Import Ban Takes Effect
Syria will prohibit the import of oranges of all types and varieties from 11 November 2026 through 31 March 2027, under a decision issued by the National Committee for Import and Export. The ban, logged as Decision No. 15 of 2026, spans the entire citrus harvest season and applies at every border crossing.
The committee described the step as a way to protect domestic agricultural output, support local farmers, and balance the market during the peak production period for Syrian oranges. The restriction names oranges specifically, and no other citrus fruit is listed in the decision.
Customs to Enforce
The decision assigns the General Customs Administration the task of taking the measures needed to apply the ban and notifying the relevant authorities. Customs directorates at border points are responsible for turning back orange shipments for as long as the restriction stands.
The committee's power to regulate imports and exports stems from Decree No. 107 of 2026, which governs its work and mandate.
Part of a Wider Shift
The orange ban follows a run of earlier curbs on agricultural imports. In April 2026, the same committee issued Decision No. 10 of 2026, which halted imports of several other foods and farm products in staggered phases, while a measure in January 2026 suspended imports of some agricultural goods.
Together, the moves outline a policy of shielding domestic growers by timing import restrictions to coincide with local harvests.
Impact on Supply
By closing the border to foreign oranges for roughly four and a half months, the measure leaves domestic production to meet winter demand on its own. The restriction runs for about four and a half months, covering the stretch when local groves bring their fruit to market. The published decision lists no exemptions and sets no import quotas.
No projected volumes or price targets were released alongside the ban, leaving its market effect to unfold over the season as domestic supply alone meets demand.