority. Recalculate landed cost using current duty rates — failure to do so may result in duty underpayments, penalties, or clearance delays. Check origin certificates and HS classification before submitting entries. Contact your freight forwarder or customs agent today to confirm which rates apply to your shipments.
