Decision 388/2022: Expansion of Export Ban List

The Ministry of Economy expanded the list of export-prohibited goods under Decision 359/2021 to include twelve categories of industrial materials, energy infrastructure components, and electrical equipment. The ban, effective March 29, 2022, targets critical infrastructure inputs including solar panels, batteries, industrial pipes, electrical cables, generators, and welding equipment. This decision was issued at the request of the National Oil Corporation citing public interest grounds.

Foreign suppliers and traders of industrial equipment, energy infrastructure, and electrical materials face immediate export prohibition from Libya. Companies with existing export contracts for these goods must halt shipments or seek specific exemptions. This measure effectively closes legitimate export channels for critical infrastructure materials, likely driven by domestic shortages and smuggling concerns. Importers into Libya are unaffected, but the decision signals government prioritization of domestic resource retention over export revenue in the industrial/energy sectors.