Import Ban Announced
Syria has suspended imports of poultry chicks until further notice, in a move that reshapes supply lines for one of the country's core protein sectors. The directive covers broiler chicks, white chick strains, and feathered chicks, and was made public by the authority overseeing the country's ports and customs.
The General Customs Administration was instructed to enforce the suspension immediately upon issuance, with the measure to be published in the official gazette.
Decree 107 Framework
The ban was issued by the National Import and Export Committee, the body empowered to regulate cross-border trade flows under Decree No. 107 of 2026. That decree defines the committee's mandate to align imports and exports with domestic supply and demand.
Officials framed the decision as a routine exercise of that authority rather than an emergency measure, tying it to an assessment of current conditions in the poultry market.
Protecting Local Breeders
The stated rationale centers on shielding domestic producers. The committee said the step is meant to give local breeders a more stable environment and to let the sector meet demand without exposure to competition that negatively affects domestic production.
By closing the door to imported chicks, the authorities aim to channel demand toward domestic producers and support the stability of local production cycles.
Guarding Against Dumping
The committee described its broader role as balancing the interests of producers and consumers, preventing both dumping and shortages while keeping prices stable. The poultry decision was presented as one application of that mandate.
For now, the suspension carries no announced end date, leaving importers to await further notice before chick shipments can resume.
Immediate Enforcement
The General Customs Administration was named as the body responsible for applying the suspension at border points, with the order taking effect from the moment of issuance. Publication in the official gazette formalizes the measure and signals it to traders and shipping agents.
Because the directive is open-ended, customs officers are expected to turn back covered shipments until the committee issues a new instruction lifting or amending the ban.