Import from Qatar to UK
Why import from Qatar?
Qatar
is currently the UK’s 34th trading partner.
The two countries work together on a range of economic and mutual
interests in their bilateral partnership, including issues like
climate change and regional security.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Paying duty
Any
import from Qatar into the UK will be subject to an assigned duty
rate, with the amount charged varied based on the commodities
imported. To find out how much you owe, utilise the
UK
Government Trade Tariff calculator.
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.
Tips for successful importing from
Qatar
Understand Qatar’s
trade regulations
Successfully
importing goods from Qatar to the UK begins with a thorough
understanding of Qatar's trade regulations.
It's
crucial to familiarise yourself with the documentation required for
imports, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and
certificates of origin. You should also check for any specific
regulations or standards that your products must meet to enter the UK
market.
Establish strong
relationships with Qatari suppliers
Building
strong relationships with suppliers in Qatar is essential for
successful importing. Effective communication with your suppliers can
lead to better terms, timely deliveries, and high-quality products.
FAQs
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%)
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.
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 pallet shipping costs, be sure to
choose from our list of pallet 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.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/663223822ea7c8bba6ebe117/qatar-trade-and-investment-factsheet-2024-05-03.pdf
https://www.gov.uk/world/qatar/news#:~:text=The%20UK%20and%20Qatar%20work,British%20companies%20succeed%20in%20Qatar.
https://www.customs.gov.qa/English/Tariff/Pages/Restricted-Goods.aspx
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/663223822ea7c8bba6ebe117/qatar-trade-and-investment-factsheet-2024-05-03.pdf
https://cirs.qatar.georgetown.edu/research/research-initiatives/gcc-crisis-qatar-and-its-neighbors/
