Tariffs and regulations

Tariffs and duty rates are constantly revised and are subject to change without notice.

Austrade strongly recommends you reconfirm these prior to selling to Qatar.

For further information, visit the General Authority of Customs - State of Qatar.

Tariffs and non-tariff barriers

Tariff

The standard Customs Duty is 5 per cent but there are exemptions for certain items.

Single-column tariff. Duties are ad valorem assessed on the Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) value:

  • cigarettes, tobacco and its derivatives - 100 per cent
  • concrete iron bars - 20 per cent
  • urea and ammonia - 30 per cent
  • alcoholic beverages - 100 per cent
  • basic food products such as wheat, flour, rice, feed grains and powdered milk are exempted from customs duty.

Qatar is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and is in the process of liberalising trade policies.

Non-tariff barriers

Import restrictions

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. 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.

Product certification, labelling and packaging

Labelling

Outer packages should bear the consignee and port mark and 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.

Packaging

No special packing requirements, but 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.

Special certificates

It is recommended that livestock be provided with sanitary certificates, even though they will be examined by local health authorities on arrival.

Plants and plant products, including flour, wheat, rice and seeds, require phytosanitary certification issued by the approved authority in the country of origin; in Australia this is usually the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources or the relevant state department of agriculture.

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.

Methods of quoting and payment

Quotations should be in Australian dollars (with Pound Sterling equivalents), Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) or Cost, Insurance, Freight and Commission (CIFC) (Incoterms 1990) preferably by pro-forma invoice. Payment is usually by irrevocable letter of credit.

Documentary requirements

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.

Commercial invoice

Must be legalised by the Commercial Department of the Qatari Embassy in the country of origin or by the customs authority at the point of entry into Qatar. Legalisation fees are levied on the basis of invoice value and range.

Packing list

Not compulsory but facilitates clearance.

Public health requirements

Pharmaceutical products require registration with the Ministry of Public Health.

Exporters should check with their representatives in Qatar to ensure that all necessary conditions are met.

Shippers should ensure that foodstuffs avoid contamination during shipment and 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.

Insurance

Normal commercial practice but must be with a company with no Israeli connections.

Weights and measures

The metric system.