Frequently asked questions
Q: What exactly are HS Codes?
HS codes are a standardized system used globally to classify and identify products for customs, statistical, and regulatory purposes. These codes play a crucial role in international trade, as they enable accurate classification of goods, determination of customs duties, and compliance with import and export regulations... Qatar is now adopting a 12-digit system to enhance trade facilitation.
Q: What are the Qatar Customs Regulatory Changes?
In order to align with international standards and enhance trade facilitation for shipments entering Qatar, the Qatar General Authority of Customs (QGAC) have mandated that effective January 1st, 2025, the Harmonized System (HS) code standard for Qatar changed from an 8-digit HS code to a 12-digit HS code.
In summary, the change requires that the shippers should provide a valid Qatar 12-dight HS code when shipping to Qatar:
Business-to-Business (B2B) Import Shipments (for shipments from Rest of World to Qatar)
Business-to-Consumer (B22) Import Shipments (for shipments from Rest of World to Qatar)
Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) Import Shipments (for shipments from Rest of World to Qatar)
IMPORTANT – the updated list of HS Codes for Qatar is available on the Qatar General Authority of Customs (QGAC) website.
Q: Why is it important to provide valid Qatar 12-digit HS Codes when shipping to Qatar?
Making the valid Qatar 12-digit HS Code available prior to pick-up of your shipments is essential to avoid potential clearance delays.
Q: Are Business-to-Consumer (B2C) or Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) shipments in scope for this Qatar Regulatory change?
Q: How can shippers (from Rest of World to Qatar) avoid shipment delays?
In order to avoid delays, we recommend shippers to:
- Pro-Actively identify the valid Qatar 12-digit HS Codes before shipping and provide it electronically to DHL via DHL Express Electronic Shipping Solutions when preparing the shipment.
- Provide a valid Qatar importer contact information, such as phone & e-mail address – in case DHL needs to contact the importer in Qatar.
- Provide complete and accurate Commercial / Pro-Forma Invoice data electronically via DHL Express Electronic Shipping Solutions, such as: goods descriptions, itemized values, country of origin, etc.
Q: For shipments from Rest of World to Qatar: what will happen if valid Qatar 12-digit HS Codes are not provided by the shipper?
In case of missing or invalid Qatar 12-digit HS Codes, the shipment clearance process may be delayed.
Q: How can receivers (in Qatar) avoid shipment delays?
Ensure that their shippers provide valid Qatar 12-digit HS Codes electronically to DHL via DHL Express Electronic Shipping Solutions when preparing the shipment.
Ensure that shippers provide valid Qatar's importer contact information, such as phone & e-mail address – in case DHL needs to contact the receiver in QATAR for additional information.
NOTE: the valid Qatar 12-digit HS Codes should be provided by the SHIPPER. This will help avoid import clearance delays in Qatar.
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