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
Qatar accepts shipments of documents without a commercial invoice
providing the package weighs 5 kg or less.
The following are considered to be document shipments:
- Bids
- Diplomas
- Driver's license
- Visa applications
The following items may be shipped to Qatar as documents if they abide
by the restriction shown.
| Item | Restriction |
|---|
| Airline tickets | Must be validated |
| Annual reports | Only if for the use of shareholders or company personnel |
| Brochures | Only for intercompany use or if they have no commercial value |
| Business cards | Maximum of 15 cards |
| checks | Must be personalized |
| Credit cards | Only if personalized in the name of the card holder |
| Event tickets for concerts, football (soccer) matches, and
stage performances | Maximum shipment limit of 5 kg Cannot be sent from a printing
company to an event organiser or ticket sales office |
| Examination papers | Shipment limit of 25 kg |
| Gift cards | Maximum of 10 cards per package |
| Greeting cards and invitations | Only if personalized |
| Manuals | Only if technical and in a quantity that is appropriate for the
intended use |
| Negatives, slides, and printing films | Only if being sent to a publishing or press agency and the
value does not include other charges (for e.g., press or
editorial) |
| Newsletters | Only if they are an intercompany shipment and have no
commercial value |
| Newspapers | Only for non-commercial use |
| Stationery | Only personalized and in a quantity suitable for non-commercial
use |
| Travelers checks | Only if personalized |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Gifts
No info found on shipping gifts specifically. Maybe we can add that
incoming parcels and personal mailings whose value does not exceed
1000 riyals are exempted from customs duties.
https://www.customs.gov.qa/English/PassengersIndividualsPortal/Pages/IndividualsExemption.aspx
There is no exemption for gift shipments to Qatar. All gift parcels
shipped from Canada will incur duty and taxes.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in Qatar
will incur duty and taxes. There are no exemptions.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A business in Canada cannot ship a gift to a business in Qatar without
duty and taxes being incurred.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
Shipments of a gift from a Canadian business to an individual in Qatar
will have duty and taxes levied on it. There are no exemptions.
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 |
|---|
Mohamed Al-Fakhro
1 Al Corniche St.
Doha
Qatar
Phone: +974 4442 0028 | 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
If your shipment contains multiple gifts, be sure to wrap and tag each
one separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Mohamed Al-Fakhro
1 Al Corniche St.
Doha
Qatar
Phone: +974 4442 0028 | 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
You can ship your personal effects from Canada to Qatar exempt from
duty charges providing:
- Household appliances and furniture are used
- Clothing and other personal items are only for the use of individual
or his or her family
- The amount of goods is appropriate for the size of family moving to
the country
- The goods arrive in Qatar within 6 months of the goods' owner
arrival
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time regarding students moving
temporarily to Qatar.
Non-Students
Canadians who move temporarily to Qatar may ship their personal effect
duty-free if they abide by the conditions listed below:
- The individual has a residence permit allowing them to work in Qatar
- The term of work in Qatar is a minimum of 1 year
- Their furniture, appliances, and clothing are used
- The amount of goods being imported is suitable to the family's size
- The belongs will not be sold or otherwise disposed of for a minimum
of 1 year
- The personal effects arrive within 6 months of the individual's
arrival in Qatar
Moving Permanently
Qatari nationals may ship their personal effects duty-free from Canada
when returning to Qatar to live permanently.
This exemption is granted if the conditions below are followed:
- The person has lived in Canada for a minimum of 3 years
- The goods arrive in Qatar within 6 months of the owner returning to
live there
- Personal goods and clothing are only for the use of individual or
his or her family
- The amount of items is consistent to the size of family moving to
the country
- Household furniture and appliances are used
NOTE:
The exemption may only be
used once unless the individual leaves Qatar for a minimum of 3 years.
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 returning Qatari citizens, proof that they have lived in Canada
for at least 3 years
- For a Canadian citizen moving temporarily, a residence permit
allowing him or her to work for a period of at least 1 year
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.qa/English/PassengersIndividualsPortal/Pages/IndividualsPersonalHousehold.aspx
https://www.customs.gov.qa/English/PassengersIndividualsPortal/Pages/Residence_Exemption.aspx
https://www.customs.gov.qa/English/PassengersIndividualsPortal/Pages/Qatari_Residing_Abroad_Exemption.aspx
https://www.customs.gov.qa/English/Procedures/UnifiedGuide/Pages/Exemptions.aspx
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Mohamed Al-Fakhro
1 Al Corniche St.
Doha
Qatar
Phone: +974 4442 0028 | 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
Foodstuffs for personal use may be shipped to Qatar from Canada
providing they are packaged in unopened, commercial containers.
You May Ship
- Food samples destined for seasonal exhibitions and festivals
Do Not Ship
- Pork or any pig products
- Foods that do not follow Halal practices or are forbidden by Sharia
law
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://www.customs.gov.qa/English/Procedures/Guide-to-Clearance-of-Imported-Goods/Pages/Chapter1.aspx
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Mohamed Al-Fakhro
1 Al Corniche St.
Doha
Qatar
Phone: +974 4442 0028 | 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
Samples are shipped to secure sales and advertise products.
Commercial samples may be shipped to Qatar from Canada duty and tax
free.
Commercial samples are to follow the conditions listed below:
- They are distributed free of charge
- They are clearly a sample for display
- They are of little value and cannot be mistaken for a commercial
quantity
- The quantity and value of the shipment is appropriate for the size
of the exhibition
- Food and beverages are given away in individual quantities, i.e.,
not as packages
NOTE:
When food or beverage
samples are being displayed at an event and distributed for
consumption:
- A health certificate accompanies the shipment
- The item is labelled 'Free Sample'
- The goods cannot be sold after the exhibition or festival
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.customs.gov.qa/English/Legislations/Documents/Agreements/13-the%20Istanbul%20Convention%20for%20the%20Temporary%20Admission.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Mohamed Al-Fakhro
1 Al Corniche St.
Doha
Qatar
Phone: +974 4442 0028 | 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 in the form of printed matter may be shipped
duty-free providing it is distributed without charge.
Examples of eligible items include:
- Calendars
- Catalogues
- Posters
- Price lists
- Unframed photographs
Other types of goods shipped as advertising may also enter Qatar
duty-free as a temporary import providing they are shipped in a
quantity appropriate to the purpose and size of the event.
Items for display at exhibitions, meetings, trade fairs, etc. may stay
in Qatar for up to 6 months. Please see Temporary Imports for details.
Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
- Be sure to abide by the rules mentioned above
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.qa/English/Legislations/Documents/Agreements/13-the%20Istanbul%20Convention%20for%20the%20Temporary%20Admission.pdf#search=repairs
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Mohamed Al-Fakhro
1 Al Corniche St.
Doha
Qatar
Phone: +974 4442 0028 | 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 that was repaired in Canada will incur duty and taxes on the
value of the repair when it re-enters Qatar providing they return
within 1 year of leaving Qatar.
Items Under Warranty
Equipment under warranty sent to Qatar for repairs will be exempt from
GST when it returns to Canada.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
If an item is sent to Qatar for repairs and is no longer under
warranty, GST will be charged. GST will be applied to the value of the
repair work plus any parts added for the repair, and on any duties
charged.
Sending Product for Repair to Qatar
Equipment shipped to Qatar from Canada for repair may enter as a
temporary import, and will be exempt from duty and taxes.
The goods must be returned to Canada within 1 year of their arrival in
Qatar.
Returning Repaired Product to Qatar
Equipment that was repaired in Canada will incur duty and taxes on the
value of the repair when it re-enters Qatar.
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 Qatar or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.qa/English/Legislations/Laws/CustomsLaw/Pages/Part8.aspx
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Mohamed Al-Fakhro
1 Al Corniche St.
Doha
Qatar
Phone: +974 4442 0028 | 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
Temporary imports may enter Qatar from Canada exempt from duty and
taxes providing they stay in the country no longer than 1 year.
Items that can benefit from this exemption include:
- Equipment for a stage production or fair
- Commercial samples put on display at an exhibition, meeting, or
trade fair
- Equipment and machinery for repair
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Qatar, you can
pick from Option 1 or 2 of the Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following
methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice. More details
below
| Option # | Temporary Import Method | Risk of paying |
|---|
| 1 | Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided) | High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily |
| 2 | Commercial Invoice + ATA Carnet | Very Low |
| 1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option.
See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this
method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax
free. Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS,
Fedex, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties
and taxes. 2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel
in and out of the country. It's also great because once you have an ATA
Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application
process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary
import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary
nature. ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of the article however, you can find
more information here: http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/ NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet
for items that frequently travel in and out of the country and
especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD |
In addition to choosing option 1 or 2, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition (except for
equipment entering for repair)
- Stay no longer than 1 years in Qatar
NOTES:
- If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will
be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently.
- Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature
(FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically CANNOT clear goods of temporary nature)
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.customs.gov.qa/English/Procedures/UnifiedGuide/Pages/PendingCustomsDuties.aspx
https://www.customs.gov.qa/English/Legislations/Laws/CustomsLaw/Pages/Part7.aspx
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Mohamed Al-Fakhro
1 Al Corniche St.
Doha
Qatar
Phone: +974 4442 0028 | 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
Parcel shipments to Qatar from Canada are generally exempt from duty
charges up to the value of QAR 1,000 (about $345 CAD).
Be sure to check the Prohibited and Restricted Goods section before
shipping a parcel to Qatar.
Occasional Shipper
If you occasionally ship sold goods to Qatar, a shipment is exempt
from a duty charge if its value is QAR 1,000 or less (about $345 CAD).
Most items over this amount will incur a duty rate of 5%.
Regular shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods to Qatar from Canada, we recommend
the use of a licensed Qatari customs broker.
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.qa/English/Legislations/Laws/CustomsLaw/Pages/Part2.aspx
https://www.customs.gov.qa/English/PassengersIndividualsPortal/Pages/IndividualsExemption.aspx
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Mohamed Al-Fakhro
1 Al Corniche St.
Doha
Qatar
Phone: +974 4442 0028 | 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 |
Duty &
Taxes
The state of Qatar uses the CIF value of a shipment to calculate the
customs duty owed, i.e., the sum of the customs value plus insurance
charges plus freight fees.
By knowing the CIF value of a shipment, you will be able to predict the
amount of duty the recipient will have to pay.
Thresholds
The duty threshold of shipments to QATAR is QAR 1,000 (about $345
CAD). This means parcels below this value will not incur duty. The
threshold is also called the de minimis value.
| Currency | Qatar Riyal QAR |
| Duty Exemption (De minimis Value) | QAR 1,000 (about $345 CAD) |
| Duty Calculation Method | CIF |
| TAX (VAT) | 5% |
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value) | Unknown |
| Tax Calculation Method | CIF |
| |
Qatari politicians continue to debate VAT legislation for the country.
The tax is expected to be implemented in late 2021 or early 2022 at a
rate of 5%.
Duties on Imports
Excise Taxes
The following items will incur an excise tax of 100%:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Energy drinks
Carbonated beverages (excluding non-flavoured water) will incur a 50%
excise tax
- Candy5%
- Chocolate0%
- Spirits and Wines100%
- Tobacco100%
- Books0%
- Documents0%
- Video Games & Consoles5%
- Computers & Laptops0%
- Tablets0%
- Mobiles0%
- Cameras5%
- Accessories for Electronics0%
- Coats5%
- Beauty Products & Cosmetics5%
- Jewellery5%
- Shirts & Pants5%
- Home Appliances5%
- Toys5%
- Sports Equipment5%
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.qa/English/PassengersIndividualsPortal/Pages/IndividualsExemption.aspx
https://gta.gov.qa/en/excise-tax/
Shipping Rates
Easy Tracking
Information
Prohibited &
Restricted Imports
Qatar Shipping Insurance
Questions
about Shipping to Qatar