Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 5/10/2004

**GAIN Report Number:** QA4002

QA4002

**Qatar**

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards**

**Country Report**

**2004**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)ATO: Michael T. Henney

U.S. Consulate General, Dubai, U.A.E.

**Prepared by:**

ATO: Hovaguim Kizirian

**Report Highlights:**

Updated on May 10, 2004. Sections Updated: All. Qatar implements food
labeling and food shelf life regulations as adopted by the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) states. The regulations do require
Arabic-language labels or stickers and defines the shelf life for many
food products. Import policies are viewed as liberal, with no quotas or
major non-tariff barriers to speak of. Import duties are now unified in
the GCC states at 5 percent on practically all processed food products.
Live animals, fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, grains, flours, tea,
sugar, spices and seeds for planting are exempt from any import duty.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

Dubai \[TC1\]

\[QA\]

Table of Contents

[QATAR: FOOD IMPORT REGULATIONS 3](#qatar-food-import-regulations)

[**I. FOOD LAWS 3**](#i.-food-laws)

[II. LABELING REQUIREMENTS 4](#ii.-labeling-requirements)

[III. PACKAGING AND CONTAINER REGULATIONS
6](#iii.-packaging-and-container-regulations)

[IV. FOOD ADDITIVE REGULATIONS 6](#iv.-food-additive-regulations)

[V. PESTICIDE AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS
6](#v.-pesticide-and-other-contaminants)

[VI. OTHER REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
6](#vi.-other-regulations-and-requirements)

[VII. OTHER STANDARDS 7](#vii.-other-standards)

[VIII. COPYRIGHT AND/OR TRADEMARK LAWS
7](#viii.-copyright-andor-trademark-laws)

[**IX. IMPORT PROCEDURES 7**](#ix.-import-procedures)

[X. APPENDIXES 8](#x.-appendixes)

[***APPENDIX I - PERMITTED FOOD ADDITIVES
8***](#appendix-i---permitted-food-additives)

[***APPENDIX II ‑REGULATORY AGENCIES/USEFUL CONTACTS
21***](#appendix-ii-regulatory-agenciesuseful-contacts)

# QATAR: FOOD IMPORT REGULATIONS 

Updated on: May 10, 2004

DISCLAIMER: This report was prepared by the Agricultural Trade Office of
the USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service in Dubai, UAE for U.S. exporters
of domestic food and agricultural products. While every possible care
was taken in the preparation of this report, information provided may
not be completely accurate either because policies have changed since
its preparation, or because clear and consistent information about these
policies was not available. It is highly recommended that U.S. exporters
verify the full set of import requirements with their foreign customers,
who are normally best equipped to research such matters with local
authorities, before any goods are shipped. FINAL IMPORT APPROVAL OF ANY
PRODUCT IS SUBJECT TO THE IMPORTING COUNTRY'S RULES AND REGULATIONS AS
INTERPRETED BY BORDER OFFICIALS AT THE TIME OF PRODUCT ENTRY.

### I. FOOD LAWS

# 

Qatar is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which also
includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab
Emirates.

GCC member states continue to work towards harmonizing their food import
standards with international standards, such as CODEX and OIE.

In 1993 the GCC ratified Gulf Standard (GS) 150/1993, Part I that
established shelf‑life standards for seventy-five food products. This
was the first major effort towards harmonizing food regulations
GCC-wide.

In 1993, Qatar adopted GS 150/1993, Part I, without any modification, as
Qatar Standard (QS) 150/1993, Part I. Qatar implemented this standard
effective June 1, 1994. GS 150/1993, Part II, expanded the list
authorized under Part I by 95 additional food products. The GCC has
never ratified Part II but Qatar enforces identified shelf‑life
requirements on those additional 95 food products.

In January 2003, Qatar implemented the \"GCC Unified Customs Law and
Single Customs Tariff\" (UCL). The UCL established a unified customs
tariff of five percent on practically all processed food products. Under
the UCL, live animals, fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, grains,
flours, tea, sugar, spices and seeds for planting are exempt from any
import duty.

The UCL also established a single entry point policy. In other words, a
product entering any GCC member market would pay the appropriate duty at
point of entry into the GCC, then be permitted duty free transit among
GCC member countries. To date, however, not every GCC country has
implemented the single entry point policy for a variety of reasons,
including disparity of food control procedures, quality of health
laboratories and procedures for dividing tariff proceeds among member
countries.

For the most part Qatar officials work with companies to ensure that
food and agricultural imports are not unduly disrupted or delayed at
port of entry. For example, officials normally announce new import
regulations well in advance (often up to six months or more) of the date
of enforcement. However, this past year public health officials imposed
immediate total bans on products based on international press reports
without verifying the authenticity of those reports with the exporting
country nor applying international standards which they purport to
support.

Food labels can be approved through a pre-approval process prior to
import. Pre‑import approval of labels is strongly encouraged,
particularly for new‑to‑market products.

The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), in coordination with the General
Organization for Standards and Metrology and the Ministry of Economy &
Commerce, (MOEC), is responsible for establishing food safety
regulations. The Food Control Committee (FCC), an interagency committee
headed by the Assistant Undersecretary, Technical Affairs, MOPH, and
composed of representatives from MOPH, Doha Municipality and the
Agricultural Development Department, decides on all food safety and
control issues, including imposing any bans.

For example, Qatar banned beef imports from all EU countries several
years ago due to widespread problems across Europe with BSE. On December
25, 2003, Qatar imposed a "temporary ban" on U.S. origin beef and beef
products following detection of BSE in a dairy cow in Washington State.
Later, on February 12, 2004, Qatar imposed a "temporary ban" on U.S.
poultry, poultry products and eggs following detection of Avian
Influenza in a poultry flock in the State of Texas. (Note: On March 14,
Qatar lifted the ban on frozen cooked poultry products.) As of this
report date both the above general bans remain in effect.

The Department of Commercial Affairs, MOEC, is responsible for trademark
and agency laws. The Customs and Ports Authority enforces agency laws at
time of product import.

The Food Control Division, Preventive Health Department (PHD), MOPH, is
responsible for enforcement of food safety regulations. Health
inspectors visually inspect all imported food products, verify
compliance with label regulations and, if necessary, draw samples for
analysis by the MOPH Central Laboratories.

Not all shipments are subject to laboratory analysis. In general,
new‑to‑market products and products which failed previous inspections
are targeted for thorough examination on import. Poultry and meat
products are routinely inspected for Salmonella and other bacteria.

According to MOPH officials, laboratory analysis normally takes less
than one week. Trade sources report, however, that testing may take up
to ten days if several tests are required.

The Agricultural Development Department, Ministry of Municipal Affairs
and Agriculture is responsible for inspection of live animals and
plants, animal feed and horticultural products at the port of entry.

To facilitate entry, suppliers are strongly encouraged to work closely
with their local importer and to obtain pre‑import approval for labels,
particularly for new‑to‑market products.

## 

# II. LABELING REQUIREMENTS

As noted previously QS 150/1993, Part I and Part II contain Qatar's
shelf‑life regulations. According to local health officials,
non‑compliance with GS 150/1993, Part II, will not result in rejection
of a shipment ‑ the first time. Rather, the importer will be issued a
warning to comply in the future and subsequent shipments may then be
rejected for non‑compliance.

QS 9/1996, which is identical to GS 9/1995, contains Qatar's labeling
regulations. Under QS 9/1996, food labels must contain the following
information on the original label or primary packaging:

> ‑ Product and brand names;
>
> ‑ Ingredients, in descending order of proportion;
>
> ‑ Additives;
>
> ‑ Net contents in metric units (volume in case of liquids);

‑ Dates of production and expiry;

‑ Manufacturer\'s name and address;

‑ Country of origin;

‑ Special storage, transportation and preparation instructions, if any.

Original labels must be printed in Arabic. However, bilingual labels are
permitted, provided Arabic is one of the languages (e.g. Arabic/English)
and all the required information printed in the foreign language is also
printed in Arabic.

Arabic language stickers are permitted in lieu of original Arabic or
bilingual labels, provided the sticker:

1)  Is extremely difficult to remove;

2)  Includes all required label information;

3)  Does not cover required information on the original label; and

4)  Does not contradict information on the original label. In fact,
    local officials consider such stickers to be labels.

Labels/ stickers must be applied prior to export. No change to label
information is permitted after export. Labeling of RDI is not required.

Labeling of nutritional value is voluntary. The U.S. nutritional panel
is acceptable.

Exception Note: Labels for specialty foods, such as diet and health
foods, foods for diabetics and infants, must contain detailed
information about the product\'s vitamin and mineral content, nutritive
value per 100 grams, proper use and storage. The MOPH must approve and
register these foods prior to import.

Labeling regulations also apply to products shipped in
institutional‑size containers. Labeling requirements are waived for food
products that are imported in bulk form for further processing.

Production and expiry (P/E) dates must be engraved, embossed, printed or
stamped directly onto the original label or primary packaging at the
time of production, using indelible ink. Neither stickers nor U.S. bar
codes are permitted substitutes. Multiple P/E dates on the label are not
acceptable. Finally, P/E dates must be printed in Arabic (and English if
a bilingual label) in the following order, depending upon the shelf‑life
of the product:

‑Day/month/year for products with a shelf‑life of 6 months, or less;

‑Month/year for products with a shelf‑life longer than 6 months.

Under the month/year format, the last day of the month will be
considered the expiry date. The month may be printed in numbers or
letters. For example, 4/2004 and April 2004 are both acceptable formats.
P/E dates in English digits alone are acceptable, but it is preferable
to have the dates in both languages.

The expiration date may be printed in one of the following formats:

‑ Expiration date: (date)

‑ Use by: (date)

‑ Use before: (date)

‑ Sell by: (date)

‑ Fit for: (duration) from the date of production.

P/E dates are not required for certain products, such as fresh fruits
and vegetables, and fresh bakery items.

Production dates alone are sufficient for products deemed to have
extremely long shelf‑life durations, such as salt, white sugar, spices
and condiments, tea, rice and dried pulses.

## 

# III. PACKAGING AND CONTAINER REGULATIONS

Food products are not subject to any special packaging or container size
requirements. Nor are they subject to any special municipal waste
disposal law or limitation on packaging material use.

# IV. FOOD ADDITIVE REGULATIONS

Most local regulations governing the use of food additives are based on
Codex Alimentarius standards. Food coloring additives are regulated
under QS 23/1984. This standard requires the common name and index
number of all coloring additives contained in a product be noted on the
product label. European \"E\" numbers are acceptable.

Qatar enforces a number of other standards governing the use of
additives in a variety of food products. For example, QS 19/1984
regulates additives used in vegetable oils and fats while QS 356, 357,
381, 577, 578 and 1018 regulate other food additives. These regulations
mimic Codex Alimentarius standards for food additives.

The General Organization for Standards and Metrology at MOEC (see
Appendix II attached) can be contacted for copies of food additive or
other standards. The standards are mostly in Arabic. Some standards are
available in English, but not all.

# V. PESTICIDE AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS

Local regulations governing pesticide and other contaminate residue
levels are based on Codex Alimentarius standards. Specifically, QS
382/1996 and QS 383/1996 regulate pesticide and other contaminant
residues in food products. The pesticide residues list, as is the food
additives list, is a positive list, i.e., approved pesticides with
tolerance levels are identified.

Pesticides must be registered with the Agricultural Development
Department, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture (see Appendix
II, attached).

# VI. OTHER REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

All new-to-market processed food products are subject to laboratory
analysis. Subsequent shipments of a product that has passed the initial
testing will be subject to further laboratory analysis again after six
months. A product failing a previous inspection will be thorough
examined on subsequent shipments for an undisclosed length of time.

All meat and poultry products must be accompanied by an Islamic (Halal)
slaughter certificate issued by an approved Islamic center in the
country of origin. Import of pork and products containing pork is
strictly prohibited. Food products must identify the origin of any
animal fat (e.g., beef tallow).

Poultry and meat products are routinely tested for Salmonella. If
Salmonella is detected in more than 20 percent of the tested samples,
the shipment will be rejected. Import of alcoholic beverages and
products containing alcohol is restricted to one organization. The
government strictly controls sale of alcoholic beverages. Advertising of
such beverages is prohibited.

Food products do not require registration or an import permit. However,
specialty foods, such as diet and health foods, foods for diabetics and
infants, require a special import/sales permit issued by a joint
committee of representatives from the Food Control Division, PHD, MOPH
and the Pharmacies and Medicines Control Department, MOPH. The importer
is responsible for obtaining this permit.

Import of irradiated food products is permitted, but the product\'s
label must clearly indicate that the product has undergone such
treatment.

Qatar's municipality inspectors randomly check food products in the
market place. In addition to visual inspection of labels, samples are
collected and analyzed to ensure product ingredients match those listed
on the label. Local inspections are unscheduled. If a discrepancy is
found, the product is removed from the market and destroyed at the
importer\'s expense after notification.

# 

# VII. OTHER STANDARDS

Imported food samples are not subject to special requirements. Samples
destined for food shows and other types of promotional events are exempt
from regulations covering labeling and shelf‑life. Accompanying the
samples must be a health certificate, and an invoice noting that the
product is not for sale and is of no commercial value.

# VIII. COPYRIGHT AND/OR TRADEMARK LAWS

Commercial Agency Law No. 8/2002 regulates Agency matters. Only a Qatari
citizen or Qatari company may register a commercial agency. An agency
contract may be open-ended or time‑limited. A brand can be registered to
only one agent. A company producing several distinct brands may register
each brand with a different agent.

Agency agreements are strictly enforced. Custom officials will
automatically seize any brand imported by a company that registered as
the official agent. With the registered agent written consent, the
consignment will be released. Often an agent will demand a fee, usually
a percentage of the consignment\'s value, for such permission.

Law of Trademarks and Commercial Indications No. 9/2002 regulates
Trademark matters. The Commercial Affairs Department, MOEC, is charged
with enforcing trademark, as well as, agency regulations. A trademark
can be registered directly with Commercial Affairs by a foreign company
or through a local firm that specializes in such registrations. The
latter is recommended.

Intellectual Property and Copyright Law No. 7/2002 regulates
Intellectual Property matters. The Ministry of Economy and Commerce
(MOEC) is charged with enforcing this law and other intellectual
property matters.

## 

### IX. IMPORT PROCEDURES

Most food products are imported via truck from the United Arab Emirates
and enter the country at Abu Samra, which borders Saudi Arabia.
Increasing quantities of products are imported through the seaport in
the capital city, Doha, mostly by reefers from neighboring United Arab
Emirates and from other ports. Small quantities of products, mainly
fresh fruits and vegetables and chilled meat products, are imported via
Doha International Airport. Fresh products are usually cleared within 24
hours of arrival and most other food products within two to three days.
Laboratory analysis however, may delay clearance of some products for up
to ten days, according to trade contacts.

The following documents are required for imported foods:

‑ Commercial invoice

‑ Packing list

‑ Bill of Lading

‑ Health certificate from the country of origin

‑ Halal slaughter certificate (for poultry and meat products)

‑ Certificate of origin

‑ Radiation free certificate (for European products only)

The commercial invoice, health certificate and the certificate of origin
must be notarized by a Qatari embassy or consulate in the country of
origin or, in absence of a Qatari diplomatic mission, by an embassy or
consulate of another GCC country. Trade sources report that import
documents also may be notarized in Doha at the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs provided the documents have been properly notarized by an Arab
Chamber of Commerce in the country of origin.

A consignment rejected for health/quality reasons must be re‑exported
(but not to another GCC country) or destroyed, normally within two weeks
of arrival. This grace period can be extended if extenuating
circumstances exist.

Products denied entry due to labeling infractions may later be cleared
upon appeal to the Food Control Section of PHD/MOPH, provided the
infraction was minor. Labeling infractions deemed serious will result in
rejection of a shipment with little chance of a successful appeal.
Serious labeling infractions include label tampering, missing or
incorrectly printed production/expiry dates and dates printed on
stickers rather than the original label/packaging.

In January 2003 Qatar implemented the Unified GCC Customs Law, which
imposes an import duty of five percent ad valorem, CIF basis on most
food products. However, the import duty for alcoholic beverages,
cigarettes and tobacco products remains 100 percent. GCC‑origin products
are exempt from all import duties.

# X. APPENDIXES

## APPENDIX I - PERMITTED FOOD ADDITIVES

**Important Note:** Provided below are lists of permitted additives.
These lists are provided for indicative purposes only. Regulations are
constantly reviewed and revised; therefore it is highly recommended that
U.S. exporter verify with his import agent the latest version of
permitted food additives before shipping the product.

  ------------- ---------------------------- ---------- ---------------------
  ***A. FOOD                                            
  COLORS***                                             

  ***European   ***Common name***            ***U.S.    ***Particular Use
  Index No.***                               Color      for***
                                             Index      
                                             No.***     

  E100          Curcumin                     75300      

  E101          Riboflavin                   \-         

  E101(a)       Riboflavin-5-phosphate       \-         

  E102          Tartrazine                   19140      

  E110          Sunset yellow FCF            15985      

  E120          Cochineal                    75470      

  E122          Carmoisine                   14720      

  E127          Erythrosine                  45430      

  E128          Red 2 G                      18050      

  E129          Allura red                   16035      Cherries and products

  E132          Indigo carmine               73015      

  E133          Brilliant blue FCF           42090      

  E140          Chlorophyll                  75810      

  E141          Copper complexes of          75815      
                chlorophyll and chlorphylins            

  E143          Fast green                   \-         

  E150          Caramel                      \-         

  E151          Brilliant black PN           28440      

  E153          Carbon black (vegetable      *-*        
                carbon)                                 

  154           Brown FK                     *-*        

  155           Brown HT (chocolate brown    20285      
                HT)                                     

  E160 (a)      Carotenes                    \-         

  \(i\)         Mixed carotenes              75130      

  \(ii\)        Beta-carotene                40800      

  E160 (b)      Annato, bixin, norbixin      75120      

  E160 (c)      Capsanthin, capsorubin       \-         

  E160 (d)      Lycopene                     \-         

  E160 (d)      Beta-apo-8 carotenal         40820      

  E160 (f)      Ethylester of beta-apo-8     40825      
                carotenoic acid                         

  E161 (a)      Flavoxanthin                 \-         

  E161 (b)      Lutein                       \-         

  E161 (c)      Cryptoxanthin                \-         

  E161 (d)      Rubixanthin                  \-         

  E161 (e)      Violaxanthin                 \-         

  E161 (f)      Thodoxanthin                 \-         

  E161 (g)      Canthaxanthin                40850      Cooked sausages and
                                                        ice creams

  E162          Beetroot red (betanin)       \-         

  E163          Anthocyanins                 \-         

  E171          Titanium dioxide             77891      

  E172          Iron oxides, iron hydroxides 77491      

  \"                                         77492      

  \"                                         77499      

  E173          Aluminum                     77000      External cover for
                                                        candies and
                                                        confectionary

  E174          Silver                       77820      *\" \"*

  E175          Gold                         77480      *\" \"*

  E180          Pigment rubin (litholrubine  \-         Cheese covering
                BK)                                     

  \-            Saffron                      75100      
  ------------- ---------------------------- ---------- ---------------------

  ------------- ---------------------------- ---------- ---------------------
  ***B.                                                 
  RECENTLY                                              
  PROHIBITED                                            
  FOOD                                                  
  COLORS***                                             

  ***European   ***Common Name***            ***U.S.    ***Particular Use
  Index No.***                               Color      for***
                                             Index      
                                             No.***     

  E104          Quinoline yellow             47005      

  E107          Yellow 2 G                   \-         

  E123          Amaranth (FD&C Red 2)        16186      

  E124          Ponceau 4R                   16255      

  E125          Ponceau SX                   \-         

  E131          Patent blue V                42051      Sausages

  E142          Green S                      44090      
  ------------- ---------------------------- ---------- ---------------------

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  ***C. EMULSIFIERS   
  AND STABILIZERS***  

  ***European Index   ***Common Name***
  No.***              

  E322                Lecithins

  E400                Aliginic acid

  E401                Sodium alginate

  E402                Potassium alginate

  E403                Ammonium alginate

  E404                Calcium alginate

  E405                Propane-1,2-diol alginate (propylene glycol
                      alginate)

  E406                Agar

  E407                Carrageenan

  E410                Locust bean gum (carob gum)

  E412                Guar gum

  E413                Tragacanth

  E414                Gum Arabic (acacia)

  E415                Xanthan gum

  416                 Karaya gum

  432                 Polyxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate
                      (polysorbate 20)

  433                 Polyxyethylene (20) sorbitan mono-oleate
                      (polysorbate 80)

  434                 Polyxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate
                      (polysorbate 40)

  435                 Polyxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate
                      (polysorbate 60)

  436                 Polyxyethylene (20) sorbitan tristearate
                      (polysorbate 65)

  E440 (a)            Pectin

  E440 (b)            Amidated pectin (pectin extract)

  E442                Ammonium phosphatides

  E460                Microcrystalline cellulose (Alpha-cellulose)
                      (powdered cellulose)

  E461                Methyl cellulose

  E463                Hydroxyproply cellulose

  E464                Hydroxyproply methyl cellulose

  E465                Ethyl methyl cellulose

  E466                Carboxy methyl cellulose sodium salt (CMC)

  E470                Sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids

  E471                Mono- and Di-glicerydes of fatty acids

  E472 (a)            Acetic acid esters of mono and di-glycerides of
                      fatty acids

  E472 (b)            Lactic acids esters of mono and di-glycerides of
                      fatty acids

  E472 (c)            Citric acids esters of mono and di-glycerides of
                      fatty acids

  E472 (e)            Mono- and Di-acetyl tartaric acid esters of mono
                      and di-glycerides of fatty acids

  E473                Sucrose esters of fatty acids

  E474                Sucro glycerides

  E475                Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids

  E476                Polyglycerol esters of polycondensed fatty acids of
                      castor oil (polyglycerol polyricinoleate)

  E477                Propane-1, 2-diol esters of fatty acids

  E481                Sodium lactylate

  E482                Calcium lactylate

  E483                Stearyl tartrate

  491                 Sorbitan monostearate

  492                 Sorbitan tristearate

  493                 Sorbitan monolaurate

  494                 Sorbitan mono-oleate

  495                 Sorbitan monopalmitate
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  ***D.               
  PRESERVATIVES***    

  ***European Index   ***Common Name***
  No.***              

  E200                Sorbic acid

  E201                Sodium sorbate

  E202                Potassium sorbate

  E203                Calcium sorbate

  E210                Benzoic acid

  E211                Sodium benzoate

  E212                Potassium benzoate

  E213                Calcium benzoate

  E214                Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (ethyl
                      para-hydroxybenzoate)

  E215                Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, sodium salt (sodium ethyl
                      para-hydroxybenzoate)

  E216                Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (propyl
                      para-hydroxybenzoate)

  E217                Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, sodium salt (sodium
                      propyl para-hydroxybenzoate)

  E218                Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (methyl
                      para-hydroxybenzoate)

  E219                Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, sodium salt (sodium
                      methyl para-hydroxybenzoate)

  E220                Sulphur dioxide

  E221                Sodium sulphite

  E222                Sodium hydrogen sulphite (sodium bisulphite)

  E223                Sodium metabisulphite

  E224                Potassium metabisulphite

  E226                Calcium sulphite

  E227                Calcium hydrogen sulphite (calcium bisulphite)

  E228                Sodium hydrogen sulphite (sodium bisulphite)

  E230                Bipheny (diphenyl)

  E231                2-hydroxybiphenyl (orthophenylphenol)

  E232                Sodium biphenyl-2-yloxide (sodium
                      orthopenylphenate)

  E233                2-(thiazol-4-yl) benzimidazole (thiabendazole)

  E234                Nisin

  E235                Netmycine

  E239                Hexamine (hexamethylenetetyramine)

  E242                Dimethyl di-carbonate

  E249                Potassium nitrite

  E250                Sodium nitrite

  E251                Sodium nitrate

  E252                Potassium nitrate

  E280                Propionic acid

  E281                Sodium propionate

  E282                Calcium propionate

  E283                Potassium propionate

  E285                Boric acid

  E285                Sodium tetra borate

  E1105               Lysozyme
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  ***E. SWEETENERS*** 

  ***European Index   ***Common Name***
  No.***              

  E420                Sorbitol, sorbitol syrup

  E421                Mannitol

  950                 Acesulfame potassium

  951                 Aspartame

  953                 Isomanitol

  954                 Saccharin

  954                 Sodium saccharin

  957                 Thaumatin

  965                 Maltitol

  966                 Lactotil

  967                 Xylitol
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  ***F. RECENTLY      
  PROHIBITED          
  SWEETENERS***       

  ***European Index   ***Common Name***
  No.***              

  952                 Cyclamic acid (and Na, K, Ca salts)
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  ***G. ACIDITY       
  REGULATORS***       

  ***European Index   ***Common Name***
  No.***              

  E260                Acetic acid

  E261                Potassium acetate

  262                 Sodium acetate

  E263                Calcium acetate

  296                 Malic acid

  297                 Fumaric acid

  E326                Potassium lactate

  E327                Calcium lactate

  E330                Citric acid

  E331 (a)            Sodium dihydrogen citrate

  E331 (b)            Disodium citrate

  E331 (c)            Trisodium citrate
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  ***H. ACIDS***      

  ***European Index   ***Common Name***
  No.***              

  E270                Lactic acid

  296                 Malic acid

  E334                Tartaric acid

  E336                Monopotassium tartrate

  E338                Orthophosphoric acid

  363                 Succinic acid

  670                 1,+Heptonolactone

  507                 Hydrochloric acid

  13                  Sulphuric acid
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  ***I. ANTI-CAKING   
  AGENTS***           

  ***European Index   ***Common Name***
  No.***              

  E170                Calcium carbonate

  E450 (a)            Tetrasodium pyrophosphate

  E460 (i)            Microcrystalline cellulose

  E460 (ii)           Powdered cellulose

  530                 Magnesium oxide

  535                 Sodium ferrocyanide

  536                 Potassium ferrocyanide

  542                 Edible bone phosphate

  551                 Silicon dioxide

  552                 Calcium silicate

  553 (a)             Magnesium silicate

  553 (b)             Talc

  554                 Aluminum sodium silicate

  556                 Aluminum calcium silicate

  558                 Betonies

  559                 Kaolin

  570                 Satiric acid

  572                 Magnesium separate
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  ***J. ANTI-FOAMING  
  AGENTS***           

  ***European Index   ***Common Name***
  No.***              

  900                 Dimethylpolysiloxane

                      Oxystearin
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  ***K. FIRMING       
  AGENTS***           

  ***European Index   ***Common Name***
  No.***              

  E227                Calcium hydrogen sulphite

  E333                Calcium citrate

  E341 (a)            Monocalcium phosphate, monobasic

  516                 Calcium sulfate

  526                 Calcium hydroxide

  578                 Calcium gluconate

  \-                  Aluminum potassium sulfate
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  ***L. FLAVOR        
  ENHANCERS***        

  ***European Index   ***Common Name***
  No.***              

  620                 L-Glutamic acid

  621                 Monosodium glutamate

  622                 Monopotassium glutamate

  623                 Calcium glutamate

  627                 Sodium guanylate

  631                 Sodium 5\'-inosinate

  635                 Sodium 5\'-ribonucleotide

  636                 Maltol

  637                 Ethyl maltol
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  ***M. FLOUR         
  TREATMENT AGENTS*** 

  ***European Index   ***Common Name***
  No.***              

  925                 Chlorine

  926                 Chlorine dioxide
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  ***N. FOAM          
  STABILIZERS***      

  ***European Index   ***Common Name***
  No.***              

  900                 Dimethylpolysiloxane

                      Oxystearin
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  ***O. GELLING       
  AGENTS***           

  ***European Index   ***Common Name***
  No.***              

  E400                Alginic acid

  E401                Sodium alginate

  E402                Potassium alginate

  E404                Calcium alginate

  E406                Agar

  E407                Carrageenan

  E410                Locust bean gum

  E440 (a)            Pectin

  E440 (b)            Amidated pectin

  E450 (a)            Tetrasodium diphosphate

  E466                Carboxymethylcellulose, sodium salt
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  ***P. GLAZING       
  AGENTS***           

  ***European Index   ***Common Name***
  No.***              

  901                 Beeswax, white or yellow

  903                 Carnauba wax

  904                 Shellac
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  ***Q. HUMECTANTS*** 

  ***European Index   ***Common Name***
  No.***              

  350                 Sodium hydrogen malate

  E420 (i)            Sorbitol

  E420 (ii)           Sorbitol syrup

  E421                Mannitol

  E422                Glycerol

                      Polydextrose A and N

                      Sodium lactate (solution)
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  ***R. RAISING       
  AGENTS***           

  ***European Index   ***Common Name***
  No.***              

  E341 (a)            Monocalcium phosphate monobasic

  500                 Sodium hydrogen carbonate

  503                 Ammonium carbonate

  503                 Ammonium hydrogen carbonate

  541                 Sodium aluminum phosphate, acidic

  575                 Glucon delat-lactone
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  ***S. THICKENERS*** 

  ***European Index   ***Common Name***
  No.***              

  E400                Alginic acid

  E401                Sodium alginate

  E402                Potassium alginate

  E403                Ammonium alginate

  E404                Calcium

  E405                Propane 1,2-diol alginate

  E406                Agar

  E407                Carageenan

  E410                Locust bean gum

  E412                Guar gum

  E413                Tragacanth

  E414                Gum Arabic

  E415                Xanthan gum

  E416                Karaya gum

  E440 (a)            Pectin

  E440 (b)            Amidated pectin

  E461                Methylcellulose

  E463                Hydroxypropylcellulose

  E464                Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose

  E465                Ethylmethylcellulose

  E466                Carboxymethylcellulose, sodium salt
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  ***T. YEAST         
  NUTRIENTS***        

  ***European Index   ***Common Name***
  No.***              

  E327                Calcium lactate

  E332                Potassium dihydrogen citrate

  E340 (b)            Dipotassium hydrogen orthophosphate

  E341 (b)            Calcium hydrogen orthophosphate

  508                 Potassium chloride

  510                 Ammonium chloride

  516                 Calcium sulphate

  540                 Dicalcium pyrophosphate

  576                 Sodium gluconate

  577                 Potassium gluconate

                      Ammonium phosphate, dibasic

                      Calcium oxide

                      Magnesium gluconate
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  ***U. OTHERS***     

  ***European Index   ***Common Name***
  No.***              

  290                 Carbon dioxide

  E325                Sodium lactate

  E335                Monosodium L-(+) tartrate

                      Disodium L-(+) tartrate

  E337                Potassium sodium L-(+) tartrate

  E339                Sodium dihydrogen orthophosphate

  E350                Sodium malate

  E351                Potassium malate

  E352                Calcium malate

  E353                Metatartaric acid

  E355                Adipic acid

  E363                Succinic acid

  E370                1,4-Heptonolactone

  E375                Nicotinic acid

  E380                Triammonium citrate

  E381                Ammonium ferric citrate

  501                 Potassium carbonate

  504                 Magnesium carbonate

  507                 Hydrochloric acid

  509                 Calcium chloride

  513                 Sulphuric acid

  515                 Potassium sulphate

  518                 Magnesium sulfate

  524                 Sodium hydroxide

  525                 Potassium hydroxide

  526                 Calcium hydroxide

  527                 Ammonium hydroxide

  528                 Magnesium hydroxide

  529                 Calcium oxide

  544                 Calcium polyphosphate

  545                 Ammonium polyphosphate

  575                 D-glucono-1,5-lactone

  907                 Refined microcrystalline wax

  920                 L-cysteine hydrochloride

  927                 Azodi carbonamide
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

**Source:** State of Qatar, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and
Agriculture, Doha Municipality, Health Affairs Division, Food Control
Section.

## APPENDIX II ‑REGULATORY AGENCIES/USEFUL CONTACTS

### Listed alphabetically

Contact name/address Field of specialty

Dr. Abdulla O. Al-Hamaq In-country food

Assistant Director, Health Affairs inspection, food

Doha Municipality regulations

Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Agriculture

P.O. Box 17178

Doha, Qatar

Tel: (974) 468-4757 Fax: (974) 468-4980

Dr. Ahmed M. Al-Ibrahim Food import regulations

Director, Preventive Medicine (Policy)

Ministry of Public Health

P.O. Box 42

Doha, Qatar

Tel: (974) 447-3519 Fax:(974) 442-1063

Dr. Jassim H. Al-Jedah Inspection and analysis

Director, Central Laboratories of imported food products

Ministry of Public Health

P.O. Box 21266

Doha, Qatar

Tel: (974) 441-7676 Fax:(974) 435-3769

Mr. Ali Al-Kobaisi Live plants and pesticide

Director, Agricultural Development Dept. import regulations

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture

P.O. Box 1966

Doha, Qatar

Tel: (974) 449-2666 Fax: (974) 432-2002

Dr. Majid R. Al‑Kuwari Live animal, animal

Asst. Director, Animal Health Affairs genetics and pet

Agricultural Development Department import regulations

Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Agriculture

P.O. Box 1966

Doha, Qatar

Tel: (974) 465-3083/4 Fax:(974) 466-3163

Dr. Mohamed Saif Al-Kuwary All standards,

# Director General including food

General Organization for Standards and Metrology

Ministry of Economy & Commerce

P.O. Box 23277

Doha, Qatar

Tel: (974) 440‑8651 Fax: (974) 447‑9052

Mr. Mohammed bin Khalid Al-Mana Commercial regulations

Chairman and trade data

Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry

P.O. Box 402

Doha, Qatar

Tel: (974) 462-1131 Fax: (974) 462-2538

## Mr. Mohammed Al-Saadi Commercial agency 

Director, Commercial Affairs Department regulations

Ministry of Economy & Commerce

P.O. Box 22966

Doha, Qatar

Tel: (974) 443-2103 Fax: (974) 443-1412

H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani Tariffs and customs

Director General regulations

Customs and Ports Authority

P.O. Box 81

Doha, Qatar

Tel: (974) 441-4333 Fax: (974) 441-4959

For more information/questions about this report or food and
agricultural import regulations of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and the United
Arab Emirates (UAE), please contact:

Agricultural Trade Office

American Consulate General

P.O. Box 9343

Dubai, U.A.E.

Tel: (971-4) 311-6183 Fax: (971-4) 311-6189

E-mail: atodubai@emirates.net.ae

Home Page: <http://www.usembabu.gov.ae/atodubai.htm>