What Libyan Customs Authority does

The Libyan Customs Authority (مصلحة الجمارك الليبية) is the sole government entity authorized to conduct customs operations, collect duties, and enforce customs law throughout Libya. Established around 1946 during the British administration of Tripoli and formally structured under Decision No. 815/1990, it operates under the Ministry of Finance as a civil regulatory authority mandated by Law No. 10/2010. The Authority serves importers, exporters, travelers, licensed customs brokers, and Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) at all land, air, and sea border crossings in Libya, including major sites such as Ras Ajdir, Misurata Free Zone Port, Khoms Marine Port, Mitiga International Airport, and Misurata Airport.

The Authority runs a multi-system digital platform built primarily on UNCTAD-developed ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data) for processing customs declarations and transit procedures, complemented by its own AEO program (aligned with the WCO SAFE Framework since Libya joined the WCO in 1983), the pilot-stage ACI (Advanced Cargo Information) system for pre-arrival risk assessment, and an e-Portal serving as the unified electronic gateway. Supporting operational units include a K9 scent-detection unit, an Automated Inspection Office with fixed and mobile scanning equipment, and the UNODC Container Control Programme (CCP). Organizationally, it maintains a vertical structure with a General Director's office, multiple general administrations, and affiliated entities including the Customs Training and Studies Institute (1988), Customs Officers College (2024), Customs Social Welfare Fund (1983), Customs Union Club, and e-Portal.

As a government monopoly, the Authority does not earn revenue in the commercial sense; it collects customs duties, tariffs, taxes, levies, penalties, and licensing fees on behalf of the Libyan state treasury based on the Libyan Customs Tariff 2022 (21 sections, 97 chapters). Its revenue model is transaction-based, with rates set by HS code classification rather than commercial pricing. The entity is funded through the state budget and supported technically by international partners including UNCTAD, UNODC, the US EXBS program, the WCO, and bilateral customs counterparts in Algeria, Tunisia, and France. It is headquartered in the Customs City (Salah Al-Din) district of Tripoli and reports through the Ministry of Finance.

Name

Libyan Customs Authority

Legal name

Libyan Customs Authority

Website

https://customs.gov.ly

Company type

Private

Founded year

1946

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Libyan Customs Authority (مصلحة الجمارك الليبية) is a government monopoly under Libya's Ministry of Finance that conducts all customs operations, collects duties and tariffs, and enforces border security at every land, air, and sea port in Libya for importers, exporters, travelers, and licensed brokers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Customs Administration

NAICS

Regulation, Licensing, and Inspection of Miscellaneous Commercial Sectors (92615), National Security and International Affairs (928), Regulation and Administration of Transportation Programs (92612)

akta.pro primary industry

Customs Clearance & Border Trade Facilitation (BPAIADAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Trade Compliance, Anti-Smuggling & Customs Enforcement (BPAIADAJ), Interagency/International Information Exchange & Cooperation (BPAIADAN)

Keywords

• Customs administration
• Border security
• Tariff collection
• Trade facilitation
• Customs inspection

Headquarters

HQ city

Tripoli

HQ country

Libya

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Customs Duties and Tariffs Collection: Collection of customs duties and tariffs on imported and exported goods as per the Libyan Customs Tariff 2022. The tariff contains 21 sections and 97 chapters covering all goods traded globally.
2. Tax and Levies Collection: Collection of various taxes and levies on goods passing through Libyan borders, including production taxes and consumption taxes.
3. Customs Penalties and Fines: Revenue from penalties and fines for customs violations, smuggling attempts, and non-compliance with customs regulations.
4. Licensing and Registration Fees: Fees from licensing customs brokers, registering importing companies, and issuing various customs permits and approvals.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Libyan Customs Authority is the government body that administers customs clearance, collects customs duties and tariffs, enforces trade regulations, and conducts border security inspections at all of Libya's land, air, and sea ports. It operates integrated electronic systems (ASYCUDA, AEO, ACI, e-Portal) for processing customs declarations, risk-based cargo inspection, and trade facilitation, and is mandated under Law No. 10 of 2010 and Decision No. 815/1990.

Product overview

The Libyan Customs Authority operates a multi-system platform architecture comprising four core interconnected systems: ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data) for processing customs declarations and trade data; the AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) program for trusted trader certification and trade facilitation; the ACI (Advanced Cargo Information) system for pre-registration and risk-based targeting of incoming shipments; and the e-Portal serving as the unified electronic gateway providing access to all systems. Supporting services include customs clearance broker services, customs declaration processing, statistical code directory (now integrated into AEO), and the comprehensive customs tariff database. The authority also operates specialized units for automated inspection, K9 scent detection, and participates in the UNODC Container Control Program. All systems are government-operated, developed in collaboration with international organizations (UNCTAD, WCO, UNODC), and serve Libya's land, air, and sea border ports.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data) Customs management system that processes cargo data and customs declarations including transit and suspended arrangements, generating trade statistics for economic analysis. Developed by UNCTAD.
• Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program Partnership program between customs and private sector that enhances global supply chain security while providing trade facilitation benefits such as expedited clearance. Aligned with WCO SAFE Framework standards.
• ACI - Advanced Cargo Information System Pre-registration system for shipments that enables risk assessment and targeting of high-risk cargo before arrival, part of the WCO SAFE Framework for securing and facilitating global trade.
• e-Portal (Electronic Portal) The main electronic gateway providing access to all Libyan Customs systems including ASYCUDA, AEO, and ACI, offering digital services for information management and statistical analysis.
• Customs Clearance Services Licensed customs brokers who handle customs clearance procedures for import and export goods, including document preparation and duty calculation, for traders across Libyan ports.
• Customs Declaration Official declaration required for all goods entering or leaving Libya, submitted at the nearest customs center in accordance with customs regulations.
• Customs Tariff (Libyan Customs Tariff 2022) Tariff schedule containing commodity designations and applicable duty rates covering 21 sections and 97 chapters based on the Harmonized System (HS) code classification.
• Container Control Program (CCP) Program for monitoring containers and international shipments to combat smuggling and organized crime, implemented in cooperation with UNODC at major Libyan seaports.
• K9 Scent Detection Unit Specially trained dogs deployed to detect narcotics, weapons, explosives, and prohibited items concealed in luggage, containers, parcels, vehicles, and trucks at border crossings.
• Automated Inspection Office Advanced technology inspection office equipped with fixed and mobile scanning equipment for detecting smuggling attempts in all forms at customs checkpoints.
• Statistical Code Directory Comprehensive database of import/export information providing accurate statistics for scientific research and economic policy formulation, using smart card-based registration for importing companies and customs brokers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Seizure of over 5 tons of hashish at Misurata Free Zone Port
• +2 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Medical Supply Authority (جهاز الإمداد الطبي)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 August 2026Cooperation to establish a dedicated customs facility for medical supply shipments to expedite clearance of medicines, medical supplies, and equipment at customs checkpoints, supporting pharmaceutical security.
• Algerian Customs (المديرية العامة للجمارك الجزائرية)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 July 2026Libyan and Algerian customs signed a cooperation agreement through the Joint Libyan-Algerian Customs Committee. The agreement covers administrative cooperation, trade movement evaluation, anti-smuggling cooperation, training exchange, and joint customs operations.
• Tunisian Customs (الديوانة التونسية)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2026Libyan-Tunisian Twinning Committee established to enhance customs training cooperation. The National School of Customs (المدرسة الوطنية للديوانة التونسية) participates in joint training programs.
• French Embassy in LibyaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 May 2026Discussions to enhance technical and security cooperation in combating smuggling and narcotics through French customs expertise and technical assistance.
• International Organization for Migration (IOM)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 May 2026Cooperation discussions on border management and combating irregular migration through enhanced coordination between customs and migration authorities.
• Colman InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 May 2026International partnership for developing K9 (detection dog) units to enhance customs inspection capabilities at border crossings.
• China (Direct Shipping Line)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 May 2026Establishment of a direct shipping line between China and Libya via Misurata Free Zone Port, facilitating trade between the two countries.
• UNODC CCP (Container Control Programme)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 June 2021Formalized partnership between Libyan Customs and the UNODC Container Control Programme (CCP) to enhance Libyan border security at major seaports. A memorandum of understanding was signed on June 30, 2021. The project is sponsored by the US Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) program.
• World Customs Organization (WCO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 January 1983Libya joined the World Customs Organization on January 11, 1983. Libya participates in WCO initiatives including the SAFE Framework of Standards, AEO program, and international customs cooperation.
• UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development)coreTechnology or IntegrationASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data) software was developed by UNCTAD. Libya uses this system for customs procedures including cargo data processing and customs declarations.
• Arab League (جامعة الدول العربية)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipation in Arab League customs cooperation initiatives including unified customs regulations and Arab free trade agreements.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security: UAE federal body overseeing customs, ports, and border security across multiple emirates. Comparable function (national customs and port security mandate) but broader portfolio and far larger operational scale than Libya's customs authority.
• ZATCA (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, Saudi Arabia): Saudi Arabia's integrated tax, zakat, and customs authority. Comparable as a national customs body with electronic platforms, AEO programs, and significant investment in digital transformation, but operates on a much larger scale and budget than the Libyan authority.

Direct peers

• Jordan Customs (Jordanian Customs Department): Jordan's national customs administration responsible for clearance, duty collection, and trade facilitation at land, air, and sea ports. Comparable as a fellow Arab-League customs authority with electronic systems and WCO alignment.
• Moroccan Customs and Excise Administration (Administration des Douanes et Impôts Indirects): Moroccan national customs body with similar responsibilities for duty collection, AEO programs, and risk-based inspection at borders. Comparable as a North African peer with mature electronic systems and WCO SAFE alignment.
• Tunisian Customs (Douane Tunisienne): National customs administration of Tunisia performing the same statutory duties — clearance, duty collection, and border enforcement. Directly comparable because of the 2026 Libyan-Tunisian Twinning Committee for customs training cooperation.
• Algerian Customs (Direction Générale des Douanes Algériennes): Sovereign customs authority of Algeria with comparable mission: collection of duties, anti-smuggling enforcement, and border facilitation. Directly comparable because both authorities signed a Joint Libyan-Algerian Customs Committee agreement in 2026 covering administrative cooperation, anti-smuggling, and training exchange.
• Egyptian Customs Authority ( مصلحة الجمارك المصرية): Egyptian national customs administration operating at all land, sea, and air ports under a comparable legal mandate. Comparable as a fellow North African WCO-member customs authority with ASYCUDA, AEO, and Nafeza-style electronic clearance systems.

Others

• UNCTAD ASYCUDA Programme: UNCTAD programme that develops and maintains the ASYCUDA software used by Libyan Customs. Not a customs authority itself but the enabling technology provider whose platform underpins Libya's core customs declaration processing.
• World Customs Organization (WCO): Intergovernmental organization that sets global customs standards including the SAFE Framework that Libya's AEO and ACI programs follow. Not a competitor but a peer in the sense of being the supranational body governing the customs profession Libya participates in.

Regional players

• Sudan Customs Authority (هيئة الجمارك السودانية): Sudan's national customs administration performing clearance and duty collection at Sudanese borders. Comparable in mandate and regional context but operates under a distinct sovereign jurisdiction with its own political and operational dynamics.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/libyancustoms
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@LibyanCustoms
• Facebookfacebook.com/libyacustoms
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/libyan-customs
• Instagraminstagram.com/libyancustoms

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Libyan Customs Authority