What are Qatar’s Import and Export Tariffs and Regulations?
The laws of Qatar governing import and export regulations are strict and very efficient. Failure to comply with the legal requirements can result to delays, holding, penalties, and rejection or sending the goods back to their origin. Aside from the customs declarations and manifests that must be presented, the importer has to make sure that all documents are duly attested, translated, and verified for complete authenticity.
On import duties
Computing for the customs duties depends on a certain percentage of the value of the goods being delivered. This is approximately 5%, or it can also be done on a per unit basis. As for the value of the goods, this is determined by the Qatar Customs and Port Law. The goods will also be inspected thoroughly, so you have to be wary of the following prohibited items:
- Radioactive material
- Narcotic drugs
- Flammable goods
- Infringement of artistic, industrial, intellectual, and commercial property rights
- Ammunition and explosives
- Boycotted items
It is important to note that in 2013, new rules were imposed in order to prevent the entry of fake products into the market. As such, general goods must all possess a non‑removable marking that indicates the place of manufacture. This is a requirement for eligibility for customs clearance, and is applicable to goods for both sea and air freight.
When it comes to customs duty tariffs, there are various categories. The 5% is for general cargo, which includes perfumes, clothing, devices, electronic appliances, and cars. 20% is for steel, 15% is for imports of musical instruments and records, while 30% is for ammonia and urea. 100% is for cigarettes and tobacco, or QAR1,000 per 10,000 cigarettes. The higher amount is the one that is followed.
There are also various exemptions, which include personal effects and other household items. This also includes returned goods, military exemptions, diplomatic exemptions, duty-free shops, merchandise from free zones, and imports relating to charitable organizations.
Take note of the points of entry for imports and exports as well. These are transmitted via Hamad Port, Hamad International Airport, Salwa Overland Terminal, Doha Port, Ras Laffan, and the Mesaieed Port.
A word on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Customs Union
As outlined in Law No. 41/2002, imported products have a 5% ad valorem tariff imposed on the cost, insurance and freight (C.I.F.) invoice value. According to the GCC, there is an estimated 400 goods with approved exemptions, which includes basic food products, fresh fruit, live animals, vegetables, powdered milk, seeds for planting, wheat, rice, flour, spices, and feed grains. There are also exemptions for the following:
- military and security products
- used household items
- personal effects
- diplomatic and consular imports
- passenger accompanied luggage
- civilian aviation
- products for industrial projects
Another crucial point to note is that the sale of pork and pork products is strictly regulated. You can navigate through all of these strict requirements and documentation with a good business consultancy partner like Afreno who can facilitate processes for your peace of mind.
About Us
Afreno is a Business Consultancy that draws on its long presence, over 10 years in fact, in the field of forming companies, while capitalizing on its impressive know-how at both local and international levels. This endeavor also extends to developing local partnerships and offering excellent opportunities in real estate.
Unlike any other Business Consultancy company in the State of Qatar, Afreno includes under its umbrella three closely-linked comprehensive services: business advice, legal negotiation and real estate possibilities. This means that any project, however complex, can be dealt with in all its aspects. Added to this is our wide range of reliable clients and trusted business contacts, plus our up to the minute awareness of what is going on in the markets, whether GCC or local. Your business venture will be backed by our in-depth knowledge, the valuable connections we have built over time, and our solid reputation, ensuring that you succeed quickly, whatever enterprise you are involved in. All this will be achieved with the minimum of stress; unsurprisingly Afreno has become the point of reference for anyone wishing to incorporate or grow their business in the local market.
