Exporting to Libya

[MMEngServ]

Hey Guys,
Just after some advice.

We are a engineering business and we supply to Oil Refining Companies etc all over the world. We've already supplied to the USA and so I have a little know how, of how export works, however never to a customer in Libya.

I was wondering if i was to ship some goods there, would i require to have the Invoice/Certificate of Origin translated into Arabic? or is English ok?

Iv had a few quotes from Sea Freight Companies. Two of them say i need it translated and are charging a ridiculous fee to do so (they admit they are not fully experienced in export to libya). However the more expensive company, and by far the more experienced sea freight company to Africa say theyve never had to in all the time they have shipped there. They told me that if the customer requests invoices etc in arabic, then fair enough, however if they do not, i do not have to. My customer from Libya is currently in the UK for a short time, and can fully understand English so he is quite happy for me to supply the invoice in English, but will the authorities over in Libya be ok when the goods land at Libya Sea Port Customs?

Could someone shed some light on this matter?

Is there a one stop shop i can get guaranteed advice on exports? Most freight companies say Chambers of Commerce is the best place. Some dont recommend them and go on their own experience.

Thanks in advance for all advice.

Regards

Mo
MM Engineering Services

 

[katiec]

It is always better to have the documents translated into Arabic for shipping to Libya

 

[KidsBeeHappy]

Have you spoken to your local chamber of commerce? They can be really good for things like this.

 

[MRE001]

Not that it really matters at the moment anyway, but you need to have a legalized Certificate of Origin (CofO) when exporting to Libya (although currently only needs to be certified by chamber of commerce as there isn't anyone at the Libyan People's Bureau to Legalize it!!). When the CofO is legalized they will need an Arabic translation of your invoice - however, you do not need to send Arabic invoices with the shipment, as all Libyan companies work in English language only when dealing with overseas companies.
The best place to go to for the complete service is Tower Worldwide (Basildon) Limited (01268 534433) - they will do everything for you, including preparing the CofO and translating the invoice, other paperwork, export packing and seafreight.
Hope this helps.............although not much going to happen in Libya until 2012 now unfortunately.