The Local Production & Export & Development Authority (EDPA) in Syria is working to put into effect the “Registered Exporter” (REX) system, which has been approved by the European Union. After years of diminishing trade activity inside EU countries, this measure attempts to improve the presence of Syrian products in European markets and expedite export procedures.
The Director-General of the Authority, Khaled Al-Khader, said that implementing the REX system is a calculated step to make Syrian goods more competitive in European markets. He pointed out that the system is based on the idea of self-certification for certificates of origin, which simplifies processes, lowers export expenses, and restores European buyers’ trust in Syrian products.
Moreover, Al-Khader indicated that the timeline for implementation is contingent upon completing technical and legal procedures, particularly the ratification of the law on rules of origin. He noted that a consultative meeting between the Authority and the EU delegation created a necessary foundation for fulfilling the requirements for implementation and for outlining the relevant administrative mechanisms.
Target Sectors
He indicated that several sectors, particularly agriculture and food—including canned goods, olive oil, nuts, and pistachios—along with textiles and ready-made garments, will likely benefit from this move. Exports in the textile sector were around $95 million in 2011, with aims to exceed this amount soon.
The chemical industry, which contributes roughly 47% of industrial sector exports, and artisanal and historical products are other beneficiary sectors. Meanwhile, the main European markets for Syrian goods are Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Spain.
Al-Khader pointed out that in addition to a 74% drop in exports from 2011 to 2025, Syrian exports face obstacles such as high production costs, complicated shipping and customs procedures, and issues in fulfilling European standards.
Overcoming Obstacles
He underlined that the Authority is attempting to overcome these obstacles by allowing exporters to take advantage of customs exemptions, expediting processes via the “REX” system, and collaborating with the Standards and Metrology Authority to bring Syrian goods into compliance with European standards. The Authority also improves communication with commercial attachés and gives exporters information about European markets.
Al-Khader clarified that the Authority prioritises small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) as part of its assistance for exporters. To enter markets and take part in international shows, this entails facilitating system registration, hiring qualified staff, and initiating programmes. In addition, initiatives include creating an export school, creating ways to lower transportation costs, enhancing the logistical and regulatory landscape, and implementing digital services.
Likewise, Al-Khader stated that the Authority intends to target roughly 300,000 small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) by 2030 and boost the volume of domestic exports by 50% to 60%. He stressed that the European market, which has about 450 million consumers, offers Syrian goods a strategic opportunity and that the “REX” system’s implementation is a means of improving trade cooperation, boosting economic recovery, and improving the reputation of Syrian exports.
The REX (Registered Exporter) system is the mechanism used by the European Union to certify the preferential origin of exported goods; it works on the principle of self-certification, eliminating the need for customs authorities to issue certificates of origin for each shipment.