International Standards

The Government of Qatar is one which develops and elaborates international trade standards for all the imported and exported goods. The Qatar Laboratories and Standardization Affairs is in charge of developing and conformity assessment body for Qatar. However, Qatari government ministries such as the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Energy and Industry and Ministry of Municipality and Environment provide recommendations for standards.  The Qatar Laboratories and Standardization Affairs continually develop new standards and criteria for various items and merchandize. 

IMPORT LICENSE

All international importers are required to present an import license.  This document is issued only to Qatari nationals, or to the Qatari partner in a limited liability partnership. The license must be registered with the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. This regulation also applies to wholly foreign owned entities operating in Qatar. 

The license includes the information regarding the import registration, the duty and sales tax paid, and the bank where these payments were made. This document may be presented up to 15 days prior to the arrival of the merchandise to Qatar or up to two months after the shipment's arrival. Once the import license is presented and import duties are paid, customs will authorize the delivery of the merchandise. 

It is required by law to have an import license for almost all products and are issued only to Qatari nationals. Imports of alcoholic liquor, firearms, ammunition and dangerous drugs are strictly controlled.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

In order to clear goods from customs zones at ports or land boundaries in Qatar, importers must submit a variety of documents, including a detailed customs declaration, bill of lading, certificate of origin, pro forma invoice and import license.  Information on specific requirements should be obtained from the Customs and Ports General Authority.  Inspection of goods is generally conducted at the customs station, or as directed by the General Director, in the presence of the owner or his representative. 

Pro-forma invoices for government purchases are to be provided and must:

- be stamped and signed by the supplying company or exporter;

- give the same serial numbers as the items shown in the government order sheet;

- indicate the delivery period and validity of the quotations.

Recommended in all other cases as it facilitates establishment of letter of credit.

PUBLIC HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

- Exporters should check with their representatives in Qatar to ensure that all necessary conditions are met. Pharmaceutical products require registration with the Ministry of Public Health.

- Shippers should ensure that foodstuffs avoid contamination during shipment.

- Foodstuffs must be shipped direct to Doha - transhipment through any other port is not permitted.

- All imported beef and poultry products require a health certificate and a halal slaughter certificate issued by an approved Islamic centre in the country of origin.

PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS

Qatar does not have any special packing requirements. Every importer or exporter has to know that all goods should be securely packed to guard against rough handling, extreme heat in summer, humidity in winter and periods of storage in the open. Steel strapping is recommended. 

LABELING REQUIREMENTS

According to the Qatar legislation, the outer packages should bear the consignee and port mark as well as should be numbered (according to packing list) unless their contents can be otherwise readily identified.

Labels on foodstuffs must have the following information:

- product and brand names;

- production and expiration dates;

- country of origin;

- name of the manufacturer;

- net weight in metric units;

- list of the ingredients and additives in descending order of importance;

- all fats and oils used as ingredients must be specifically identified on the label and be in Arabic or in Arabic/English - Arabic stickers are accepted.

IMPORT RESTRICTIONS

Importing and distribution of pork products and alcoholic beverages are highly restricted. The Government of Qatar may ban import of religious or politically sensitive items. 

CONTACTS

Customs and Ports General Authority

Sheikh Hassan Bin Nasser Bin Jassim Al-Thani, Director General

Mr. Essa Jassim Mohammed, Office Director 

P.O. Box 81, Doha, State of Qatar

Phone:  (974) 4441-1149

Fax:  (974) 4441-4959