Home » Services » Door to Door » IMEA » Kuwait » Important Information Kuwait

Strengthening UAE-Kuwait trade with seamless logistics, efficient freight forwarding, and dependable supply chain solutions.

UAE – Kuwait

Important Information

Explore vital details about tariffs, taxes, restricted goods, permissible cargo weights and dimensions, and local holidays in Kuwait that affect trade operations.

UAE Tariffs and Taxes

UAE’s customs duties generally range between 5% and 15% for most imported goods, while Value Added Tax (VAT) is set at 5%. Additionally, specific excise taxes apply to products like tobacco, sugary drinks, and energy drinks, ranging from 50% to 100%.

Kuwait Tariffs and Taxes

Kuwait applies a 5% customs duty on most imports, aligning with the GCC's unified tariff system.

VAT is not currently implemented in Kuwait, but there are discussions about potential adoption. Some items, such as tobacco and luxury goods, may incur higher tariffs or additional fees.

Restricted/Licensed Goods

Overview of restricted or licensed goods for import/export between the UAE and Kuwait include:

Alcohol and alcoholic beverages (prohibited)
Pork and pork products (restricted)
Pharmaceuticals (licensed)
Chemical substances and hazardous materials (licensed)
Military and security equipment (restricted)
Religious materials (restricted)
Used vehicles over 5 years old (restricted)
Tobacco and tobacco products (licensed)

Permissible Weights and Dimensions

The following section outlines the allowable weights and dimensions for cargo transported to Kuwait. Complying with these requirements is essential to avoid penalties or delays in logistics operations.

Standard Truck

Length: 12 meters

Width: 2.5 meters

Height: 4 meters

Maximum Weight: 40 tons

Maximum Axle Load: 10 tons

Driven Axle Weight: 11 tons

Heavy Goods Vehicle

Length: 18 meters

Width: 2.6 meters

Height: 4.2 meters

Maximum Weight: 60 tons

Maximum Axle Load: 12 tons

Driven Axle Weight: 13 tons

Specialized Transport

Length: 20 meters

Width: 3.0 meters

Height: 4.5 meters

Maximum Weight: 80 tons

Maximum Axle Load: 14 tons

Driven Axle Weight: 15 tons

Local Holidays

This section covers significant public holidays in Kuwait that might impact trade schedules. It’s important to plan logistics accordingly to ensure timely operations.

January 1: New Year's Day
February 25: National Day
February 26: Liberation Day
Varies: Eid al-Fitr
Varies: Eid al-Adha
Varies: Islamic New Year
Varies: Prophet's Birthday

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.