Damascus Chamber of Industry Addresses Paint Sector Challenges: Demands for Modern Labs and Protection for Local Products

Amid growing complaints regarding the influx of poorly manufactured products and raw material challenges, the Paints and Raw Materials Committee at the Damascus and Damascus Countryside Chamber of Industry held a meeting chaired by Dr. Radwan Abdeen, board member of the chamber, with the attendance of Mr. Mahmoud Al-Mufti, Vice Chairman of the Chemical Sector, and Mr. Samer Al-Azmeh, Chairman of the Committee.

 

Discussions focused on the necessity of establishing licensed laboratories equipped with modern technologies in cooperation with the private sector to serve as officially accredited entities in Syria for verifying material compliance with required standards. Paint manufacturers expressed dissatisfaction with the adoption of standards for imported materials that differ from local ones, proposing the issuance of a dedicated technical bulletin for each approved material. This bulletin would be certified by the Internal Trade and Consumer Protection Directorate, laboratories, and standards authorities to be presented upon request. They also explained that the local market demands various grades of paint materials, such as limewash/distemper, and is not limited to premium quality alone, but also includes second and third tiers based on market needs. This prompted the approval of demands to deregulate paint specifications under specific conditions and introduce a technical bulletin defining these material specs.

 

Furthermore, manufacturers complained about the influx of low-quality paints into the Syrian market, calling on regulatory authorities to ensure fairness between importers and local producers by sampling imported goods and attaching supporting documents and compliance analysis to each shipment at border crossings. Attendees also called for submitting a letter to the Minister of Energy requesting permission to import kerosene oil as a raw material for white spirit production, or to sell surplus supplies to factories according to their industrial allocations at international prices.

 

In conclusion, a proposal was discussed to launch the "Best Syrian Chemical Product Award" in cooperation with the Syrian Chemical Society, highlighting the role of paint factories in participating, as this award contributes to elevating national industrial excellence, fostering competitiveness, enhancing the reputation of Syrian products in foreign markets, and developing and revitalizing the chemical industry

 

7/9/2026