Libya’s Founding Committee of Small Suppliers has called for a review and temporary suspension of recently announced tax and fee measures, warning of potential negative repercussions on the domestic market.
In a statement, the committee urged authorities to reassess monetary policy decisions and additional charges reportedly linked to imports. The move follows circulating notices suggesting that the Central Bank of Libya had begun implementing a tax law on imported goods at varying rates.
According to the information being discussed, basic commodities would be exempt at a zero per cent rate, while a seven per cent tax would apply to certain food items and raw materials. A 12 per cent levy would reportedly cover consumer products, cleaning supplies and car spare parts.
The committee stressed the need to halt implementation until a comprehensive evaluation is conducted to determine the impact on prices, supply chains and small-scale traders. It also called for the inclusion of small suppliers’ representatives in any future economic dialogue to ensure that decisions reflect market realities and operational challenges.
In addition, the statement highlighted the importance of stabilising the exchange rate to limit volatility that directly affects import costs. It further advocated reducing administrative and financial burdens on small businesses and creating a fair regulatory environment that protects competition and prevents monopolistic practices.
The proposals have sparked widespread debate across Libyan social media platforms, where the hashtag “No to Tax Imposition” has gained traction. Meanwhile, 107 members of the House of Representatives issued a clarification distancing themselves from any decision to impose new taxes or financial burdens, stating that no such legislation had been formally adopted in a duly convened session.
The parliamentary finance committee also denied reviewing any official proposal concerning import taxation, underscoring ongoing legal and political uncertainty surrounding the measures.