Jordan: import and export rules
Jordan is an open, import-dependent market with free trade agreements with the EU, the US, GAFTA and Agadir countries, and the Red Sea port of Aqaba serves as a gateway to Iraq and Syria. Imports are cleared electronically through ASYCUDA World, with JSMO and JFDA checking standards, food and medicines.
Importing into Jordan
- Importer registration
Importers must be registered traders or companies. Trading companies need an importer's card from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply; otherwise customs can ask for a bond of 5% of the goods' value.
Source ↗ - JSMO conformity (mandatory technical regulations)
Goods covered by Jordanian mandatory technical regulations, such as food, chemicals, electrical equipment, textiles and safety gear, are checked by the Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO), often with laboratory testing in Jordan, before release.
Source ↗ - JFDA approval for food and medicines
The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) inspects imported food at the border and can sample it in the market. Medicines and similar products need JFDA registration and approval before sale.
Source ↗ - Documents and certificate of origin
Customs needs a commercial invoice, bill of lading or air waybill and packing list, with an Arabic translation of the invoice. A certificate of origin is customary and is required to claim free-trade-agreement duty rates.
Source ↗ - Import licences for some goods
Licences or prior approvals are needed for telecommunications and security equipment, some foods (Ministry of Health) and raw agricultural products (Ministry of Agriculture).
Source ↗ - Arabic labelling
Labels must be in Arabic or carry an Arabic sticker. Food labels need product name, manufacturer, net weight, lot number and expiry date; unclear labels can lead to rejection.
Source ↗ - Banned goods and vehicle rules
Banned imports include plastic waste, qat and diesel passenger cars. From 1 November 2025, salvage cars damaged by fire or flood are banned, electric cars older than three years cannot be imported, and imported cars must meet EU, US, GCC or Saudi technical rules.
Source ↗ - ASYCUDA World and pre-arrival processing
Customs declarations are filed through ASYCUDA World. In July 2025 Jordan Customs launched ASYHUB for sea and express cargo, allowing pre-arrival and paperless processing. Step-by-step procedures by product are on the Jordan Trade Portal.
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