Moving to 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.

IAM Note: Contact destination agent for further details. 

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.

Cultural and Other Information