Customs Regulations in Kuwait

*NOTE: THAT CUSTOMERS ARE HAVING PROBLEMS CLEARING THE RESTRICTED ITEMS SHOWN BELOW THROUGH CUSTOMS AND SIGNIFICANT LOSS AND DAMAGE HAVE BEEN REPORTED. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

• 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
• 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
• 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

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

• Electronic items included in shipment will delay Customs and subject to approval by Ministry of Commercial Industry
• 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

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• PC's, radio transmitters, and wireless telephones require a special permit and are subject to approval by the Ministry of Telecommunications
• All types of weapons, ammunition and explosives, including antique and ornamental
• 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, FILMS, TAPES, SLIDES, MOVIES, VIDEOS, COMPACT DISCS, COMPUTER SOFTWARE, ETC. ARE SUBJECT TO CENSORSHIP AND CONFISCATION (MUST BE PACKED SEPARATELY FOR EASY ACCESS)
• Prohibited goods MUST NOT BE INCLUDED with the goods being shipped
• Any prohibited items in shipment will be confiscated and may be destroyed without the customer's consent

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