Customs Information

Kuwait - All

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED Kuwait

  • Passport (two copies of info page and Residence Permit page)
  • Visa
  • Residence Permit (Kiama)
  • Temporary Import License
  • "No Objection Certificate" required from the Ministry of Interior
  • Declaration from employer that customer is employed by a specific firm
  • Weft - Company letter for consignees local Kuwaiti sponsored company duly signed/stamped by authorized signatory of that company.
  • Letter from employer stating customer's purpose of stay
  • Descriptive inventory (original) showing brand name, make and model of all items
  • Invoice and Certificate of Origin (bearing manufacturer's name and address) for new items and personal computers
  • Authorization letter in Arabic to clear shipments. This can be obtained from the consigned upon arrival in Kuwait
  • Copy of Civil ID (Kuwait ID card)
  • Inventory showing gross weight and number of packages

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

  • CUSTOMER'S PRESENCE IS REQUIRED FOR CUSTOMS
  • Customer will need to visit the Under Secretary of Licensing Department at the Ministry of Commerce requesting for a preliminary approval to issue a temporary import license with the Weft.
  • Original passport required when shipper is present for clearance
  • Personal effects such as clothing and books are permitted duty-free provided they arrive by air
  • Used household goods are permitted, but subject to duty
  • All shipments inspected
  • All diplomatic shipments must be clearly noted on all documents

MOTOR VEHICLES

  • OWNER'S PRESENCE REQUIRED AT CUSTOMS CLEARANCE FOR ANY VEHICLE
  • Non-Kuwaiti individuals/firms are not allowed to import vehicles into Kuwait
  • Vehicles subject to duties
  • Used vehicles over five years old are not permitted
  • Owner of the vehicle must have a valid Residence Permit in order to import an auto
  • Contact destination agent prior to importation to obtain current regulations
  • Documents required:
  • Registration Certificate
  • Purchase Invoice

PETS

  • Importation discouraged due to climate
  • Rabies vaccination and valid health certificate  

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

  • Electronic items included in shipment will delay Customs and subject to approval by Ministry of Commercial Industry
  • PC's, radio transmitters, and wireless telephones, require a special permit and are subject to approval by the Ministry of Telecommunications
  • Medication and foodstuff (subject to special approval and inspection by the Ministry of Health), must be packed separately
  • New items
  • Pesticides/insecticides, paints, chemicals subject to approval by Environmental Protection Authority
  • CUSTOMERS ARE HAVING PROBLEMS CLEARING THE RESTRICTED ITEMS SHOWN BELOW THROUGH CUSTOMS AND SIGNIFICANT LOSS AND DAMAGE HAVE BEEN REPORTED.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

  • Prohibited goods MUST NOT BE INCLUDED with the goods being shipped
  • Prohibited items detained by customs will be destroyed without shipper's consent
  • All types of weapons, ammunition and explosives, including antique and ornamental examples
  • Narcotics and drugs
  • Pork products
  • Alcoholic beverages of any type, including beer and wine-making kits
  • Gambling equipment
  • Pornographic or political, military literature or controversial materials
  • Objects or images which could be construed as a graven image or contrary to Islamic morality
  • *ALL PRINTED MATTER, BOOKS, PICTURES, RECORDS, DVDs, FILMS, TAPES, SLIDES, MOVIES, VIDEOS, COMPACT DISCS, COMPUTER SOFTWARE, ETC. ARE SUBJECT TO CENSORSHIP AND CONFISCATION (MUST BE PACKED SEPARATELY FOR EASY ACCESS)
  • Items made out of ivory
  • Any prohibited items in shipment will be confiscated and may be destroyed without the customer's consent
  • Products of Israeli origin
  • Political or religious literature which may be deemed offensive to the Kuwait government or the Islamic faith