Cabinet Approves Exemption of Vegetable Seeds from Customs Duties

The Ministry of Agriculture announced in a statement that "in a new step to support farmers and reduce production costs, the ministry's follow-up efforts resulted in the Cabinet approving the exemption of tariff heading 1209.91 for vegetable seeds from the 5% customs duties, pursuant to the decision issued by the Cabinet during its session on October 1, 2026."

It stated that it "had previously initiated the request to cancel these fees," clarifying that Lebanon "does not produce hybrid or stabilized seeds for a large number of vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelons, carrots, and beets, making their importation an essential need for the continuation of agricultural production."

Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani affirmed that "this step falls within the ministry's policy aimed at reducing the cost of production inputs and supporting farmers from the beginning of the agricultural cycle through marketing and export, thereby enhancing the quality of Lebanese production and its competitiveness in local and foreign markets."

He noted that "supporting farmers does not begin only when marketing the crop, but rather from securing production inputs at a lower cost and increasing productivity and quality, helping them stay on their land and achieve sustainable income."

The statement indicated that "the decision constitutes a practical step within a path pursued by the Ministry of Agriculture to alleviate burdens on producers and enhance the competitiveness of the agricultural sector and its role in food security and the national economy."