Kuwait: import and export rules

Importing into Kuwait

• Import licence (Kuwaiti holder)

  Importers must be Kuwaiti citizens or Kuwait-based companies registered with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The import licence is valid one year, renewable, and covers many shipments; the bill of lading must show the licence holder's name. Machinery, pharmaceuticals and some other goods need extra licences.

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• Product conformity: KUCAS (PAI)

  Under the Public Authority for Industry's KUCAS scheme, shipments of regulated products (such as automotive parts, chemicals, toys and household electrical and gas appliances) must carry a Technical Inspection Report (TIR) and Technical Evaluation Report (TER) from an approved body.

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• GCC G-mark for toys and low-voltage goods

  Products covered by GCC technical regulations, starting with children's toys and low-voltage electrical equipment, must carry the GCC conformity mark (G-mark) issued under the GSO system.

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• Documents and legalization

  Commercial shipments need a commercial invoice and certificate of origin (one original and two copies each), a packing list and the bill of lading or airway bill. The invoice and certificate of origin should be legalized by a chamber of commerce; if the goods contain foreign parts, state their origin.

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• Arabic labelling and origin marking

  Food labels must include Arabic (multi-language labels are fine) with name, batch, ingredients, expiry date, maker and storage details. All imported goods need an origin mark that cannot be removed or altered; meat and poultry labels must state halal slaughter.

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• Banned and restricted goods

  Banned: pork products, alcohol, gambling machines, pornography, narcotics, used medical equipment and cars older than 10 years. Firearms and explosives need special approval.

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