LIBYA
Since November 2017
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on online payments
Circular No. 10-2017 on controls and instructions for electronic payment services using mobile phones and eWallets
Circular No. 10-2017 sets limits for electronic payments using mobile phones or eWallets. A monthly limit applies to transactions as follows: 1,000 LYD (approx. USD 207) for individuals, 10,000 LYD (approx. USD 2,070) for small merchants or enterprises, 20,000 LYD (approx. USD 4,150) for medium merchants or enterprises and 50,000 LYD (approx. USD 10,350) for large merchants or enterprises. It also sets a monthly account limit of 3,000 LYD (approx. USD 620) for individuals, 10,000 LYD (approx. USD 2,070) for small merchants or enterprises, 20,000 LYD (approx. USD 4150) for medium merchants or enterprises and 50,000 LYD (approx. USD 10,350) for large merchants or enterprises.
Coverage E-payments
LIBYA
Reported in 2021, last reported in 2025
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Threshold for ‘De Minimis’ rule
Lack of de minimis threshold
It is reported that Libya does not implement any de minimis threshold, which is the minimum value of goods below which customs do not charge duties.
Coverage Horizontal
LIBYA
Since June 2010
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on domain names
Local presence requirement for domain names
“.ly” is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, managed by the Libyan Spider Network. Anyone can register domain names with the “.ly” extension for a minimum period of one year. The official website of Libya's top-level domain registry states that there are no requirements for local presence or the appointment of a local representative. However, since 2010, as announced by the Libyan Spider Network, all “.ly” domain names shorter than four characters may only be registered by companies with a presence in Libya, and the registration must be processed through Libya Telecom and Technology. In addition, according to the official website for the top-level domain of Libya's registry, domain names must not contain "obscene, scandalous, indecent, or contrary to Libyan law or Islamic morality words, phrases nor abbreviations".
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20100605033807/http://www.libyanspider.com/m/announcements.php?id=16
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231129113908/https://web-solutions.eu/domain-registration-africa.htm
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231205143401/https://benmetcalfe.com/blog/2010/10/the-ly-domain-space-to-be-considered-unsafe/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231209023613/https://nic.ly/regulations.php
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LIBYA
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Framework for consumer protection applicable to online commerce
Lack of comprehensive consumer protection law applicable to online commerce
Libya lacks a comprehensive framework for consumer protection that applies to online transactions. However, Arts. 48-57 of Law No. 6-2022 on electronic transactions sets some rules for the relationship between the seller and consumer in electronic commerce transactions. A proposed draft legislation is supposed to fill in this gap. It has been in the pipeline since 2017. It explains that the law will be applicable to electronically delivered services and to advertisers using all kinds of media tools. The government submitted the draft law to legislative authorities for consideration in June 2023 and the law has still not been adopted.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231129055951/https://lawsociety.ly/web/20231129055951/https://lawsociety.ly/legislation/%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%B1%D9%82%D9%85-6-%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%A9-2022-...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220626163809/https://alp.unescwa.org/sites/default/files/2021-09/Libya_y2017_Draft_Consumer_Protection_Law_AR.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230604072826/https://ar.libyaobserver.ly/article/23278
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LIBYA
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Ratification of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Lack of signature of the UN Convention of Electronic Communications
Libya has not signed the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts.
Coverage Horizontal
LIBYA
Since October 2022
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce
Law No. 6 of 2022 concerning Electronic Transactions
قانون رقم 6 لسنة 2022 م بشأن المعاملات الإلكترونية
قانون رقم 6 لسنة 2022 م بشأن المعاملات الإلكترونية
Libya has enacted national legislation influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Commerce, namely Law No. 6 of 2022 on Electronic Transactions.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251212212201/https://lawsociety.ly/en/legislation/law-no-6-of-2022-concerning-electronic-transactions/
- https://parliament.ly/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/قانون-رقم-6-لسنة-2022-بشأن-المعاملات-الالكترونية.pdf
- https://uncitral.un.org/en/texts/ecommerce/modellaw/electronic_commerce/status
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LIBYA
Since October 2022
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures
Law No. 6 of 2022 concerning Electronic Transactions
قانون رقم 6 لسنة 2022 م بشأن المعاملات الإلكترونية
قانون رقم 6 لسنة 2022 م بشأن المعاملات الإلكترونية
Libya has enacted national legislation influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Signatures, namely Law No. 6 of 2022 on Electronic Transactions.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251212212201/https://lawsociety.ly/en/legislation/law-no-6-of-2022-concerning-electronic-transactions/
- https://parliament.ly/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/قانون-رقم-6-لسنة-2022-بشأن-المعاملات-الالكترونية.pdf
- https://uncitral.un.org/en/texts/ecommerce/modellaw/electronic_signatures/status
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LIBYA
Since March 2020
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on online payments
Regulations issued by the National Payments Council regarding Electronic Payment Services, 2020
لائحة خدمات الدفع الإلكتروني الصادرة عن مجلس المدفوعات الوطني مارس 2020
لائحة خدمات الدفع الإلكتروني الصادرة عن مجلس المدفوعات الوطني مارس 2020
Art. 9.5 of the Regulations issued by the National Payments Council regarding Electronic Payment Services stipulates that any electronic payment service must be prepaid and denominated in Libyan Dinars. Art. 1 defines electronic payment services as services related to managing electronic money or issuing and managing prepaid payment methods.
Coverage E-payments
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241114131949/https://cbl.gov.ly/en/micifaf/2022/08/%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%8A%D9%94%D8%AD%D8%A9-%D8%AE%D8%AF%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%81%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D...
- https://lawsociety.ly/legislation/%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%AD%D8%A9-%D8%AE%D8%AF%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%81%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%84%D9%83%D8%AA%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84...
LIBYA
Since January 2010, last amended in April 2023
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Licensing schemes for digital services and applications
Law No. 23-2010 regarding Commercial Activity
قانون رقم 23 لسنة 2010 م بشأن النشاط التجاري
قانون رقم 23 لسنة 2010 م بشأن النشاط التجاري
According to Art. 1355 of Law No. 23-2010, it is not permissible to practice any commercial activity or conduct any business within Libya except after obtaining a license. This process includes obtaining a Commercial Register certificate, registering with the Chamber of Commerce and the tax and labour departments, and then obtaining a working license. It is reported that in May 2019, the government suspended the licenses of 40 foreign firms, including Alcatel-Lucent (owned by Nokia) and Microsoft, asking for their renewal.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240123075235/https://lawsociety.ly/web/20240123075235/https://lawsociety.ly/legislation/%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%B1%D9%82%D9%85-23-%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%A9-2010...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230325081847/https://cbl.gov.ly/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%B1%D9%82%D9%85-23-%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%A92010-%D8%A8%D8%B4%D8%A...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251215171142/https://freedomhouse.org/country/libya/freedom-net/2024
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LIBYA
Since September 2022
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Licensing schemes for digital services and applications
Resolution No. 811-2022 regarding the approval of the conditions and controls for practising media activity
Art. 2.4 of Decision No. 811-2022, a license is required in the event that an audio channel or visual channel, satellite or terrestrial, affiliated with a foreign company or an entity operating outside Libya, as well as its headquarters outside Libya, wishes to open an office, branch, or activity within the Libyan state. The license requires approvals from the Foreign Media Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, approval of the Libyan Intelligence Service, and Security approval, among others. It was reported in September 2022, that, while the decision largely targets television and radio outlets, it could negatively affect the online space as many of those operators maintain an online and social media presence.
Coverage Media sector
Sources
- https://lawsociety.ly/legislation/%D9%82%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%B1%D9%82%D9%85-811-%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%A9-2022-%D9%85-%D8%A8%D8%B4%D8%A3%D9%86-%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231003231201/https://www.article19.org/resources/libya-government-must-repeal-new-media-rules/
- https://freedomhouse.org/country/libya/freedom-net/2023
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LIBYA
Since November 2022
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other import restrictions, including non-transparent/discriminatory import procedures
Regulations for the Specific Approval of Communications Devices and Equipment attached to the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Government of National Unity No. 985-2022 issuing the Executive Regulations for Law No. 22-2010 on Communications
قرار رقم 985 لسنة 2022 م بإصدار اللوائح التنفيذية للقانون رقم 22 لسنة 2010 م بشأن الاتصالات
قرار رقم 985 لسنة 2022 م بإصدار اللوائح التنفيذية للقانون رقم 22 لسنة 2010 م بشأن الاتصالات
Art. 4.3 of the "Regulations for the Specific Approval of Communications Devices and Equipment attached to Resolution No. 985-2022" requires obtaining a permit from the competent authorities for the import, manufacture, assembly or trade of any telecommunications equipment, which should be in accordance with the approved standards and specifications, and in coordination with the concerned security agencies.
Coverage Telecommunications equipment
LIBYA
Since October 2022
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other import restrictions, including non-transparent/discriminatory import procedures
Decree No. 944 on the Foreigners’ Participation and Foreign Companies’ Branches and Representative Offices in Libya
قرار رقم 944 لسنة 2022 م بشأن لائحة مساهمة الأجانب وفروع ومكاتب تمثيل الشركات الأجنبية بدولة ليبي
قرار رقم 944 لسنة 2022 م بشأن لائحة مساهمة الأجانب وفروع ومكاتب تمثيل الشركات الأجنبية بدولة ليبي
Art. 5 of Decree No. 944 stipulates that foreign nationals are prohibited from engaging in import and export activities, which are reserved exclusively for domestic persons.
Coverage Import and export activities
LIBYA
Since October 2022
Since January 2010
Since January 2010
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Local content requirements (LCRs) on ICT goods for the commercial market
Decree No. 944 on the Foreigners’ Participation and Foreign Companies’ Branches and Representative Offices in Libya
قرار رقم 944 لسنة 2022 م بشأن لائحة مساهمة الأجانب وفروع ومكاتب تمثيل الشركات الأجنبية بدولة ليبي
Law No. 9-2010 on the Encouragement of Investment
قرار رقم 944 لسنة 2022 م بشأن لائحة مساهمة الأجانب وفروع ومكاتب تمثيل الشركات الأجنبية بدولة ليبي
Law No. 9-2010 on the Encouragement of Investment
Art. 4 of Decree No. 944 imposes an obligation upon foreign companies operating in Libya to facilitate technology transfer, employ local personnel, and provide training for the domestic workforce. Also, in the conduct of their activities, such entities are required to use equipment, machinery, raw materials, and production inputs that are available on the local market. In addition, Art. 6 does not provide any exemption from the mandatory requirement that at least 75% of the workforce be composed of local employees.
Similarly, Art. 7 of Law No. 9-2010 on the Encouragement of Investment states that investment projects involving foreigners must fulfil all or part of the following listed requirements: (i) transferring and localizing knowledge, modern technology, technical expertise, or intellectual property rights; (ii) supporting links and integration between existing economic activities and projects, reducing production costs, or contributing to providing materials and operating requirements for them; (iii) exploiting or assisting in the exploitation of local raw materials; (iv) contributing to the development of remote areas; (v) producing goods for export or contributing to increasing exports, or as a result of which the import of goods is completely or partially dispensed with; (vi) providing a service needed by the national economy or contributing to its improvement, development or rehabilitation and (vii) providing employment opportunities for the Libyan workforce of no less than 30%, and working to train them and provide them with technical skills and expertise.
Similarly, Art. 7 of Law No. 9-2010 on the Encouragement of Investment states that investment projects involving foreigners must fulfil all or part of the following listed requirements: (i) transferring and localizing knowledge, modern technology, technical expertise, or intellectual property rights; (ii) supporting links and integration between existing economic activities and projects, reducing production costs, or contributing to providing materials and operating requirements for them; (iii) exploiting or assisting in the exploitation of local raw materials; (iv) contributing to the development of remote areas; (v) producing goods for export or contributing to increasing exports, or as a result of which the import of goods is completely or partially dispensed with; (vi) providing a service needed by the national economy or contributing to its improvement, development or rehabilitation and (vii) providing employment opportunities for the Libyan workforce of no less than 30%, and working to train them and provide them with technical skills and expertise.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251215180428/https://lawsociety.ly/en/legislation/decree-no-944-on-the-foreigners-participation-and-foreign-companies-branches-and-representative-offices-in-libya/
- https://cbl.gov.ly/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/06/القانون-رقم-9-لسنة-2010-بشأن-تشجيع-الاستثمار.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251226210814/https://amereller.com/publication/libya-decree-944-2022-on-the-regulation-of-the-activities-of-foreign-enterprises-in-libya/
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LIBYA
Since September 2021,
as amended in March 2022
as amended in March 2022
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Export restrictions on ICT goods or online services
Resolution No. 388-2022 regarding adding goods and materials to the list of goods prohibited for export pursuant to Resolution No. 359-2021
قرار رقم 388 لسنة 2022 م بشأن إضافة سلع ومواد إلى قائمة السلع المحظور تصديرها بموجب القرار رقم 359 لسنة 2021 م
قرار رقم 388 لسنة 2022 م بشأن إضافة سلع ومواد إلى قائمة السلع المحظور تصديرها بموجب القرار رقم 359 لسنة 2021 م
Art. 1 of Resolution No. 388 of 2022 added electrical and electronic devices and equipment to the list of goods prohibited for export pursuant to Resolution No. 359-2021.
Coverage Electric and electronic devices and equipment
LIBYA
Since October 2022
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Export restrictions on ICT goods or online services
Decree No. 944 on the Foreigners’ Participation and Foreign Companies’ Branches and Representative Offices in Libya
قرار رقم 944 لسنة 2022 م بشأن لائحة مساهمة الأجانب وفروع ومكاتب تمثيل الشركات الأجنبية بدولة ليبي
قرار رقم 944 لسنة 2022 م بشأن لائحة مساهمة الأجانب وفروع ومكاتب تمثيل الشركات الأجنبية بدولة ليبي
Art. 5 of Decree No. 944 stipulates that foreign nationals are prohibited from engaging in import and export activities, which are reserved exclusively for domestic persons.
Coverage Import and export activities
