Qatar Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Qatar customs guide supports individuals and families planning international moving, overseas relocation or import of household goods into the State of Qatar. Qatar enforces strict customs controls on used household goods, electronic items, media, religious materials and restricted products.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to Qatar, including export packing, sea and air freight, customs guidance and local delivery to Doha and all major residential communities.

1. Moving to Qatar – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Import of Used Household Goods

Qatar allows the import of used household goods and personal effects when transferring residence if:

You hold (or will hold) a valid Qatar residence permit or work visa
Goods are for personal use and not commercial resale
Items are used and in your possession prior to shipment
Documentation is submitted to the destination agent before the shipment arrives

Important: Customs in Qatar physically inspects most shipments. New or high-value items may attract around 5% customs duty on the assessed value.

1.2 Personal Effects vs Commercial Goods

Qatar distinguishes personal, non-commercial effects from items imported for trade. Quantities, values and item types are considered when determining duty and eligibility for any exemptions.

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Copy of passport (photo and entry stamp pages)
Qatar ID / residence permit or visa (where available)
Bill of lading / airway bill
Detailed packing list / inventory in English or Arabic
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer / sponsor
Authorization / power of attorney in Arabic for customs clearance

2.2 Inventory Requirements

Provide clear descriptions and quantities for each group of items
List electronics with brand, model and serial numbers
Separate and highlight new goods for duty assessment
Pack books, media and digital items separately for possible inspection

H-H Relocations Tip: Qatar customs often checks electronic media, books and digital content. Keep these items easy to access and clearly listed.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Qatar

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Qatar applies strict standards for importing motor vehicles. Duties of around 5% commonly apply, and vehicles must meet Gulf standards.

Vehicles generally must not be more than 5 years old from date of manufacture
Vehicles must be left-hand drive and Gulf-compliant
The owner must hold a valid Qatar ID or residence permit before registration

3.2 Required Vehicle Documentation

Original registration and proof of ownership
Bill of lading
Copy of passport and Qatar ID / visa
Purchase invoice or valuation documents
Written authorization for customs clearance

Important: Customs duty is typically calculated at about 5% of the vehicle value. Older or non-compliant vehicles may be refused entry.

4. Bringing Pets to Qatar

Qatar permits the importation of cats and dogs subject to veterinary controls. Some breeds and exotic animals may be restricted.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

Valid vaccination record and veterinary health certificate
Microchip identification (ISO standard recommended)
Import permit from the competent authority in Qatar
Compliance with airline and transit country rules

Pet Travel Tip: Always confirm breed restrictions and permit requirements before booking flights. Rules can change and are enforced strictly on arrival.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

The import, possession or sale of alcohol by individuals in Qatar is prohibited. Alcohol is controlled at a national level and only licensed hotel and hospitality entities may serve it. Any alcohol found in personal shipments will be confiscated, and penalties may apply.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco products may be imported but must be declared. Customs duty applies and may be based on quantity and assessed value. Excessive quantities may be considered commercial imports, which require special licensing.

5.3 Food & Animal-Origin Products

Food imports must meet Qatar's safety and halal requirements:

Meat and poultry must be halal-certified and labeled accordingly
Animal-origin products may be subject to inspection
Non-halal or improperly labeled food can be rejected

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Prescription medications require a doctor's letter and may need ministry approval
Chemicals, lab equipment and hazardous substances require import permits
Drones, satellite equipment and surveillance devices require authorization

Important: Qatar enforces GCC-wide import controls. Never ship drones, alcohol, religious material, or large quantities of electronics without confirming clearance rules.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Qatar

The following items are prohibited from import into Qatar:

Alcohol and products containing alcohol
Pornographic, offensive or religious proselytizing material
E-cigarettes and vaping products are restricted or prohibited
Weapons, ammunition and explosives without special permits
Counterfeit products and pirated media
Drugs, narcotics and related paraphernalia
Political or anti-government publications

Importation of prohibited materials may result in seizure, fines or legal action.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Qatar

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

For a seamless international move from Toronto to Qatar, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Secure your Qatar residence visa / sponsorship before shipping
Prepare inventories that match cartons exactly
Avoid shipping religious texts, alcohol-related items or questionable media
Ensure power adapters and electronics meet GCC voltage standards (230V)

7.2 Why choose a Qatar relocation specialist

Qatar’s customs regime is strict but efficient when paperwork is correct. Working with an experienced international moving company provides:

Accurate customs declarations and packing lists
Reduced risk of clearance delays or container examination
Door-to-door assistance with Qatar-based destination agents
Guidance for GCC import controls and restricted categories

Relocation Tip: Qatar frequently updates import rules for electronics, drones and communication devices. Confirm compliance before purchasing or shipping these goods.

8. Useful Official Links – Qatar

Refer to these official government portals for current customs regulations:

This guide provides an overview of import regulations for Qatar. Final decisions rest with Qatar Customs and related regulatory agencies.