VI.  Trade Regulations and Standards

The movement of funds in and out of Lebanon is free from taxes, fees, or
restrictions and bank secrecy regulations are strictly enforced.  The
Export-Import bank (Eximbank) did not provide financing for U.S. exports to
Lebanon as of mid-1994.

In 1993, total imports amounted to about USD 4.8 billion while exports reached
USD 45o million--a balance of trade deficit of about USD 4.35 billion.
Lebanon's imports from the usa totalled USD 376.5 million in 1993 compared to
USD 27 million in Lebanese exports to the USA.

Lebanon has five commercial harbors: Beirut, Tripoli, Jouniyah, Sidon, and
Tyre; one international airport in Beirut; and three road border crossing
checkpoints with Syria:  Masna', Abboudiyah, and Qaa'.  Customs duties provide
about 50 percent of total government revenues.  For temporary entry of heavy
machinery and vehicles, importers can use customs bonded warehouses insured by
Beirut port, a rather expensive warehousing method.  Importers may also keep
their products in privately leased or owned warehouses against a one year bank
guarantee refundable upon settlement of customs duties plus an annual
nonrefundable warehousing fee.  The reconstruction of the free zone which
totals 120,000 square meters at the Port of Beirut has started.  A 6000-square
meter building is under construction where bonded warehouses will be located.
The Lebanese customs directorate is in charge of controlling labeling and
marking requirements.

The Lebanese government imposes restrictions on munitions trade.  The import,
export, and re-export of military equipment, munitions, and spare parts, is
subject to license.  Non-military weapons and ammunition for hunting are
subject to license as well.  Only Lebanese citizens at least twenty one years
of age, with full mental stability, and a clean security record can obtain
import licenses for munitions.  In exceptional cases, a foreigner can obtain a
license for the non-military munitions trade.  Lebanon adheres to a special
visa arrangement for textile exports to the United States effective July 1,
1994.  Lebanon is not a member of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
(GATT).