Required export documents
- Commercial invoice (in English)
-In addition to the standard commercial information, the invoice must include the following:
-Name and address of the manufacturer
-HS code and country of origin
-Transport information, such as means of transport and port of departure
-Number and type of packages
-Exact product description, including net and gross weight
-Legal signature of the exporter (preferably in blue ink)
In practice, the importer is often required to provide a declaration from the manufacturer.
“We hereby certify that the value and the origin of the goods listed in this invoice are authentic. We further certify that the mentioned merchandise has been manufactured in … by … and that no foreign parts have been used in the production process.”
The commercial invoice must be authenticated by the competent Chamber of Commerce and the Arab-Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CASCI) and legalized by the Permanent Mission of Qatar in Geneva.
- Packing list
The consignment must be accompanied by a packing list that gives an overview of the details and contents of the packages, including their mass and number.
- Declaration of origin
A movement certificate EUR 1 must be drawn up for goods of preferential origin as defined in the EFTA-GCC Free Trade Agreement (cooperation of the Arab Gulf states). This is irrespective of the value of the goods as well as the status of the approved exporter, as the free trade agreements does not stipulate an invoice declaration.
- Certificate of origin
A certificate of origin is required, irrespective of whether the goods concerned are preferential or not.
The following declaration shall be made on the back of the certificate of origin:
“We hereby declare that the mentioned merchandise has been manufactured in … by … and that no foreign parts have been used in the production of these products.”
The certificate of origin shall be authenticated by the relevant Chamber of Commerce and the Arab-Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CASCI) and legalized by the Permanent Mission of Qatar in Geneva.
- Marking of goods
Products imported into Qatar must bear a reference to the country of origin.
Detailed information on the import formalities applicable to your products in Qatar can also be found in our free customs database.
Halal
According to Muslim tradition, pork and all pork products are forbidden. Importing alcohol and alcoholic products is discouraged by high customs duties. All imported meat products, including beef and poultry, require a health certificate issued by the exporting country and a Halal certificate issued by an approved Islamic center.
Sanctions/embargoes/export controls
At the time of drafting this article, no sanctions or embargoes are imposed on Qatar. However, this can change at any time, which is why we recommend that you clarify whether relevant measures have been imposed before each export.
Certain products and product groups, such as dual-use goods, also require an export permit for delivery to non-sanctioned countries.
Dual-use goods and other product groups, such as chemicals, medicines or cosmetics, require an import permit from the Qatari authorities. Detailed information on required import permits and certificates can also be found in our free customs database.
There is a general ban on imports of goods from Israel in Qatar.
Tips from S-GE
Incoterms
In principle, all Incoterms clauses may be used for deliveries to Qatar. However, be aware that you as the seller bear the maximum responsibility for the DDP (Duty Delivered Paid) clause and have to pay for all costs.
Payment terms
Receiving a payment can be difficult, frustrating and time consuming. It is therefore advisable to reach an agreement with the Qatari company in advance. A letter of credit, for example, may involve a fee, but it is less costly than a possible legal proceeding.
All information in this article is for guidance purposes only and is not exhaustive or legally binding.
