Guides / Money & banking / Starting a business
Importing and exporting goods for your business: customs code and Al Nadeeb
How a Qatar company gets set up to bring in or send out goods: the right CR activity, a customs code from the General Authority of Customs, Qatar Chamber documents, clearing shipments in Al Nadeeb and paying duty (usually 5% of CIF).
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
- Who it is for
- Companies with a CR that buy or sell goods across the border
- Main systems
- MOCI Single Window, Al Nadeeb (customs), Qatar Chamber
- Usual duty
- 5% of CIF value; some goods more, some exempt
- Clearance
- Most unrestricted goods are released within hours once documents match
If your company buys goods abroad to sell in Qatar, or sends goods out of Qatar, you need more than a commercial registration (CR). Your CR must carry a trading activity that covers the goods, the General Authority of Customs must register your company and give it a customs code, and every shipment is declared and cleared in Al Nadeeb, the online customs single window. Most commercial goods pay 5% duty on their CIF value (cost plus insurance plus freight), but some items pay more, some pay nothing, and food, medicines, telecom gear and other regulated goods need approval from another ministry before they are released. This guide assumes you already have a company; if not, start with how to set one up. The order is: activity on the CR, customs code, Chamber membership, product approvals, then your first shipment.
Before you start
- A valid commercial registration (CR) and commercial licence for your company
- Establishment ID (computer card) from the Ministry of Interior
- QIDs of the authorised signatory and the person who will manage customs work
- A clear list of what you will import or export, with each item's HS (tariff) code; Qatar uses the 12-digit GCC tariff since 1 January 2025
- Your supplier's commercial invoice on letterhead, stamped and signed, showing values, quantities and country of origin
- Certificate of origin, packing list and bill of lading or air waybill for each shipment
- Any product approvals your goods need (food, medicines, telecom and radio equipment, standards-regulated goods)
- A Hukoomi/Tawtheeq login or the access your customs broker asks for, so someone can use Al Nadeeb
Step by step
Check your goods before you buy
Before you order anything, find the HS code for each product and check its duty rate and whether it is restricted. Most goods pay 5% of CIF value, but steel, some foods and tobacco pay more, and some basic foods and GCC-made goods pay nothing. Restricted goods (food, medicines, chemicals, telecom and radio devices and more) need a permit from the right authority before they ship, and banned goods such as pork, alcohol (outside licensed channels) and e-cigarettes cannot come in at all. A customs broker can classify goods for you if you are unsure; a wrong code is the most common reason shipments are held.
Add a trading activity to your CR
Your CR must include an activity that matches what you import or export, such as general trading or a specific trade. You add it in MOCI's Single Window with the Comprehensive Update service; the system tells you the documents, approvals and fees. Each extra activity is QAR 300 a year plus a QAR 300 amendment fee, and the commercial licence may need updating too. Some activities need another ministry's approval first, which the system will flag.
Read guide: Renewing your commercial registration, licence and establishment card in Qatar →Check whether you need an import licence
Customs lists a valid import licence among the documents for commercial imports, and it is tied to your CR activity and the HS codes you trade. For most general goods the licensed trading activity on your CR is what Customs checks; some goods need a separate licence or registration with the authority that controls them. Ask MOCI or your broker which applies to your products before the first shipment, because the rules depend on the goods.
Register with Customs for a customs code
The General Authority of Customs registers your company and issues a customs code, which you need for both imports and exports. You fill in the registration form and attach copies of your CR, commercial licence, establishment ID, and the IDs of the authorised signatory and the person managing customs work. Once the code is issued, your company can log in to Al Nadeeb and add users. Keep the details (signatory, address, activities) up to date, because a mismatch with your CR can block declarations.
Join the Qatar Chamber
Qatar Chamber membership is needed for trade documents such as certificates of origin and invoice attestation. Annual membership is QAR 500 for LLCs and partnerships and QAR 5,000 for shareholding, holding and foreign companies with state contracts; branches add 10%. Membership is renewed alongside your CR.
Get product approvals first
Regulated goods are not released until the controlling authority clears them. Food importers register companies and products in MOPH's Watheq system, which links to Al Nadeeb, and labels need Arabic. Medicines, supplements and medical devices go through MOPH registration. Radio and telecom devices need CRA type approval for each model and an import authorisation. Standards-regulated goods such as tyres, spare parts and electrical appliances may need a certificate of conformity. Start these early: some take weeks.
Decide: broker or do it yourself
You can file declarations in Al Nadeeb yourself or authorise a licensed customs broker (clearing agent) to do it for your company. Most small businesses use a broker: they know the HS codes, documents and inspection steps, and they handle port and airport paperwork. Brokers are trained in courses run by Qatar Chamber with Customs and must pass a test. You authorise the broker inside Al Nadeeb so they can act for your customs code; agree their fee per shipment in writing.
Prepare shipment documents
For each shipment you need the commercial invoice (original, on letterhead, stamped and signed), a certificate of origin, a packing list with pieces, weights and HS codes, and the bill of lading or air waybill. The invoice and certificate of origin may need attestation by Qatar Chamber (QAR 50 each). Goods must carry a permanent mark showing where they were made. Check that names, values, quantities and codes match across every document.
Declare, pay duty and get release
When goods arrive at Hamad Port, Hamad International Airport, Abu Samra or another entry point, you or your broker file the customs declaration in Al Nadeeb, attach the documents and pay the duty online. Customs risk-checks each declaration; some shipments are inspected. Once cleared, the system issues the release so you can collect the goods. Most unrestricted goods clear quickly, but shipments needing another ministry's check or inspection take longer, and storage and demurrage charges keep running while goods wait.
Exporting goods out of Qatar
Exports are declared in Al Nadeeb too and carry no export duty. Your buyer's country may ask for a certificate of origin and an attested invoice from Qatar Chamber; goods made in Qatar may qualify for lower duty in GCC and Arab countries if you get the right origin certificate. Food exports need an export certificate from MOPH's Watheq system. For samples or exhibition goods that will come back, an ATA Carnet from Qatar Chamber allows duty-free temporary export or import for up to one year.
Keep records and taxes in order
Keep invoices, declarations and duty receipts: Customs can audit past shipments, and they support your company accounts. If you import or make excise goods (tobacco, energy drinks, carbonated and sweetened drinks), you also deal with the General Tax Authority on excise. Renew your CR, commercial licence and Chamber membership on time; an expired CR can stop your customs code working.
Read guide: Company tax returns on Dhareeba: registration, deadlines and penalties →
What it costs
| Extra activity on CR (each, per year) | QAR 300 |
| CR amendment (per request) | QAR 300 |
| Commercial licence (per year) | QAR 500 |
| Qatar Chamber membership, LLC or partnership (per year) | QAR 500 |
| Qatar Chamber membership, shareholding, holding or foreign company (per year) | QAR 5,000 |
| Chamber commercial invoice approval | QAR 50 |
| Chamber certificate of origin | QAR 50 |
| ATA Carnet, single visit (members / non-members) | QAR 1,000 / QAR 2,000 |
| CRA type approval per model (simplified / standard; check e-Spectrum) | QAR 500 / QAR 1,000 |
| Customs duty, most goods | 5% of CIF value (e.g. QAR 5,000 on QAR 100,000) |
Official fees at the time of review. Fees change, so confirm before paying.
Common mistakes
- Ordering goods before checking the HS code, duty rate and whether they are restricted, then finding the shipment stuck at the port
- Importing goods that your CR activity does not cover; Customs checks the activity against the goods
- Invoices that do not match the packing list or the goods; a mismatch brings extra duty and a fine
- Starting MOPH, CRA or other product approvals only after the goods arrive, while storage charges build up
- Using old 8-digit HS codes; Qatar moved to the 12-digit GCC tariff on 1 January 2025
- Letting the CR, licence or Chamber membership expire, which can stop declarations under your customs code
- Not agreeing a broker's fee and scope in writing, then paying surprise handling charges
Questions people ask
Do I need a separate import licence, or is my CR enough?
For most general goods, a CR with the right trading activity, a commercial licence and a customs code are what Customs checks. Some goods need an extra licence or registration with the authority that controls them, such as MOPH for food and medicines or CRA for telecom devices. Ask MOCI or a customs broker about your specific products before you buy.
How much customs duty will I pay?
Most goods pay 5% of the CIF value, which is the cost of the goods plus insurance and freight to Qatar. Some pay more: steel 20%, urea and ammonia 30%, tobacco 100%, and from 2026 chilled chicken 18% and some vegetables 15% in their seasons when they come from countries without a trade agreement. Many basic foods and goods made in GCC countries are exempt.
Can I clear shipments myself or must I use a broker?
Registered companies can file their own declarations in Al Nadeeb. Most small firms still use a licensed customs broker because classification, documents and inspections take experience. You authorise the broker in Al Nadeeb to act for your customs code.
Do I need Qatar Chamber membership to import?
Chamber membership is needed for trade documents such as certificates of origin and invoice attestation, and Customs often asks for attested documents. For an LLC it costs QAR 500 a year, much cheaper since the October 2024 fee cut.
Can I import goods to sell from my home business licence?
Home business licences cover a limited list of activities and are not meant for commercial trading at scale. If you plan to import goods regularly for resale, you will usually need a company CR with a trading activity and a customs code. Check the activity list in Single Window before you start.
What changed with the 12-digit tariff codes?
Since 1 January 2025 all GCC countries use one integrated tariff with 12-digit codes instead of 8. The codes decide duty, restrictions and statistics, so make sure your invoices and declarations use the current 12-digit code for each item.
How long does clearance take?
Most unrestricted goods with correct documents clear quickly, often within hours. Goods needing another ministry's check, physical inspection or with document problems can take days, and port storage charges apply while they wait.
I'm just bringing my own things or ordering online. Does this apply to me?
No. Personal belongings and online orders follow the personal customs rules: parcels above QAR 1,000 CIF pay 5%. See the guides on customs allowances and shipping belongings.
Official sources
- Qatar Living: import and export licensing in Qatar, a customs guide (2026) ↗
- Marhaba: import and export regulations in Qatar ↗
- QNA: Qatar Chamber fee reductions (October 2024) ↗
- The Peninsula: Qatar implements integrated GCC customs tariff ↗
- Al Raya: Customs announces dates of tariff increases (2026) ↗
- Qatar Living: product registration and standards compliance ↗
Always check the official source before acting. QatarSteps is independent and not a government website.