Tripoli Chamber of Commerce announced today that it is hosting a meeting, called for by its members, at its Tripoli headquarters tomorrow.
The Chamber said the meeting aims to continue discussions (first held on 14 September 2026) regarding the Ministry of Economy’s Resolution 449 issued on 14 September 2026.
The discussions aim to assess 449’s current implementation, while assessing the Central Bank of Libya's readiness to execute the resolution's provisions from a banking perspective.
The Ministry of Economy’s Resolution 449 / 2026, slated to have come into force as of 30 September, stipulates that importers and foreign exporters must register on the PTS Unified Digital Import System. The system aims to regulate the import of goods for the purpose of trade.
It will be recalled that Chamber's members expressed concern regarding the extent to which the decision can be implemented on time, and its possible repercussions on the movement of trade and the supply of goods to the local market.
Members had stressed the importance of regulating foreign trade operations and supporting efforts aimed at controlling the market and enhancing transparency, while stressing the need to provide the necessary technical and banking requirements to ensure the success of the implementation of the mechanism and the achievement of its objectives.
Fear over readiness of banking system
In this context, members are concern that the Central Bank of Libya and the banking system are not sufficiently prepared to implement the new mechanism on time, which may create difficulties for traders and suppliers, and affect the flow of the supply of goods and their entry into the local market.
Specifically, Resolution 499 stipulates that imports must be paid for by documentary credit through banks - and not cash or through unofficial Hawala money transfers. Small businesses are fearful that the CBL will continue to ignore their requests for documentary credits - preferring to continue to facilitate big businesses instead.
Fears for import orders already being manufactured
There are fears of the impact that this may have on the availability of goods during the first period of the implementation of the decision, especially since the decision was scheduled to come into effect within a very short period of time: 30 September. This timeline was considered too short for many suppliers who have orders under manufacture.
Need to work on addressing challenges before implementing the new regulation
Members had stressed the importance of continued coordination and dialogue between the concerned authorities and the private sector, and to work to address all technical and banking challenges before the start of implementation.
This, in order to ensure the achievement of the objectives of the decision and the regulation of trade, without negatively affecting commercial activity or the flow and availability of goods to citizens.
Tripoli Chamber of Commerce Reviews New Import Regulations
Libya Bans Informal Commercial Imports Starting September 30