Import from Qatar to UK
Why import from Qatar?
Qatar is currently the UK’s 34th trading partner1. The two countries work together on a range of economic and mutual interests in their bilateral partnership, including issues like climate change and regional security2.
In 2023, the total trade in goods and services between the UK and Qatar was £7.8 billion, with imports totalling £2.6 billion of this figure.
Businesses that import from Qatar can access a range of high-quality products and benefit from the two countries' solid economic partnership.
High-quality products
Qatar is renowned for its high-quality products, particularly in the energy and petrochemical sectors.
The country is a leading exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is crucial for the UK’s energy needs. The UK imports a significant amount of its LNG from Qatar: gas actually makes up £1.2 billion, or 51.8% of all goods exported from Qatar to the UK.
The country is a leading exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is crucial for the UK’s energy needs. The UK imports a significant amount of its LNG from Qatar: gas actually makes up £1.2 billion, or 51.8% of all goods exported from Qatar to the UK.
Strategic economic partnerships
Importing goods from Qatar strengthens strategic economic partnerships between the UK and Qatar. The UK government has been fostering closer ties with Qatar through various trade agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral trade.
These partnerships open up opportunities for UK businesses to tap into the Qatari market and benefit from preferential trade terms.
These partnerships open up opportunities for UK businesses to tap into the Qatari market and benefit from preferential trade terms.
Our Services
You can make the import process cheaper and simpler with Freight Broker’s convenient cost comparison service. By comparing shipping rates, you can streamline your imports with a few extra steps. Compare today, and get your goods at affordable prices!
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How to import from Qatar to UK
Businesses that import from Qatar to UK must prepare by getting all the relevant information and legal paperwork in order. Find out more about the import process and what you need to do.
Find the right commodity code
For businesses to import from Qatar, all goods must be labelled with the required commodity codes. You can use these codes to make declarations and calculate import VAT and tax. They will, however, be utilised by customs authorities to establish the nature of the items, whether they meet safety standards, and whether they are legally permitted.
Businesses seeking the right commodity code for their products should refer to the UK Government Trade Tariff.
Find out your EORI number
A company importing goods into the UK from Qatar must apply for an EORI number through the government's online website; you will receive your EORI number a few days after completing your application.
The Economic Operator Registration Identification Number (EORI) helps UK customs authorities identify imported and exported commodities.
Check if you need a licence
Businesses in the UK may require a licence to import goods from Qatar.
Those wishing to import controlled drugs, weapons, plant products, or waste into the UK must first consult UK government laws to determine whether a certificate or permit is required.
However, some goods are banned from exporting from Qatar, including nutmeg, poppy, hemp seeds, cocoa leaves, opium and cannabis. Other items, like certain meats (e.g., cows, lambs, horse, sheep) and fish (e.g., salmon, whales, dolphins), are subject to restrictions.3
Include full details on invoices and labels
Label your products properly with the following information:
- The sender and receiver of the products
- A full description of the items being imported.
- Total value of the products.
- The number of items
- Commodity codes
Shipping Options
The number and value of imported items will influence your shipping options.
Sea freight import from Qatar to UK
Sea freight is the most common route of shipping for high-volume items weighing more than 100 kg. Smaller cargo can be imported in a shared container, but bigger shipments may necessitate a complete container.
Sea freight from Qatar can take anywhere from 25 to 35 days to arrive.
Sea freight from Qatar can take anywhere from 25 to 35 days to arrive.
Air freight import from Qatar to UK
Goods imported via air freight from Qatar can take 5-7 working days to arrive; this method is best for smaller shipments. Items can be sent directly to your desired address.
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Customs and Duties
When importing goods into the UK from Qatar you must pay duty and VAT.
Such fees are required to have your items released by customs. Businesses might use a goods broker to help them calculate customs and charges. Alternatively, you can utilise the UK Government Trade Tariff to calculate how much you owe.
Such fees are required to have your items released by customs. Businesses might use a goods broker to help them calculate customs and charges. Alternatively, you can utilise the UK Government Trade Tariff to calculate how much you owe.
Paying Duty
Such fees are required to have your items released by customs. Businesses might use a goods broker to help them calculate customs and charges. Alternatively, you can utilise the UK Government Trade Tariff to calculate how much you owe.
Paying VAT
Businesses that import from Qatar to the UK must additionally pay the applicable VAT rates.
The current UK rate is 20%, calculated based on shipping expenses, customs duties, and the value of the items. Your goods will be freed from customs once you or a goods broker have paid the applicable duty and VAT costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of products can I import from Qatar to the UK?
UK importers can purchase a range of products from Qatar, but the top 5 most commonly imported goods in 2023 were:
- Gas (£1.2 billion or 51.8% of all UK goods imported from Qatar)
- Mechanical power generators (£529.6 million or 23.1%)
- Refined oil (£394.3 million or 17.2%)
- Scientific instruments (£38.4 million or 1.7%)
- Office machinery (£17.4 million or 0.8%)4
How long does it take to import goods from Qatar to the UK?
The time it takes to import goods from Qatar will depend on the shipping option. Where sea freight typically takes 25-35 days, air freight can arrive within 5-7 days.
What are the different shipping options available for importing from Qatar?
The main shipping options for those who import from Qatar to UK are sea and air freight.
What duties and taxes will I need to pay when importing from Qatar?
The amount of VAT, customs duty, and excise duty you must pay when receiving your goods is dependent on the items, the shipping method you choose, and the nation of origin.
What are the risks associated with importing goods from Qatar?
Political and economic instability
Importing goods from Qatar can be fraught with risks due to potential political and economic instability.
The political climate in the Middle East can be unpredictable. Qatar has experienced diplomatic tensions with its neighbours, including the blockade imposed by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt in 2017.5
Although the blockade was lifted in 2021, such events can disrupt trade routes and logistics, leading to delays and increased costs.
Foreign exchange
Importing from Qatar involves significant foreign exchange risks. The volatility of exchange rates between the Qatari Riyal and the British Pound can affect the cost of imports, potentially affecting profit margins.
Do I need to be registered for VAT when importing from Qatar?
Businesses importing goods from Qatar into the UK must register with HMRC for VAT. If you are importing products as an individual, you do not need to register.
How can I get a quote for shipping costs from Qatar?
Customers can compare the cost of shipping goods internationally using Freight Brokers simple tool! All you need to do is supply us with your import and export postcodes, shipping destination, and your item's place of origin.
Then, tell us the measurements of your shipment: length, breadth, height, and weight (if you're comparing palette shipping costs, be sure to choose from our list of palette sizes).
After you've entered all the relevant shipment information, click "compare prices", and we'll show you the best courier quotations! It's easy to find discounts when you work with Freight Broker.
Then, tell us the measurements of your shipment: length, breadth, height, and weight (if you're comparing palette shipping costs, be sure to choose from our list of palette sizes).
After you've entered all the relevant shipment information, click "compare prices", and we'll show you the best courier quotations! It's easy to find discounts when you work with Freight Broker.
References
[1] https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/663223822ea7c8bba6ebe117/qatar-trade-and-investment-factsheet-2024-05-03.pdf
[2] https://www.gov.uk/world/qatar/news#:~:text=The%20UK%20and%20Qatar%20work,British%20companies%20succeed%20in%20Qatar.
[3] https://www.customs.gov.qa/English/Tariff/Pages/Restricted-Goods.aspx
[4] https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/663223822ea7c8bba6ebe117/qatar-trade-and-investment-factsheet-2024-05-03.pdf
[5] https://cirs.qatar.georgetown.edu/research/research-initiatives/gcc-crisis-qatar-and-its-neighbors/
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