The Customs Higher Council issued Decision 33/2025 dated May 6, 2025 that amended Decision 43/2022 of May 19, 2022 about updating the Customs Tariffs in accordance with the Harmonized System. It said that the amendment exempts imported raw materials used directly in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products from the value-added tax. The decision stipulates that the Customs Higher Council added Code 3206.49 to the list of raw materials that are essential to the pharmaceutical industry. The Code 3206.49 covers inorganic or mineral coloring matter and preparations used for coloring various substances, excluding certain categories such as paints, enamels, and luminophores. The Code 3206.49 falls under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), which classifies goods for international trade. In addition, it said that it took its decision based on the approval of the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Industry to amend the list of codes for raw materials used in the production of pharmaceuticals. Further, it pointed out that the decision goes into effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette.  Figures released by the Lebanese Customs Administration show that the import of pharmaceutical products to Lebanon reached $736.7m in 2024, constituting an increase of 18.6% from $621.3m in 2023. In comparison, the U.S. Department of Commerce Country Commercial Guide for Lebanon estimates the local production of pharmaceuticals at $150m annually. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Byblos Bank, June 2 - 7, 2025