Australia Shipping - Import Regulations

Import Regulations - Qatar

It is required by law of Qatar to have an import license for almost all products. Importing and distribution of pork products and alcoholic beverages are highly restricted. Imports of alcoholic liquor, firearms, ammunition and dangerous drugs are strictly controlled. The Government of Qatar may ban import of religious or politically sensitive items.

Product certification, labelling and packaging
Plants and plant products, including flour, wheat, rice and seeds, require phytosanitary certification issued by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry-Australia or the relevant state department of agriculture.

It is recommended that livestock be provided with sanitary certificates even though they will be examined by local health authorities on arrival.

Labels on foodstuffs must be in Arabic only or in Arabic and English and must contain the following information:
• country of origin;
• brand and product names;
• list of the ingredients;
• name of the manufacturer;
• dates of production and expiration;
• all fats and oils used as ingredients must be specifically indentified on the label;
• net weight in metric units.

There are no special packing requirements but goods should be securely packed to guard against rough handling, extreme heat in summer, humidity in winter and periods of storage in the open. It is recommended to use steel strapping.

Documentary requirements
Commercial invoice must be legalised by the Commercial Department of the Qatari Embassy in Australia or by the Customs authorities at the point of entry into Qatar.

Pro-forma invoices for government purchases must be provided and must:
• indicate the delivery period and validity of the quotations;
• give the same serial numbers as the items shown in the government order sheet;
• be stamped and signed by the supplying company or exporter.

Packing list is not compulsory but it facilitates clearance.

Public health requirements
Exporters should check with their representatives in Qatar to ensure that all necessary conditions are met.
Foodstuffs must be shipped direct to Doha because transshipment through any other port is not allowed. All imported beef and poultry products require a health certificate from the country of origin and a halal slaughter certificate issued by an approved Islamic centre in the country of origin.

Pharmaceutical products require registration with the Ministry of Public Health.