KUWAIT
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
Copy of passport (picture and signature page)
Packing list
Delivery order from shipping line (sea freight)
Civil ID copy for consignee
Temporary import license
‘Itimad towkia’ copy from local sponsor company
Work permit copy/ “Izanamal” (in Arabic)
Valid Kuwaiti residence copy (stamped in passport)
Company authorization letter from employer confirming employment (2 copies)
Original bill of lading/ express release / seaway bill / air waybill (AWB)
Temporary work entry visa / NOC copy (duly stamped by Kuwait Immigration upon arrival to Kuwait) (air freight)
Specific Information
Consignee’s presence is mandatory during inbound shipments.
The Kuwaiti residence copy must be a minimum of 12 months validity.
Temporary import license may only be obtained after the following documents from above are available at destination at least 5 days prior to arrival of the shipment in Kuwait:
Delivery order from shipping line
Packing list
Company authorization letter (2 copies)
‘Itimad towkia’ copy from local sponsor company
Passport copy
Work permit copy
Valid Kuwaiti residence copy
Civil ID copy
Diplomats are permitted duty-free entry.
There is a 5% Customs duty applicable on all non-diplomatic sea imports.
Kuwaiti Customs will determine further charges depending on weight, volume, and type of HHG shipment.
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
Certificate of title / manufacturer certificate (issued from vehicle manufacturer office)
Original commercial invoice
Certificate of origin (new vehicles)
NOC certificate issued from origin traffic department
Vehicle GSO certificate (should provide from vehicle manufactures office - new vehicles)
Certificate of import
Proof of ownership
Original bill of lading
Mechanical certificate from origin stamped by the Public Port Authority in Kuwait
Specific Information
Customs duties are charged at a rate of 5% on the value of the vehicle as estimated by Kuwait Customs in addition to bank charges.
Motor vehicles older than 5 years cannot be imported.
Only Kuwait nationals are allowed to import vehicles for personal use in their name.
A resident / expatriate is not allowed to import vehicles in their name.
If a temporary import license is required by customs for auto import than a consignee must obtain it directly from the Ministry of Commerce in Kuwait.
Pets
Documents Required
Vaccination record
Veterinary health certificate
Specific Information
Only certain animal species may be imported (cats, dogs, birds, etc.); contact the destination agent for specific information.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
Books, audio/video tapes, and music may be imported but are subject to censorship.
Items manufactured by companies on the Israeli Boycott list will be confiscated.
The inclusion of medicine and drugs for medicinal purposes will invariably cause delays in clearance.
A special release order from the Ministry of Health is required.
Computer modems are subject to registration and an initial fee levied by the Ministry of Communication of approximately $400 USD and a renewable fee of $400 USD per year; this is not a Customs requirement but a requirement of the Ministry of Communication and is administered by the Department of Customs.
Do not include new electronic items in shipments.
Prohibited Items
Alcohol (including but not restricted to liquors, wine and beer) as well as alcohol producing kits/machinery
Pork products
“Walkie-Talkie” type radios
Narcotics, drugs, stimulants
Pornographic books, magazines and other media
Weapons, including antique weapons, firearms and ammunition
All materials and products connected with or manufactured by Israel
Statues, art work and literature defined as offensive to Islamic teachings and principles
Consignment Instructions
Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.