Moving to Qatar

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS AND INFORMATION FOR IMPORTS

HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS

Personal cargo considered as used item and any new items may enforce duty under the direction of the custom officer who examines the cargo and any commercial quantity will be taxes. The customer could claim his cargo under duty free facility within six months of his/her initial arrival, thereafter duty may be enforce under the direction of the customs officials.

• Copy of Passport Data Page.
• Copy of Visa / Residence Permit on Passport
• Copy of ID card.
• Copy of First Entry Stamp
• Packing List (In English)
• Bill of Lading (OBL) / Express Release or Telex release / Air Waybill (AWB) – a copy is acceptable
• Letter of Employment from employer / Sponsor
• Authorization letter.
• Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for clearance of Diplomatic shipments)

• • Used household goods are subject to Customs inspection.
  • Customs will inspect all packages.
  • Customs clearance takes approximately 3-4 business days from the date of receipt of the original documents required for clearance. Storage or demurrage charges will be billed back to the shipper or agent per the receipt.
  • The shipper must be in Qatar during Customs clearance.
  • The Residence Visa must be obtained prior to arrival of the shipment.
  • All prohibited articles detained by customs may be destroyed without consignee’s consent
  • All printed matter, records, films, books, pictures, tapes, slides, movies, videos, compact discs, computer software, etc. are subject to censorship and confiscation (must be packed separately for easy access) if caught with any of these items, customer will be subject to severe penalties and a possible jail term.
  • Travel bags and packages must remain unlocked.
  • Used personal goods are dutiable in Qatar if the value is more than QAR 3000.00 or USD 800.00.
  • The Customs duty is 5% of the estimated value of goods determined by the Customs Valuation Committee plus the legalization charges of approximately USD 175.00.

Documents must be received by agent at least 5 days prior to arrival of the shipment.

Documents Required

• • • Proof of ownership at origin
    • Original Import Manifest
    • Vehicle Export certificate / De-Registration Certificate
    • Insurance Policy
    • Copy of owners Passport Data Page.
    • Copy of owners Visa / Residence Permit on Passport
    • Copy of ID card.
    • Bill of Lading (OBL) / Express Release or Telex release – a copy is acceptable
    • Letter of Employment from employer / Sponsor
    • Authorization letter.
    • Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for clearance of Diplomatic shipments)
    • Purchase or Sales Invoice
    • Makasa Bayan – from GCC countries for duty waiver
    • Vehicle details list.
    • Export number plate.

Specific Information

• • • Vehicles must be Gulf Standard and left-hand drive.
    • Automobiles should not be more than 5 years old.
    • The owner of the vehicle must be a resident in Qatar prior to registration of the vehicle.
    • A 5% customs duty is charged on the value of the vehicle identified on the price on the Purchase or Sales Invoice value or its depreciated value and is determined at the discretion of the Customs Officer in charge.

Pets – birds (the maximum size of a falcon), domestic cats, domestic dogs and other similar sized domestic animals if having required documentation may enter the country. The following procedure must take place:

Documents Required

• • • Owners Passport & Qatar ID
    • Authorisation Letter
    • Pets Microchip documents
    • Pets vaccination record documents
    • Veterinary Health Certificate

Specific Information

• • • The Veterinary Health Certificate must be issued by a government approved veterinarian clinic in the origin country and must confirm that the animal is in good health with current vaccinations.
    • The certificate must be dated within 2 weeks prior to the animal’s arrival in Qatar.
    • Pre clearance arrangement to done.
    • The animals must be carried in a cage (proper size, lockable and clean) that is appropriate for travel.
    • cleared for air travel
    • Larger birds, large dogs and other large animals must be processed through the Cargo Terminal.

• • • Cigarettes (free import up to 400)
    • Personal items and gifts (free import up to QAR 3,000.-.)
    • Firearms (special permission from the Ministry of Defense in Qatar is required)

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• • • Alcohol
    • Explosives and explosive items, including fireworks and other flammable items
    • Idols
    • Pornographic materials
    • Politically subversive materials
    • Religious books and material
    • Ivory
    • Israeli currency
    • Narcotic drugs
    • Pork Products