A couple of tax-related measures recently introduced by the Jordanian government have triggered criticism and even riots in one city on the border with Syria. Residents of Ramtha, 56 miles north of Amman, took to the streets Aug. 23-24 to protest an unexpected government decision issued Aug. 22 that limits the quantity of certain items — for example, only one carton of cigarettes per person — that an individual can bring into the kingdom. Anyone caught entering with more than the allowable limits could be charged with smuggling.

Ramtha’s economy heavily depends on cross-border trade with Syria, and hundreds of taxi drivers from the city transport passengers and goods on a daily basis between the two countries. The city’s economy suffered when the border was closed between 2015 and 2018 after the Syrian government lost control of the crossing point to rebel forces.

Rioters in Ramtha burned tires and police cars and clashed with anti-riot police for two days, until late on Aug. 24, when the government reached an agreement with city notables to cease all forms of escalation. The Jordan Times reported the government justifying its decision as part of an anti-smuggling effort aimed at protecting citizens and residents from narcotics, weapons and smoking. The government claimed on Aug. 24 that cross-border smuggling had cost the treasury $183 million (130 million Jordanian dinars) in the first seven months of this year.

On Aug. 15, the government announced the imposition of customs fees on products for personal use bought online outside the kingdom. It gave the Customs Department one week to create an “electronic platform” for residents to register online to track progress toward the annual cap on online shopping of around $700 (500 dinars), which replaced the previous cap of $3,380 (2,400 dinars). Those who fail to register will have to pay higher customs and fees when clearing the goods through customs.