Page 53 - QBG

Customs and Ports Law

Customs and Ports Law

Qatar’s Customs and Ports Law covers all aspects of the import and export of goods to and from its ports:
Hamad International Airport, Salwa Overland Customs, Mesaieed Port, Doha Port and Ras Laffan.

Travellers, traders and business persons must abide the rules and regulations set by the General Authority
of Customs, the government authority responsible for monitoring importation and exportation of goods
in and out of the State in accordance with legislation.

Customs Clearance :

Qatar has strict regulations which must be adhered to in order to obtain customs clearance of
goods. All goods must be recorded on a customs declaration form and a manifest presented to
the customs authority on arrival.

If after physical inspection a discrepancy is found between the goods and the customs declaration,
additional taxes and duties will apply along with a fine.

Failure to comply with the customs law may result in delays, holding of goods, penalties,
storagedemurrage fees, or the return of goods to origin. In serious infringements legal action
may be taken (see Legal Action below).

Customs Clearance Single Window ‘Al-Nadeeb’ :

‘Al-Nadeeb’ is an online resource which simplifies the customs clearance procedure for importers
and clearing agents. Users can check information about tariffs and calculate duty. Registered
login users, including approved trade brokers, importers and exporters, may perform a number
of other tasks online, including accessing customs data and records, making duty payments
and completing customs paperwork.

Customs Duty Charges :

All goods imported into Qatar are subject to customs duties, based on a percentage value of
goods (typically 5%), or a per unit basis. The value of goods is calculated according to the
Regulations under the Customs and Ports Law.
• General Cargo – 5%
• Steel – 20%
• Urea & ammonia – 30%
• Cigarettes, tobacco and its derivatives – 100% or QR1,000 per 10,000 cigarettes, whichever is higher

Exempted Goods :

Exemption categories include personal effects and household items, imports of charitable organizations
and returned goods, diplomatic and military exemptions. Goods cleared for ‘free zones’ and duty-free
shops are not subject to customs levies. Goods in transit may be accepted, without payment of duty, at
designated stations.

52 Qatar Business Guide Official Sponsor
2016 - 2017