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:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents Only
Kuwait allows the following items as document shipments:
- Advertising literature, brochures, and pamphlets
- Airline tickets
- Annual reports
- Bids and proposals
- Blueprints and drawings
- Business cards
- Calendars
- Cash letters and cheques
- Catalogues and price lists
- Computer print-outs
- Credit cards
- Driver's Licence
- Examination papers
- Graphs
- Greeting cards and invitations
- Manuscripts and publications
- Maps and charts
- Mylars
- Newspapers and periodicals
- Passports
- Photographs
- Visa applications
The following items may be shipped to Kuwait as a document shipment if
they abide by the restriction shown.
| Item |
Restriction |
|---|
| Diplomas |
Must not have a value attached to the shipment |
| Envelopes |
Providing they are blank |
| Event Tickets (concerts, stage shows, and football (soccer)
matches |
Tickets CANNOT be sent from a printing company to an event
organiser or a ticket sales office |
| Films |
Only commercial films allowed; training and promotion films are
deemed to be non-documents |
| Forms |
Must be blank |
| Intercompany mail |
Must have no commercial value and be labelled: Intercompany
Mail |
| Labels |
Only if the words 'Made in ...' are NOT on the label |
| Manuals |
Only if they are of a technical nature |
| Newsletters |
Providing it is for intercompany use |
| Stationery |
Must be blank |
| Travellers cheques |
Only if personalised |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Gifts
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:
28 May 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:
28 May 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
|
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Personal Effects
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
Sources:
https://www.fidi.org/sites/default/files/public/2020-03/M_Svcs_Customsregulation_Kuwait_0.pdf
https://www.gcc-sg.org/en-us/CognitiveSources/DigitalLibrary/Lists/DigitalLibrary/Customs/1435652105.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Mojeb al-Dousari
Ibraheem Al Mudhaf St.
Kuwait City
Kuwait
Phone:
+965 2292 9444 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 5 Pairs |
Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
|
IN |
$40.00 |
| 1 Each |
Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
|
CA |
$478.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Personal Effects
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$678.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Generally speaking, food shipments are allowed into Kuwait if they are
for personal use.
Foodstuffs must be shipped in unopened, sealed commercial containers.
You May Ship
Do Not Ship
- Perishables
- Pork products
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
- Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description
or Remarks section (see sample)
- Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the
country
- You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
- Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sources:
https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2016/SPS/SAU/16_5161_00_e.pdf
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:
28 May 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
Sources:
https://www.gcc-sg.org/en-us/CognitiveSources/DigitalLibrary/Lists/DigitalLibrary/Customs/1435652105.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
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:
28 May 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)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://www.gcc-sg.org/en-us/CognitiveSources/DigitalLibrary/Lists/DigitalLibrary/Customs/1435652105.pdf
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:
28 May 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
Sources:
https://www.gcc-sg.org/en-us/CognitiveSources/DigitalLibrary/Lists/DigitalLibrary/Customs/1435652105.pdf
http://www.gcc-sg.org/en-us/CognitiveSources/DigitalLibrary/Lists/DigitalLibrary/Customs/1282120184.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
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:
28 May 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
Sources:
https://www.atacarnet.com/carnet-countries
https://www.gcc-sg.org/en-us/CognitiveSources/DigitalLibrary/Lists/DigitalLibrary/Customs/1435652105.pdf
https://www.customs.gov.kw/CustomsProcedures/FAQ
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
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:
28 May 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.
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.kw/Content/ProcedureGuide/Dalil-0102_new.htm
https://www.gcc-sg.org/en-us/CognitiveSources/DigitalLibrary/Lists/DigitalLibrary/Customs/1435652105.pdf
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:
28 May 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
|
Shipping Rates
Easy Tracking
Information
Prohibited &
Restricted Imports
Duty &
Taxes
Kuwait Shipping Insurance
Questions
about Shipping to Kuwait