Libyan parliament denies imposing taxes on basic goods amid controversy

Libya’s House of Representatives has denied imposing any taxes on production or consumption, stressing that no levies or fees have been approved on basic and essential goods used by citizens.

In a statement obtained by Libyan Express, the parliament said it had been following reports circulating on the issue, clarifying that any proposals concerning non-essential goods remain under review by relevant Libyan institutions and have not yet been finalised.

The statement underlined that the House of Representatives would not take decisions on matters still under study unless they clearly serve the public interest, support the national economy, and contribute to safeguarding Libya’s national security.

The clarification comes after the head of the parliamentary Finance Committee, Badr Al-Nahib, submitted a proposal to impose a tax of up to 35 per cent on all imported goods.

The proposal also includes a 15 per cent surcharge on the official exchange rate, to be applied to currency exchange companies as well as to personal transactions, medical treatment, and overseas study expenses. Under the proposal, the Governor of the Central Bank of Libya would be granted the authority to gradually reduce the surcharge.

Several members of parliament had earlier issued a statement denying that Al-Nahib’s proposal had been approved or adopted. However, Al-Nahib later said during an interview with Libya Al-Ahrar that the proposal had been endorsed during a closed parliamentary session, claiming that most lawmakers who later opposed it had originally voted in favour.