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Compare Country Trade Regulations

Pick up to 4 economies and see customs authorities, licensing regimes, prohibited & restricted lists, sanctions overlays and dispute forums side by side. Decision-support only - always confirm with local counsel.

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Qatar
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IntroQatar applies the GCC Common External Tariff (5% baseline) through the General Authority of Customs (GAC) using the Al Nadeeb single window. There is no VAT at import as of 2026 (implementation deferred), but a 100% excise applies to tobacco, energy drinks, and pork products, and 50% on carbonated drinks.
Primary authorities
  • General Authority of Customs (GAC)Customs entry, Al Nadeeb filings, GCC transit.
  • Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoCI)Import permits, commercial registration, trade remedy.
  • MoPH - Pharmacy & Drug ControlPharma, medical, food safety.
  • QCD / MOIExplosives, firearms, dual-use.
Licensing regimes
  • Commercial Registration + Import CardPrerequisite for any imports; MoCI CR + Customs Import Card. · MoCI / GAC
  • Restricted goods import permitAlcohol (QDC monopoly), pork (licensed outlets), pharma, cosmetics. · Line ministries
  • GCC Certificate of ConformityRegulated electrical / mechanical products entering GCC. · QCS / GCC-accredited bodies
  • Halal certificationMeat, poultry, gelatin - required at import. · Approved halal bodies at origin
Prohibited goods
  • · Pork (except licensed outlets under permit).
  • · Alcohol outside QDC monopoly.
  • · Israeli-origin goods (long-standing embargo).
  • · Material offensive to Islamic values.
Restricted goods
  • · Pharma - MoPH pre-registration + shipment permit.
  • · Cosmetics - MoPH pre-notification.
  • · Explosives, weapons - MoI licensing.
  • · Live animals - MME veterinary permit + halal at slaughter.
Labelling requirements
  • · Arabic-language labelling required on food, cosmetics, pharma.
  • · Halal certification for meat/poultry - country-of-slaughter halal body accepted from approved list.
  • · GCC standards mark on regulated products (electrical, toys).
Sanctions overlay
  • · Embargo on Israel (Foreign Investment Promotion Law & practice).
  • · UNSC measures implemented via national gazette.
  • · QFIU screens OFAC/UN for financial sector.
Dispute resolutionCustoms objection to Director-General within 15 days; onward Investment & Trade Court. QICCA (Qatar International Court & Dispute Resolution Centre in QFC) and Qatar Chamber Arbitration Centre widely used. NY Convention party since 2003.
Official sources
Comparison is decision-support only. Regulatory positions change frequently - confirm every action with the named authorities or licensed local counsel.