Exclusive: Al-Huwaij’s Regulations Ignite Public Outrage and Disrupt the Market

Our source has exclusively obtained a letter from the Minister of Economy addressed to the Director General of the Customs Authority, issued in implementation of instructions from the Central Bank of Libya to the Ministry of Economy. The letter bans all import, export, and re-export activities unless conducted through banking operations approved by the Central Bank of Libya.

The letter from Al-Huwaij includes: a complete halt to allowing any goods to enter through customs points unless tied to documented banking transactions (letters of credit, direct transfers, or collection-based documents). It also provides a temporary exception for goods shipped before July 3, 2025, but not yet arrived in Libya, allowing their entry until August 10, 2025, in accordance with the directives of the Central Bank Governor.

This is conditional upon the importer submitting a detailed financial form, and all goods brought in under these exceptions being subject to strict inspection and conformity procedures — both in terms of product quality and commercial value. Customs points will bear full responsibility if any non-compliant goods are allowed entry, and banking operations (letters of credit or transfers) at violating ports will be immediately suspended until legal action is taken against any official or employee found complicit or responsible for breaching these instructions.

These regulations imposed by Al-Huwaij have sparked a wave of widespread anger and significant public rejection, amid warnings of their disastrous impact on the market, traders, and citizens alike. Mounting calls are demanding the immediate withdrawal of the decision and its amendment through urgent exemptions for small-scale traders, to ensure the continuity of trade and avoid price hikes and shortages of goods.