An import/export licence is essential for any trading company in Qatar that moves goods across borders. This guide covers the customs registration process, required documentation, and the specific MOCI activity codes needed to legally import or export goods through Qatar's ports and airports.
Key points
- Activity Based: Import/Export is an activity on your Trade License. It is generally included in "General Trading" licenses.
- Customs Registration: You must register with Qatar Customs (Al-Nadeeb) to clear goods through border points (Air, Sea, Land).
- Restricted Goods: Many goods (medical, food, telecom) require special Ministry approvals despite having a "General Trading" license.
- Duties: Imports into mainland Qatar are typically subject to 5% customs duty (with some exemptions).
Setting Up: CR vs. Customs
To legally move goods, you need to ensure you are set up at two levels:
Your CR and Trade License must list "Import" or "Export" activities under the relevant ISMIC codes.
You must obtain a Customs Registration Number. Without this, you cannot file the "Declaration" (Badha) to clear goods.
Restricted vs. General Goods
Even with a valid CR, you cannot import certain items without a specific "No Objection Certificate" (NOC) from the relevant ministry.
Medicines, medical devices, cosmetics, and food supplements.
Telecom devices, satellites, wireless equipment.
Raw foods, agricultural seeds, animal products.
Process overview (Clearing a Shipment)
- Arrival: Goods arrive at Hamad Port, Airport, or Abu Samra border.
- Manifest: Shipping agent files the manifest.
- Customs Declaration (Badha): Your clearing agent submits the declaration via the Al-Nadeeb system using your Customs Registration Number.
- Inspection: Customs may randomly select the container for physical inspection or scanning.
- Duty Payment: You pay the applicable customs duty (usually 5%) online.
- Delivery Order: Once cleared, you receive the Delivery Order to take the goods.
Required Documents
- Commercial Invoice: Detailed value and description of goods.
- Packing List: Number of packages, weight, and dimensions.
- Bill of Lading (BL): Proof of shipment.
- Certificate of Origin (CoO): Certified document proving where goods were made.
- Valid CR Copy.
- Valid Trade License.
- Tax Registration Number (TRN): Required for VAT on imports.
- Customs Card: Proof of Customs Authority registration.