"Akhbar al-Yawm" agency

New Industrial Licensing Category Launched in Lebanon

Issa El Khoury: In line with the requirements of technological manufacturing

Lebanon’s Minister of Industry, Joe Issa El Khoury, has announced the adoption of a new regulatory classification, Category "0", designed specifically to facilitate the licensing of emerging industries, particularly those operating in the technology and innovation sectors. This new category aims to exempt such enterprises from several licensing requirements stipulated in Decree No. 3425, issued on April 5, 2001.

In an interview with the "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency, Minister El Khoury noted that the current industrial classification system, as defined by the decree, categorizes enterprises based on their scale and environmental impact. The existing classification includes:

Category 1: Large-scale industrial enterprises with significant environmental impact, such as manufacturers of chemicals or hazardous materials.

Category 2: Medium-sized enterprises with moderate environmental impact.

Category 3: Small to medium-sized enterprises with limited environmental impact.

Category 4: Small enterprises with minimal environmental impact.

Category 5: Micro-enterprises with negligible or no environmental impact.

Minister El Khoury emphasized that the operational nature of emerging industries, particularly those focused on technological innovation and advanced manufacturing, differs significantly from that of traditional industrial sectors. Given their distinct characteristics and limited environmental impact, these enterprises are often unable to meet the licensing requirements stipulated in the current decree. Consequently, the ministry has resolved to pursue amendments to the regulatory framework to ensure it is aligned with the evolving demands of technology-driven industrial development.