International Standards

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Before exporting or importing any kinds of products in Libya or out of the country, every importer/ exporter has to prepare a wide range of documents in order to prove that the trade process is legal. These documents include:

- Commercial Invoice

No prescribed form, but must be signed by exporter and be certified by an approved authority, prior to legalisation by an Arab Consulate. Importer will specify number of copies. The invoice must show the following:

a. detailed description of goods;

b. number and description of packages, marks and numbers of individual packages;

c. gross and net weights or quantities;

d. freight, insurance and any other charges;

e. any information in respect of value of goods at place of purchase;

f. country of origin;

g. place of shipment and destination of goods.

- Bill of Lading/Airway Bill

In accordance with the customs law, every customs declaration must include maritime or airway bill of lading.

- Certificate of Origin

The certificate of origin issued by the relevant authority in the exporter's local area is required. The original commercial invoice and certificate of origin must be attested by the local Chamber of Commerce in the country of origin and should be notarised by the Libya Diplomatic mission in the country of origin. If there is no diplomatic mission then the certification by the local chamber of commerce is sufficient.

- Insurance

Usually arranged by the importer.

- Weights and Measures

The metric system.

Fax signatures are not permitted. Pro-forma invoices are not compulsory but will usually be requested by importer and will greatly assist in arranging insurance. 

LABELING REQUIREMENTS

Outer containers should bear the consignee's mark and port mark and be numbered (to accord with packing list) unless their contents are such that they can be otherwise readily identified. Although not compulsory, it is advised that all printed contents be in Arabic or French.

For foodstuffs, the date of manufacture, expiry date of fitness for human consumption and the conditions of storage and preservation should all be written in Arabic. Trademarks should be clearly shown.

PUBLIC HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Plants and plant products are subject to inspection by the Libyan Phytosanitary Service before release by customs.

Drugs and pharmaceuticals are subject to special regulations laid down by Ministry of Health. These may be imported only by qualified and registered medical, veterinary practitioners and pharmacists.

Eggs must be marked with the name of the exporting company, the country of origin and the date of production. The import and use of insecticides is subject to special regulations.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATES

All plants and plant products require import permits, as well as phytosanitary certificates. Meat requires a halal certificate to the effect that it has been slaughtered according to the Islamic laws. This must be legalised by an Arab Embassy, if no Libyan Embassy is established. Such a certificate is not required for meat cuts of less than two kilograms in weight.

All foods require a health certificate. A certificate of purity legalised by the Embassy is required for all medical goods and drugs.