BFL

IMPORT DOCUMENTATION
FOR CUSTOM CLEARANCE
BRITANIA FREIGHT & LOGISTICS

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 im-
port/export activities. Permission for importing items will be as per the commercial ac-
tivity of the company as mentioned in the Commercial Registration (CR), and companies
can only import the materials as permitted in their respective CR.

Special note
Aside from Import code - Doha Qatar customs implemented their access system called
SNIGLE 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) is in effect from 18/12/2012 to Doha Airport cus-
toms. 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-print-
ing or engraving/embossing. But if the nature of goods prevents this installation, non-re-
movable 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 REQUIREMENT
1. Commercial Invoice / Packing List and Certificate of Origin
· Certificate of Origin must be chamber attested from country of origin
(Scanned/Electronic/color print not acceptable)
· Invoice must occupy shipper stamp and chamber attestation
(Scanned/Electronic/color print not acceptable)
· Air Freight: AWB (Original No.2)
· Sea Freight: (Original BL)
· Packing list (Original)
2. Customs Duty - 5% of CIF Commercial invoice value
3. Hand written documents not acceptable.

COMMERCIAL INVOICE
A commercial invoice is a document used in foreign trade. It is used as a customs dec-
laration provided by the person or corporation that is exporting an item across inter-
national borders. The Chamber of Commerce must in original with supplier stamp and
signature duly attest the supplier invoice from the origin.
· Must have shipping terms (C&F/CIF/FOB) etc.,
· Shipping Invoice/Sales Invoice not acceptable and it should be Comercial Invoice.
· Discount value/0.00 Value/customs purpose value and FOC value are not accept-
able.

P.O. Box: 37564, Doha - Qatar, Tel: +974 4431 6626 , Fax: +974 4431 6636
Email: info@britaniafreight.com, Web: www.britaniafreight.com
BFL
IMPORT DOCUMENTATION
FOR CUSTOM CLEARANCE
BRITANIA FREIGHT & LOGISTICS

· HS code (Supplier Invoice and Certificate of Origin must mention the correct H.S
code of each item.)
· Type of currency, quantity, unit price, total price, gross weight, volume, number 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 valuation committee will
check the prices and if there is any discrepancy, the same will be forwarded to cus-
tom legal dept. This may cause long delays.
· Copy Invoice can be payable Invoice penalty as per Invoice value. If original doc-
uments are not presented, there will be custom penalty of minimum QAR 500.00
(USD 140.00) or 1% of the invoice value whichever is higher + QAR 500.00 (USD 140.00)
· EEC (European Economic Countries) must specify in invoice & certificate of origin
which country in Europe. EEC not accepted in the custom server.

Sample Invoice Copy below,

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

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, manufac-
tured or processed in particular country. It is also a declaration by the exporter.

· The chamber of commerce must attest the CO; customs will not accept any Elec-
tronic/Scanned or color print.
· CO must have supplier commercial number, number of package, gross weight and
volume
· CO must be indicate country of origin (Mutli-countries should separated in invoice
or CO)
P.O. Box: 37564, Doha - Qatar, Tel: +974 4431 6626 , Fax: +974 4431 6636
Email: info@britaniafreight.com, Web: www.britaniafreight.com
BFL
IMPORT DOCUMENTATION
FOR CUSTOM CLEARANCE
BRITANIA FREIGHT & LOGISTICS

· Hand written CO is not acceptable.

· The chamber attestation must read as CHAMBER OF COMMERCE in word, other than
the chamber name other all stamp are not acceptable.
· Customs will not accept any penalty for CO
· EEC (European Economic countries) must specify in invoice & CO which country in
Europe. EEC not accepted in the custom server.

PACKING LIST
A packing list is a shipping document that accompanies delivery packages, usually in-
side 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 custom-
ers, 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.

AIRWAY BILL
The Air Waybill (AWB) is the most important document issued by a carrier either direct-
ly 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 lATA 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.

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. It is 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, Qatar Embassy or Consulate must attest invoice and the CO
from the country of export. If it is not done, the same can be obtained from Qatar Cus-
toms Authority by paying charges as per the tariff issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

P.O. Box: 37564, Doha - Qatar, Tel: +974 4431 6626 , Fax: +974 4431 6636
Email: info@britaniafreight.com, Web: www.britaniafreight.com
BFL
IMPORT DOCUMENTATION
FOR CUSTOM CLEARANCE
BRITANIA FREIGHT & LOGISTICS

DOCUMENTATION FOR SOME SPECIAL ITEM

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 carbohy-
drates, 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 are some special requirements for food clearance at Doha customs, below are the
import documentation:
· Invoice, packing list and the CO is a must 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% shelf life while arriving in Qatar. Otherwise PHD will
destroy the items at consignee’s expense.

Communication Equipment: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

MOl (Ministry Of Interior)

• Wireless Phone / Network Equipment / Security camera

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 Envi-
ronment Protection Committee), Fire approval (Ministry of Civil Defense)
· The importer should possess permission to import DG/Flammable material to Qatar.
· Final documents such as Invoice, CO and packing list with the AWB/MBL are needed
in advance to make the manifest in order to obtain the EPC approval.
· Need MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) from shipper with the details of the chem-

P.O. Box: 37564, Doha - Qatar, Tel: +974 4431 6626 , Fax: +974 4431 6636
Email: info@britaniafreight.com, Web: www.britaniafreight.com
BFL
IMPORT DOCUMENTATION
FOR CUSTOM CLEARANCE
BRITANIA FREIGHT & LOGISTICS

ical method (radioactive, flammable, explosive, biohazard or allergenic) and also re-
quired are the 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, stick-
ers/labels have to be affixed on all sides. The Customs and Ports Authority will not
approve containers without this for custom clearance.

Fire Protection Items

· Fire fighting equipment such as Alarm/Safes/Hoses etc. need advance 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.

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 inspect by a 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.
· Batch number of the Shampoo.
· Barcode number of the Shampoo.
· Company letter about the Shampoo.
P.O. Box: 37564, Doha - Qatar, Tel: +974 4431 6626 , Fax: +974 4431 6636
Email: info@britaniafreight.com, Web: www.britaniafreight.com
BFL
IMPORT DOCUMENTATION
FOR CUSTOM CLEARANCE
BRITANIA FREIGHT & LOGISTICS

· 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 chil-
dren 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
· Photos of each Toy
· Letter to Metrology Dept. - Declaration of Conformity. Letter should be in Arabic

Tire: A tire is a ring-shaped covering that fits around a wheel’s rim to protect it and en-
able better vehicle performance. Pneumatic elastomeric tires, such as those for auto-
mobiles 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 Vehicle 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 (Minis-
try of Environment Protection Committee)

Books And Printed Matters: Release of books/printed matter is 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 that are used for the education purpose, Duty will not be applicable.
· Adultery photo print, Books are not acceptable in Qatar and customs have full Au-
thority to hold the shipment without any further notice.
U.S Army Shipments: U.S Army base located in Qatar/AI Wakra Area, and this is the big-
gest basecamp in the 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 tile letter.
· Storages/demurrage charges are applicable. (For waiver, letter from the Army force
is required)
· Documents required, copy documents will be applicable (CO/Invoice and Packing
list)
P.O. Box: 37564, Doha - Qatar, Tel: +974 4431 6626 , Fax: +974 4431 6636
Email: info@britaniafreight.com, Web: www.britaniafreight.com
BFL
IMPORT DOCUMENTATION
FOR CUSTOM CLEARANCE
BRITANIA FREIGHT & LOGISTICS

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 imported must be vacci-
nated against it.
· Photography of pet
· Veterinary Certificates / passport
· Health certificate from government approved vet at origin (dated no earlier than two
weeks prior to the 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 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.

The information provided in this document is only for your information and BFL is not
responsible for any changes to the above provided information and to be used as a
guideline. Changes may apply without prior notice.

Disclaimer:
This content in this document is for a generic information purpose and is not final and is subject to changes.
The reader must get the facts reconfirmed before putting this information to actual use. BFL is not res-
posible for any loss or damages arrising from use of this information.

P.O. Box: 37564, Doha - Qatar, Tel: +974 4431 6626 , Fax: +974 4431 6636
Email: info@britaniafreight.com, Web: www.britaniafreight.com