Import and export of goods with Syria — a bilingual EN/RU contract in 15 minutes. CISG since 1988, settlements in RUB or CNY, Western sanctions
Four contract types — for any deal structure with a Syrian partner
Import phosphates, olive oil, textiles, and chemicals from Syria.
Export food products, medicines, construction materials, and fuel to Syria.
A contract for services from Syrian companies: construction, mining, trade.
A contract for services to Syrian clients: infrastructure reconstruction, military-technical cooperation.
Key terms to reflect in the contract
Syria ratified CISG in 1988. The convention applies automatically to international commercial transactions.
CISG · 1988Restrictive measures of several countries apply to Syria and their scope changes. Check the status of the counterparty and its bank before the deal. Russian companies operate under Russian law, but Western correspondent banks fully block payments. SWIFT in USD/EUR is unavailable.
Caesar Act · US/EU sanctionsAll settlements are in Russian rubles (via Russian banks) or Chinese yuan (via Chinese banks). SYP (Syrian pound) is unstable. USD/EUR are unavailable due to sanctions.
RUB/CNY · no SWIFTThe requirement to repatriate proceeds applies. For settlements in RUB, specify the exact payment mechanism and deadlines in the contract.
173-FZ · RUB settlementsAnswers to the most common questions
Fill in the form, pay online — and download right away. The file is accepted by banks and customs.
Syria is a traditional ally of Russia in the Middle East. The country is in the process of post-war reconstruction, creating opportunities for Russian exports of food products, fuel, and construction materials.
Registration with the Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade of Syria. The contract should specify the company name, address, and the bank details of the Syrian bank.
Restrictive measures of several countries apply to Syria and their scope changes. Check the status of the counterparty, its bank and the available settlement currencies before the deal. Settlements only in RUB (via Russian banks) or CNY (via Chinese banks). SWIFT in Western currencies is completely unavailable.
Syria ratified CISG in 1988. For arbitration, the ICAC under the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is recommended.
Ports of Latakia and Tartus (Russian naval base). From Novorossiysk — 4–6 days. An overland route via Iran or Iraq is also possible.