The United States has lifted its long-standing ban on arms exports to Syria, a major shift in policy toward Damascus after years of sanctions and isolation.

The State Department published a notice in the Federal Register on Wednesday lifting the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restrictions on Syria, with the change taking effect on Thursday, according to the Associated Press.

The move follows Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s decision in August to rescind Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. Under the new framework, arms export licenses for Syria will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, according to trade law analyses.

Only seven countries remain on the ITAR denial list, according to reports. The change does not mean automatic approval for weapons sales, but it removes a blanket prohibition that had been in place for decades.

The policy shift reflects Washington’s reassessment of its relationship with Syria’s leadership. Defence and aerospace companies will now be able to apply for export licenses, though each application will face scrutiny under US arms control rules.