Damascus Bans Possession of Used Government Equipment and Imposes Strict Controls

The Syrian Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade has issued a decision banning the possession or trading of all types of scrap materials belonging to government agencies, both civilian and military, as well as equipment and materials belonging to vital sectors such as electricity, communications, oil, water, and transportation, including railway equipment and medical equipment.

According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the decision includes a ban on dealing with meters, transformers, cables, electrical towers, communication equipment, electronic devices, distribution rooms, and sewer covers, in addition to all types of military vehicles, equipment, and machinery, as well as medical supplies and equipment.

The ministry has tasked the Directorates of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection in the governorates with monitoring the implementation of the decision, through activating supply control and organizing necessary reports, with the confiscation of violating materials and imposing penalties provided for in Syrian laws against violators.

This decision comes as part of government efforts to curb the spread of trading in infrastructure materials, which are accused of stealing components from electricity, water, and communication networks, especially in areas that witnessed security disturbances in previous years.