IMPORT DOCUMENTATION FOR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

Customs Import Code:

All companies are required to be registered with customs and possess a valid customs
import/export code. This document makes a company legally authorized to make import/export
activities. Permission for importing items will be specified as per the commercial registration
(C.R) and only those materials as permitted can be imported by respective companies.

Special note:
Aside from Import code – Doha Qatar customs implemented their access system call SINGLE
WINDOW online system and all the importers should register with their online system.

Single Window

Civil Aviation Announcement under Circular No. (3) 2012, The Single Window System
(Electronic Cargo Information System) will effect from the day of 18/12/2012 to Doha Airport
Customs. As per the Announcement all the shipment details will update and submit through
online.

MADE IN COUNTRY ON PRODUCTS

Country of origin of the product must be clearly shown on each sales unit by screen printing or
engraving/embossing. But if the nature of the goods prevents this installation, non-removable
labels, knitting or writing with indelible ink must be done. The country of origin shown on C.O
and packages must be the same as of the original goods. Discrepancies if any, is considered as a
criminal offence and subject to legal proceedings.

Documentation Requirements:

1.) Commercial Invoice / Packing List and Certificate of Origin

• Certificate of Origin must be chamber attested from origin
(Scanned/Electronic/Color print is not acceptable)
• Invoice must occupy with shipper’s stamp and chamber attestation from load port
(Scanned/Electronic/Color print is not acceptable)
• AIR FREIGHT: AWB (Original 2) with terms and condition at the back
• SEA FREIGHT: ORIGINAL BL
• Original Detailed Packing List – Legalized from Origin.

2.) Customs duty – 5% of CIF Doha Commercial Invoice Value

3.) Handwritten documents are not acceptable.
4.) For items that required special approval such as EPC, Metrology, Civil Defense, ICT,
MOI, Health Department, etc. - must load the sample items as Last In / First Out in the
container.

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COMMERCIAL INVOICE
A commercial invoice is a document used in foreign trade. It is used as a customs declaration
provided by the person or corporation that is exporting an item across international borders

The supplier invoice must be in original with supplier stamp and signature duly attested by the
Chamber of Commerce from the origin.

• Must have shipping terms (C&F/CIF/FOB) etc.,

• Shipping Invoice/Sales Invoice not acceptable and it should be commercial Invoice.
• Discount value/0.00 Value/customs purpose value and FOC value are not acceptable.
• HS code (Supplier invoice and Certificate of origin must mention the correct H.S code of
each item line)
• Commodity coding in the invoice is not acceptable – shipper must mention the actual
commodity / description of the Goods.
• Type of currency, Quantity, unit price, total price, GW, Volume, No of Packages.
• Made in Country. If the goods are made in many countries, then the country of origin of
each item should be mentioned on the invoice.
• Invoice must mention 100 % actual value of the goods. The prices will be checked by the
valuation committee and if there is any discrepancy, the same will be forwarded to custom
legal dept. This may cause long delays.
• Copy Invoice can be payable Invoice penalty as per Invoice value. If original documents
are not presented, there will be custom penalty of minimum QAR 500.00 (USD 140) or 1
% of the invoice value whichever is higher + QRS.500 (USD 140.00)
• EEC (European Economic countries) must specify in invoice & c/o which country in
Europe. EEC not accepts in the custom server.

Sample Invoice Copy below,

Template for your proper guideline. It is not necessary for supplier to follow the format in
Invoice, as long all the data mention on our template is there.

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CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN

A certificate of origin (CO) is an important International trade documents attesting that goods in
a particular export shipment have been wholly obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in
particular country. It is also a declaration by the exporter.

• CO must be attested by the Chamber of Commerce, customs will not accept any
Electronic/Scanned or color print.
• CO must have supplier commercial No, No. of package, Gross weight, Volume and cargo
details must be the same in all documents.
• CO must be indicating country of origin (multi Countries should separate in Invoice or
CO)
• Hand written CO is not acceptable.
• The chamber attestation must read as CHAMBER OF COMMERCE in word, other than
the chamber name other all stamps are not acceptable.
• Customs will not accept any penalty for CO.
• EEC (European Economic countries) must specify in invoice & c/o which country in
Europe. EEC is not acceptable in the custom server.

PACKING LIST

A packing list is a shipping document that accompanies delivery packages, usually inside an
attached shipping pouch or inside the package itself. It commonly includes an itemized detail of
the package contents and does not include customer pricing. It serves to inform all parties,
including transport agencies, government authorities, and customers, about the contents of the
package. It helps them deal with the package accordingly.
Gross weight, Volume, Number of packages and quantity should tally with the Invoice and
Certificate of origin.

AIR WAY BILL

The Air Waybill (AWB) is the most important document issued by a carrier either directly or
through its authorized agent. It is a non-negotiable transport document. It covers transport of
cargo from airport to airport. By accepting a shipment an IATA cargo agent is acting on behalf
of the carrier whose air waybill is issued.

AWBs have eleven digit numbers which can be used to make bookings, check the status of
delivery, and current position of the shipment.

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BILL OF LADING

A bill of lading (B/L or BOL) is a document used in the transport of goods by sea. It serves
several purposes in international trade, both as transit information and title to the goods.

A legal document between the shipper of a particular good and the carrier detailing the type,
quantity and destination of the good being carried. The bill of lading also serves as a receipt of
shipment when the good is delivered to the predetermined destination. This document must
accompany the shipped goods, no matter the form of transportation, and must be signed by an
authorized representative from the carrier, shipper and receiver.

LETTER OF CREDIT

If the documents are through bank, L/C number must be mentioned on each document by the
shipper. Alterations/Corrections are not acceptable without correction stamp. Manual corrections
on printed documents are not acceptable.

LEGALISATION CHARGES

As per Qatar Import Law, Invoice and C.O must be attested by Qatar Embassy or Consulate from
the country of export. If it is not done, the same can be obtained from Qatar Customs Authority
by paying charges as per the tariff issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Qatari legalization charges (Tariff)

CIF - Invoice value (QAR) Legalization charges (QAR)

1------------------- 15000 QAR 500.00

15001-------------100000 QAR 1000.00
100001----------- 250000 QAR 2500.00
250001 ----------1000000 QAR 5000.00
1000001 and ABOVE 0.6 PERCENT OF THE CIF VALUE

Above shown amount is per invoice and not for the total value.
QRS 150.00 per COO (Non - Legalized Certificate of origin).
QRS 150.00 per Packing List - (Non – Legalized Packing List).

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 DOCUMENTATION FOR SOME SPECIAL ITEMS

FOOD STUFF

Food is any substance consumed to provide nutritional support for the body. It is usually of plant
or animal origin, and contains essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins,
or minerals. The substance is ingested by an organism and assimilated by the organism's cells in
an effort to produce energy, maintain life, or stimulate growth.

There is some special requirement for food clearance at Doha customs, below are the import
documentation.

• Invoice, packing list, CO must require with all documentation requirement.

• Legalized Health Certificate issued by concerned health department/Ministry and should
attest by the ARAB consulate from Origin.
• The date of production and expiry must be clearly shown on each and every sale units.
Stick- on labels is not acceptable.
• The ingredients of each item should be printed both in Arabic and English language with
indelible ink with correct quantity and weight.
• Phytosanitary certificate for leaves and vegetables, issued by NPPO (National Plant
Protection Organization) from the Origin.
• Non Radiation certificate from the shipment from European Union and Japan and should
attest by any ARAB consulate from Origin.

The shipment must have +60 % shell life while arriving in Qatar. Otherwise the items will be
destroyed by PHD at consignee’s expense.

COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENTS

Telecommunications equipment is hardware used for the purposes of telecommunications.

These items are restricted to Import and need prior approval from the department of ICT as well
as Ministry of Interior. The importer should possess permission to import these kinds of items or
else Qatar customs will not allow releasing the shipment from customs Authority. Consignee
must apply each shipment to the departments for physical verification of the items before custom
clearance.

ICT (INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY)

• Computers /Antenna / Telephones (Mobile & Land line) / Digital Camera

MOI (MINISTRY OF INTERIOR)

• Wireless Phone / Network Equipment / Security camera
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DANGEROUS GOODS (HAZARDOUS/FLAMMABLE)

Dangerous goods (DG) are solids / liquids or gases that can harm people, other living
organisms, property, or the environment. The dangerous goods are more commonly known as
hazardous materials.

As per Qatar rules and regulation, all the DG cargo should obtain EPC (Ministry of
Environment protection committee) Fire approval (Ministry of Civil Defense).

• The importer should possess permission to import DG/Flammable material to Qatar.

• Need Final documents such as Invoice, CO and packing list with the AWB/MBL prior to
make the manifest in order to obtain the EPC, PORT and CUSTOMS approval.
• Need MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) from shipper with the details of the chemical
method (radioactive, flammable, explosive, biohazard or allergenic) and required details
of UN code, Toxicity Level and Hazardous Index in MSDS.
• Prior approval from the Ministry of Civil Defense and Ministry of Environment has to be
obtained by submitting MSDS with filled application for custom clearance.
• Should apply official letter to the Airline / Shipping line priority, with all chemical details.
• All items must have UN approved stickers/labels on the package. If it is FCL,
stickers/labels have to be affixed on all sides. Containers without this will not be approved
by the Customs and Ports Authority for custom clearance.

FIRE PROTECTION ITEMS

Fire fighting equipments such as Alarm/Safes/Hoses etc need prior approval from the Civil
Defense prior to import and custom clearance.

Prior approval from the Municipality is mandatory before placing an order for items such as Soil.

MEDICINE

Medicine is the applied science or practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
• The importer should possess permission to import Medicines to Qatar

• The Importer must obtain the approval from ministry of Heath for each shipment.

• Medicine or related items require 100% physical inspection by doctors authorized by the
Ministry of Public Health.
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COSMETICS & TOILETRIES

• Health Certificate is required on each particular item.

• Should obtain approval from Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Control under
the ministry of health department.
• Each item will be inspecting by Authorized Cosmetics Doctor
• If requires approval from Metrology Department which consignee should apply to the
Ministry of Metrology.

SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

Shampoo is a hair care product used for the removal of oils, dirt, skin particles, dandruff,
environmental pollutants and other contaminant particles that gradually build up in hair.

All shampoo and conditioner product requires document (refer below) and it requires approval
from Metrology Department which consignee should apply to the Ministry of Metrology.

• Original Test Report Certificate from the Municipality (Origin)

• Factory Certificate (ISO) stating fit for Human consumption.
• Product Test certificate - this certificate from the Government Lab or Factory lab stating,
the contents used to make the shampoo with % and should certify by the Arab consulate
from origin.
• Letter from the Factory/ Manufacturer starting chemical Dioxin 1.4 is not included.
• Name of the Shampoo with ML.
• Bath NO of the Shampoo.
• Barcode No of the Shampoo.
• Company letter about the Shampoo.
• Metrology letter request- The consignee to apply to Metrology for an approval and
Subject
• approval from Metrology.

**Consignee has to check with Ministry for any updated requirements prior to import.

TOYS

A toy is any item that can be used for play. Toys are generally played with by children and pets.
Playing with toys is often thought to be an enjoyable means of training the young for life in
human society.

Additional documents required in clearing TOYS.

• TEST Certificate of each toy valid for 1 (one) year – complete EN71 Part 1,2,3
• Photos of each Toy
 • Letter to Metrology Dept. – Declaration of Conformity. Letter should be in Arabic

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TIRE

A tire is a ring-shaped covering that fits around a wheel's rim to protect it and enable better
vehicle performance. Pneumatic elastomeric tires, such as those for automobiles and bicycles,
provide traction between the vehicle and the road while providing flexible cushion that absorbs
shock.

• GSO Certificate on each particular tire model and it should be valid for two (2) years.
• Letter to Metrology Dept. – Letter in Arabic

MOTOR VEHIICLE SPARE PARTS

Importing motor vehicle spare parts like; WHEEL RINGS, BRAKE PADS, SAFETY BELTS
requires CONFORMITY CERTIFICATE issued by an approved body from the country of
origin to prove conformity with the approved Qatari Standards.

• Consignee should obtain import permit for motor vehicles and safety materials
• Shipper must be prepared quality ISO standard certificate for each shipment.
• Consignee should apply to Qatar standard affairs, under the EPC department (ministry of
Environment protection committee)

BOOKS AND PRINTED MATTERS

Release of books/printed matter are subject to approval from Ministry of Education/ Ministry of
Heritage and Culture Dept.

• Customer should have import permit for Books.

• Need to obtain supreme council of education (ministry of Education) approval for each
shipment reach Doha.
• Books are for the education purpose; Duty will not be applicable.
• Adultery photo print, Books are not acceptable in Qatar and customs have full Authority
to hold the shipment without any further notice.

U.S ARMY SHIPMENTS

U.S Army base located in Qatar/Al Wakra Area, and this is the biggest Base / camp in Middle
East.

• U.S Army shipments are free from customs duties subject to issuance of duty waiver
request.
• Since issuance of letter takes minimum 2 to 3weeks time, it is advised not to ship the
cargo prior to issuance of the letter.
• Storages / Demurrage charges are applicable. (For waiver required letter from the Army
force)
 • Documents required, copy documents will be applicable (COO/Invoice and Packing list)

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LIVE ANIMALS

The import of pets is permitted, however certain large breeds of dogs namely: Boxer, Bulldogs,
Rottweiler, Great Danes and Dobermans are not granted entry.

Rabies is not present in Qatar; however, dogs and cats being import MUST be vaccinated against
it.
• Photography of pet
• Veterinary Certificates / passport
• Health certificate from government approved vet at origin (dated no earlier than two
weeks’ prior to your pet’s arrival in Qatar)
• Copy of pet vaccination records (with valid Vaccinations)
• Copies of your passport / Visa for Qatar
• Copy of the AWB (Airway bill) for pet’s travel

It is important to note that Airlines have their own procedures with regards to the carriage
of animal in the cargo hold; travel kennels must meet these standers.
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