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UAE – Kuwait

Exports

Discover essential details about exporting goods between the UAE and Kuwait, including guidelines and transiting procedures.

General Export Guidelines

Businesses exporting between the UAE and Kuwait must comply with respective customs regulations, including proper documentation, packaging, and labeling requirements. Exporters must ensure the accuracy of declarations, adherence to quality standards, and compliance with any specific licensing or safety requirements for certain goods.

Required Documents

Key documents needed for exports include:

Commercial Invoice
Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
Export License
Certificate of Origin
Packing List
Export Declaration
Health and Safety Certificates (if applicable)
Insurance Certificate

Kuwait Export Regulations

Exporting from Kuwait involves several steps, starting with obtaining an export license for controlled goods. Businesses must prepare the necessary documents, such as invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin, and ensure proper product labeling and packaging. Goods are subject to inspection at customs to confirm compliance with export regulations, and exporters must pay applicable fees and duties before the cargo is cleared for shipment.

Transiting Goods

Transiting goods through third countries to reach either Kuwait or the UAE requires adherence to international shipping protocols. Goods must be documented accurately, with transit declarations in place to prevent delays. Proper re-packaging and labeling are essential to meet customs requirements in transit countries. Additional permits may be needed depending on the nature of the goods, particularly for perishable or hazardous items.

Leading Export Commodities

Kuwait

Top 5 Export Commodities:

Crude Oil and Petroleum Products
Fertilizers
Chemicals
Fish and Seafood
Textiles and Fabrics

UAE

Top 5 Export Commodities:

Petroleum Products
Gold and Precious Metals
Aluminum and Related Products
Plastics and Polymers
Dates and Agricultural Products

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main airports and seaports in Kuwait for handling cargo?

Kuwait International Airport and Ali Al Salem Air Base are the primary airports, with cargo capacities focusing on advanced terminal operations and specialized freight. Major seaports include Shuwaikh Port, Shuaiba Port, and Mina Al Ahmadi Port, offering facilities geared towards bulk cargo and petrochemical exports, with strategic locations enhancing connectivity.

What documents are required for importing goods into Kuwait?

Required documents for imports into Kuwait include the Commercial Invoice, Certificate of Origin, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, Import License, Customs Declaration, Insurance Certificate, and Health and Safety Certificates where applicable.

What are the customs duties and taxes for goods entering Kuwait from the UAE?

Kuwait imposes a standard 5% customs duty on most imports, adhering to the GCC unified tariff system, and currently does not implement VAT, though there are discussions about its potential adoption. The UAE typically charges customs duties between 5% and 15% for most goods and applies a 5% VAT along with specific excise taxes on products like tobacco and sugary drinks.

What are the restricted or licensed goods for trade between the UAE and Kuwait?

Restricted or licensed goods include alcohol and alcoholic beverages, pork products, pharmaceuticals, chemical substances, military equipment, religious materials, used vehicles over 5 years old, and tobacco products. Importing these items requires specific licenses or adheres to restrictions based on the nature of the goods.

What are the leading export commodities from Kuwait and the UAE?

Kuwait’s top exports include crude oil and petroleum products, fertilizers, chemicals, fish and seafood, and textiles and fabrics. The UAE’s primary exports are petroleum products, gold and precious metals, aluminum and related products, plastics and polymers, and dates and agricultural products.