GAC Outlines Conditions For Duty Exemptions On Personal Belongings

Doha, Qatar: The General Authority of Customs (GAC) has shed light on the categories of exemptions from customs duties, with a focus on travelers, returning citizens, and people with special needs.

Acting Head of the Temporary Import and Duty Refund Section at GAC Asma Saif Al-Kharousi said the Authority remains committed to raising awareness among citizens and residents about customs procedures and exemptions.

“At Customs, our responsibility goes beyond processing entries. We aim to facilitate movement while at the same time safeguarding the security of society and the national economy. The challenge is to create a balance between simplifying procedures and protecting the country,” she explained.

Speaking to Qatar TV yesterday, Al-Kharousi emphasized that exemptions cover multiple sectors in Qatar, including the military, diplomatic missions, industrial establishments, and charitable organizations.“But today we want to highlight more the exemptions that directly serve individuals,” she noted.

Among these individual exemptions are those for persons with special needs, personal belongings carried by travelers, and personal postal parcels and shipments.

“When it comes to luggage and gifts accompanying travelers, the process is very smooth and flexible.

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The most important thing is that the quantities are reasonable, non-commercial, and clearly for personal use,” she said.

However, she added that there are clear limits:“A traveler should not be a crew member of an aircraft or ship, nor a professional trader bringing in goods related to their business. Exemptions are meant to make travel easier, not to be misused for commercial purposes.”

Turning to citizens returning permanently from abroad, Al-Kharousi explained the conditions that allow them to benefit from duty exemptions. These include used household furniture and personal belongings brought back when a citizen returns home after years abroad.“This applies, for example, to citizens sent on work assignments, students completing their studies, or patients receiving long-term treatment. When they return for good, they are exempted from duties on their personal effects,” she said.

The items must be genuinely used, personal in nature, and non-commercial.“One of the key rules is that the shipment must arrive in Qatar within six months of the individual's final return. In addition, the person must provide proof that they resided abroad for no less than three years,” Al-Kharousi explained.

She stressed that these rules are designed to ease the transition for citizens moving back to Qatar while maintaining the integrity of customs regulations.“It is important to us that procedures remain clear and consistent. We want to support our citizens and travelers, but also protect the economy and society as a whole,” she concluded.

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