Kuwait clings to the Arabian Peninsula at the head of the Persian Gulf surrounded by three much larger neighbours. Nevertheless, this very tiny nation has distinguished itself by:
Having the oldest modern arts movement in the Middle East
Running the largest opera house in the region
Being the Gulf's production centre for television drama and comedy
However, Kuwaitis do more than entertain. They have also implemented the first 5G network of the region, which may explain a 90%-plus internet penetration rate of its population. So, it is no surprise that e-commerce revenue is set to grow at 6% annually for the next several years aided by a young population with lots of disposable income.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Kuwait through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Kuwait. In case you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Kuwait
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Apr 3, 2023
8:49 am
Salwa, SA, KW
Delivered
Apr 2, 2023
7:18 am
Al Fahahil , AF, KW
In transit
Apr 1, 2023
9:03 pm
As Salimiyah , AS, KW
International Clearance
Apr 1, 2023
8:14 am
Hawalli, HA, KW
In transit
Apr 1, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Mar 31, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Kuwait before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
A gift shipment to Kuwait will incur duty and taxes regardless of its value. There are no thresholds for gifts shipped to Kuwait from Canada.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in Kuwait will be charged duty and tax no matter what its monetary value is.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipment of any value from a business in Canada to a business in Kuwait will be liable to duty and tax charges.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
If a business in Canada ships a gift to an individual in Kuwait, duty and tax will be incurred on the shipment. It does not matter what the value of the shipment is.
Gift Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time
(see sample)
List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Mojeb al-Dousari Ibraheem Al Mudhaf St. Kuwait City Kuwait
Phone: +965 2292 9444
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
Does your shipment have multiple gifts in it? Then wrap and tag each one separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Mojeb al-Dousari Ibraheem Al Mudhaf St. Kuwait City Kuwait
Phone: +965 2292 9444
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$39.99
1 Each
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
CA
$49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Personal effects may be shipped to Kuwait from Canada duty-free up to a value of $1,000 USD (about $1,200 CAD).
The exemption can be claimed by Kuwaiti nationals returning to Kuwait to live and Canadian citizens arriving to live in the country for the first time.
NOTE: For foreign nationals, they must have a work or residential permit valid for a minimum of 1 year.
Personal effects and household goods must be:
Used, not new
Shipped from Canada
For the use of the individual and/or his or her family
In an amount suitable for the size of the household, i.e. not a commercial quantity
NOTE: Documents for customs clearance must arrive at customs 5 days before the shipment.
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information available at this time regarding students moving temporarily to Kuwait with their personal effects for purposes of studying.
Non-Students
Personal effects of non-students may be shipped to Kuwait from Canada exempt from duty up to a value of $1,000 USD (about $1,200 CAD)
providing the person has a resident or work permit for a period of at least 1 year. The exemption may only be claimed if the person is moving to Kuwait for the first time.
The conditions for exemption of personal effects include:
They were shipped from Canada
They are for personal and household use only
The amount of goods matches the number of people in the household
All of the items are used, i.e. they are not new
Moving Permanently
If you are moving permanently to Kuwait, you may ship your personal effects - up to a value of $1,000 USD (about $1,200) - exempt from duty charges.
The exemption can be claimed by Canadian citizens arriving to live in the country for the first time and returning Kuwaiti nationals.
NOTE: For foreign nationals, they must have a work or residential permit valid for a minimum of 1 year.
The duty exemption is dependent on the shipment comprising of goods that:
Are used
Were shipped from Canada
Will be used by the individual and/or his or her family
Are in an amount comparable to the size of the household, that is to say, it cannot be a commercial quantity of goods
NOTE: Ensure that the documents required to clear customs arrive at least 5 days before the shipment.
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
A detailed description of each item is provided
For foreign nationals, a work or resident permit valid for a minimum of 1 year is required
Documents for customs clearance must arrive at customs at least 5 days before the shipment
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Mojeb al-Dousari Ibraheem Al Mudhaf St. Kuwait City Kuwait
Phone: +965 2292 9444
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent / Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Samples
Commercial samples of products are shipped to be displayed and advertised as a way of soliciting sales.
Commercial samples of goods may enter Kuwait exempt from duty as long as they are in a reasonable quantity.
Samples destined for display as a temporary import may stay in Kuwait up to 180 days, which may be extended to a maximum of 365 days.
Commercial Sample Checklist
A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Mojeb al-Dousari Ibraheem Al Mudhaf St. Kuwait City Kuwait
Phone: +965 2292 9444
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Commercial Sample Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Advertising Material
Advertising material may enter Kuwait exempt from duty providing it is packaged, and in a reasonable quantity for its purpose.
The packaging must describe the contents and name of the sender.
Material destined for exhibitions may also be shipped to Kuwait exempt from duty if it follows the temporary admission procedure.
The time limit for temporary items is 180 days, which may be extended to a total maximum of 365 days.
Advertising Material Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' (see sample)
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Mojeb al-Dousari Ibraheem Al Mudhaf St. Kuwait City Kuwait
Phone: +965 2292 9444
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Equipment requiring repairs may be shipped to Kuwait from Canada as a temporary entry.
Such equipment will be exempt from duty charges if it remains in Kuwait no longer than 180 days. The time may be extended up to a maximum total of 365 days.
Items Under Warranty
Equipment under warranty sent to Kuwait for repairs will be exempt from GST when it returns to Canada.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
If equipment no longer under warranty re-enters Canada from Kuwait, it will incur GST on the value of the repair and on any parts required for the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to Kuwait
Product sent to Kuwait for repair will be exempt from duty if it remains in the country no longer than 180 days. An extension may be granted, but in total it can be for no longer than 365 days.
Returning Repaired Product to Kuwait
Product repaired in Canada will incur duty on the cost of the repair when the equipment re-enters Kuwait.
Repair Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return
(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Kuwait or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Mojeb al-Dousari Ibraheem Al Mudhaf St. Kuwait City Kuwait
Phone: +965 2292 9444
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Goods shipped to Kuwait from Canada as a temporary import must have a bond that covers the duty charges. The monies will be refunded when the goods leave Kuwait.
The maximum time for a temporary import is 180 days.
Goods that are allowed temporary entry into Kuwait include:
Equipment required for scientific testing
Items for a theatrical presentation or concert
Commercial samples that will be displayed
Items destined for exhibitions, trade fairs, meetings, and symposia
ATA Carnets
Kuwait does not accept ATA Carnets for the temporary admission of goods.
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Mojeb al-Dousari Ibraheem Al Mudhaf St. Kuwait City Kuwait
Phone: +965 2292 9444
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 box
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
CA
$1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Permanent/Sold Goods
Shipments of sold goods to an individual in Kuwait will be allowed entry duty-free if it is:
For the personal use of the recipient
50 kg or less and the amount is clearly not a commercial quantity
Valued at 100 KD or less (about $400 CAD)
Not on the list of prohibited goods
Occasional Shipper
As long as a shipment of sold goods is for the personal use of the recipient and is in a non-commercial quantity, it may enter Kuwait with minimal paperwork.
And if its value is 100 KD or less (about $400 CAD), it will be exempt from duty.
However, be aware that for a parcel that weighs 50 kg or more will require customs clearance.
Regular Shipper
Kuwaiti importers require a licence from the Ministry of Commerce.
Therefore, if you are a regular shipper of sold goods to Kuwait, we recommend that you consult a licenced Kuwaiti customs broker.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Mojeb al-Dousari Ibraheem Al Mudhaf St. Kuwait City Kuwait
Phone: +965 2292 9444
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Kuwait. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Kuwait, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
No specific form is required, but generally includes information regarding:
The exporter, importer and transport company
Date of issue
Number of freight invoice
Type and number of packages
Contents of each package
Marks and numbers
Net weight, gross weight and measurements of each package
Prohibited & Restricted Imports
Goods that are prohibited may not enter Kuwait. These items are generally due to religious, health and safety, environmental, and moral considerations, and to abide by international practices.
Restricted goods may enter Kuwait; however, they may be limited in quantity or require approval from a government agency.
Prohibited Items
Alcoholic beverages
Pornographic and obscene material
Radios and walkie-talkies
Firearms and other weapons
Drugs, narcotics, and other mind-altering substances
Imports to Kuwait incur only duty charges; the country does not have VAT or excise taxes.
Duty is calculated using the CIF Value of a shipment, i.e the sum of the customs value plus insurance amount plus freight costs.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
If you were to calculate the CIF value of a parcel you sent to Kuwait from Canada, you would have an idea of the duty owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
The threshold level for duty charges, i.e. the de minimis value is 100 KD (about $400 CAD). Imports below this value will not incur duty providing the import is for the personal use of the recipient. Also, the amount in the shipment must be in a non-commercial quantity.
Also, the goods cannot be imported:
Under the name of a training company, or on its behalf; or
On behalf of any company regardless of its legal entity
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to Kuwait from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2 months to complete the delivery.
