Qatar: import and export rules
Qatar is a high-income market that imports most of its food, consumer goods and construction materials. Clearance runs through the customs single window Al Nadeeb, food must be pre-registered with the Ministry of Public Health, and some products need certificates of conformity.
⚠ Before you trade
- VAT may come later
Qatar has signed the GCC VAT framework and is expected to introduce VAT (likely 5%), but as of October 2026 no start date has been announced. Watch for changes before long-term price agreements.
Source ↗
Importing into Qatar
- Importer registration (CR + customs code)
The importing company needs a commercial registration from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry that includes the trading activity, then registers with the General Authority of Customs to get or activate its customs code.
Source ↗ - Certificates of conformity for regulated goods
Customs will not release regulated products, such as vehicle spare parts (tyres, brake pads, wheel rims, seat belts) and some electrical appliances, without a certificate of conformity from an approved body. Tyres may use GSO certificates instead.
Source ↗ - 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.
Source ↗ - Food: MoPH registration, Arabic labels, halal
Food products must be registered by a licensed Qatari importer in the Ministry of Public Health's Watheq system before import. All mandatory label information must be in Arabic (GSO 9), shelf-life rules apply, and meat, poultry and foods with animal ingredients need halal certificates.
Source ↗ - Required documents and origin marking
Importers present the customs declaration, bill of lading, certificate of origin, invoice, packing list and import licence, all showing the HS code. 'Made in' marking is required on each item and carton and must match the documents.
Source ↗ - Attestation of commercial documents
Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs attests certificates of origin, invoices and other commercial documents (QAR 150) once they carry the required seals, including from a Qatari mission abroad. Ask your Qatari buyer which attestations customs or the bank need.
Source ↗ - Banned and restricted goods
Alcohol and pork products can only be imported by the state distributor, Qatar Distribution Company. Narcotics, flammable and radioactive products and counterfeit goods are banned; military and security items need a local licence.
Source ↗ - Al Nadeeb single window
Since 2013 all commercial shipments are declared in Al Nadeeb, Qatar's electronic customs single window, which links customs with about 17 government bodies and supports online payment and risk-based inspection.
Source ↗