Learn about barriers to market entry and local requirements, i.e., things to be aware of when entering the market for this country.

Despite numerous regulatory steps to business entry, operation, and exit, the World Bank’s 2019 Doing Business Report notes that it takes entrepreneurs 15 days to start a business in Lebanon, compared to the average of 21 days in the MENA region.  However, the cost to start a business, at 40 percent of per capita income, is high compared to the regional average of 22.6 percent and the OECD average of 3.1 percent.  Lastly, the process does not discriminate against foreign investors. 
According to the 2018 Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI), Lebanon ranked 138 of 180 countries worldwide, making Lebanon among the 50 most corrupt countries in the world.  Foreign and local companies have complained about numerous impediments, namely institutionalized corruption, bureaucratic over-regulation, arbitrary licensing, complex customs procedures, outdated legislation, an ineffectual judicial system, high taxes and fees, high telecommunication charges, slow internet speeds, poor electricity provision, inconsistent interpretation of laws, and inadequate protection of intellectual property.
Lebanon adheres to the Arab League Boycott of Israel.  The Arab League’s Central Boycott Office maintains a blacklist of U.S. firms that are believed to contribute to Israel’s military or economic development.  As per U.S anti-boycott regulations, U.S. companies must refrain from certifying that their products do not come from Israel.  If there appears to be any request that might be in support of boycotts, companies should contact the Bureau of Industrial Security (BIS) at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.