Qatar
Qatar Customs Information – Hercules Worldwide
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- Copy of passport
- Provide 2 legible copies of detailed inventory
- Letter of authorization allowing destination agent to clear shipment
- Residence permit/visa
- Letter from local sponsor
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
- May import used personal effects duty-free if you intend to reside in Qatar for a minimum of 12 months and that the items have no commercial value and are not put up for re-sale.
- All imported prohibited items detained by customs may be destroyed without your consent
- Typical customs clearance for sea shipments takes around 5 to 6 working days, and 2 to 3 days for air shipments. The customs office is closed on Fridays, except to process live animals.
RESTRICTED ITEMS/DUTIABLE
- New furniture requires a certificate of origin or invoice
- A separate clearance procedure for computer equipment is required
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- Ammunition, firearms and weapons (even decorative)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Narcotics and drugs
- Pork products
- Communication equipment and wireless transmitters
- Political or pornographic materials
- Explosives
- Items made of ivory
- ALL PRINTED MATER INCLUDING RECORDS, BOOKS, FILMS, SLIDES, TAPES, MOVIES, VIDEOS, COMPACT DISCS, COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND SO ON, ARE SUBJECT TO CENSORSHIP AND CONFISCATION. **MUST BE PACKED SEPARATELY FOR EASY ACCESS. IF ANY OF THESE ITEMS ARE IN YOUR POSSESSION, YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO SEVERE PENALTIES AND POSSIBLE JAIL TIME **
MOTOR VEHICLES
- Imported vehicles must be at least 3 years old
- Must be a resident in Qatar before registration of vehicle
- Vehicles being imported for personal use will not incur customs duty
- The following documents are required:
- Proof of ownership from origin
- Registration certificate
- Original import manifest
- Invoice
- Insurance policy
PETS
- Health certificate issued by government approved veterinarian clinic in country of origin; this is to confirm animal is in good health and vaccinations are up to date
- Health certificate must be dated no sooner than 2 weeks before date of animals arrival in Qatar.
**NOTE- all customs regulations and procedures are subject to change at any time. The above customs information is provided as a brief summary of Qatar customs regulations and applies only to household goods shipments, and is for your general guidance. Hercules Worldwide is not liable for any damage, delays, duties, costs, taxes or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance, omissions or errors. Always check full requirements and restrictions with the local embassy or consulate. **
