WT/TPR/S/144 Trade Policy Review 
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III. TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE 
(1) INTRODUCTION  
1. As a result of its participation in the Gulf  Cooperation Council (GCC) customs union, Qatar 
has been applying the GCC common external tariff (C ET) since 1 January 2003.   The adoption of the 
CET by Qatar increased its simple average MFN duty rate from 4.2% in 2002 to 5.2% in 2004 
(Table III.1);  ad valorem  rates account for 99% of total tariff lin es, the tariff also comprises alternate 
duties.  MFN applied tariffs average 7.1% on ag ricultural products (WTO definition), and 4.8% on 
non-agricultural products. Using ISIC (Revision 2) definition, manufacturing, and mining and 
quarrying are granted almost the same level of av erage tariff protection (5.3% and 5%, respectively); 
the average tariff for agriculture is 3.3%.  All of  Qatar's tariff lines are bound, generally at ceiling 
rates, leaving margins for applied tariff increases.  Moreover, the imposition of non- ad valorem  tariffs 
(1% of total tariff lines) may not ensure compliance by Qatar with its binding commitments made at 
ad valorem  rates. 
Table III.1 
Structure of MFN tariffs in Qatar, 2004 
(Per cent) 
 2004 U.R. 
1.   Bound tariff lines (% of all tariff lines) 100.0 100.0 
2.   Duty-free tariff lines (% of all tariff lines) 5.8 0.9 
3.   Non- ad valorem  tariffs (% of all tariff lines)a 1.0 0.0 
4.   Tariff quotas (% of all tariff lines) 0.0 0.0 
5.   Non- ad valorem  tariffs with no AVEs (% of all tariff lines) 1.0 0.0 
6.   Simple average tariff rate 5.2 16.0 
 Agricultural products (WTO def.)b 7.1 25.7 
 Non-agricultural products (WTO def.)c 4.8 14.5 
 Agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing (ISIC 1) 3.3 17.1 
 Mining and quarrying (ISIC 2) 5.0 21.9 
 Manufacturing (ISIC 3) 5.3 15.8 
7.   Domestic tariff "spikes" (% of all tariff lines)d 0.5 0.8 
8.   International tariff "spikes" (% of all tariff lines)e 0.5 18.7 
9.   Overall standard devia tion of applied rates 7.0 16.3 
10.   "Nuisance" applied rates (% of all tariff lines)f 0.0 0.0 
a 2004 data include prohibited lines as well as "special goods" duty. 
b WTO Agreement on Agriculture. 
c Excluding petroleum. d Domestic tariff spikes are defined as those exceeding three ti mes the overall simple average applied rate (indicator 6.). 
e International tariff peaks are defined as those exceeding 15%. 
f Nuisance rates are those greater than zero, but less than or equal to 2%. 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations , based on data provided by  the Qatari authorities. 
2. Qatar is yet to implement the WTO Agreemen t on Customs Valuation.  The documentation 
for all imported products must be authenticated by the Qatari Embassy in the country of origin. 
Parallel imports of certain products are subject to  a 5% commission (on the f.o.b. import value) on 
behalf of local agents with distributor rights. Qa tar's public procurement regime provides for 10% and 
5% price preferences for local and GCC products, respectively. 
3. In line with its commitments under the WTO, Qatar enacted, in 2002, new laws on patents, 
copyrights and neighbouring rights, trade marks, geographical indications, and industrial designs;  
while laws on topography of integr ated circuits and undisclosed info rmation are being prepared, Qatar 
faces some difficulties in enforcing its legislation.   Qatar has no competition legislation, nor laws 
and/or regulations relevant to the WTO Agreem ents on Anti-Dumping, Subsidies and Countervailing 
Measures, and Safeguards. Qatar WT/TPR/S/144 
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4. The Government of Qatar has a direct and strong influence on the economy, mainly through 
public enterprises.  Some of these are sheltered from competition and some represent a drain on public revenue.  Recognizing the need to increase effici ency, reduce the pressure on public resources, and 
increase participation by the private sector in th e economy, a privatization programme is in progress 
in some economic activities, such as gas transport, steel, and fertilizer industries, as well as in certain 
services subsectors. 
(2) M
EASURES DIRECTLY AFFECTING IMPORTS  
(i) Registration  
5. In order to trade, all companies must be registered with the Ministry of Economy and 
Commerce (MEC) and obtain a commercial regist ration for a fee of QR 35, according to the 
Commercial Registration Law No. 11 of 1962, ame nded in 1987.  Under Customs Law No. 40 of 
2002, all professional importers and exporters are requi red to be listed in the Register of the MEC, 
and become members of the Qatar Chamber of Comme rce and Industry. Application forms in Arabic, 
and other documents (e.g. passport copy, identity car ds for partners with attested agreement to 
establish a firm, photocopy of lease agreement, and delegation of aut hority) must be submitted to both 
the Director of Commerce and the C ontroller of Companies of the MEC. 
6. Once the formalities with the MEC are complete, applicants must request the Ministry of 
Municipal Affairs and Agriculture (MMAA) for an inspection of the premises, since business 
activities may not be undertaken in certain prohib ited areas.  Processing of applications by the 
MMAA costs QR 1,200 and the authorization is valid fo r two years.  According to the authorities, this 
procedure applied until 20 October 2004.  As fro m 21 October 2004, a one-stop shop allows one-day 
registration. In addition, applicants are then requi red to register with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce 
and Industry, and pay QR 500 per year for membership. 
(ii) Customs procedures and valuation 
7. Most imports into Qatar, except those of low pecuniary value (up to QR 5,000) and those 
intended for own use, require licences.  In additio n to import licences, to clear goods from customs 
zones at ports or land boundaries, importers must submit, inter alia,  a certified pro forma  invoice, a 
bill of lading (airway bill for air cargo and sea bill fo r sea cargo), a certificate of origin (if required).1  
Commercial invoices must be certified by the Commercial Department of the Qatari Embassy in the 
country of origin.2  Certification fees are charged on the basis of the invoice value and range from 
QR 100 on an invoice of QR 5,000 up to 4% of the value of an invoice in excess of QR 1 million.3  If 
imported good has not been certified, customs duties are paid plus 5% of the value of the good for 
guarantee. If certification is not made within 90 days, the deposit goes to Qatar's Treasury. 
8. The use of clearing agents is compulsory for commercial imports. Clearing agents can arrange 
shipment and insurance at the port of entry, cl ear goods through customs, forward them to their 
destination, and often collect payments from impor ters. Qatar has notified the WTO that it has no 
laws or regulations on preshipment inspection.4 
                                                      
1 The words "Persian Gulf" should not appear on any customs-related document (UK Trade and 
Investment, 2004). 
2 The following customs exit points ar e considered as Qatar's first en try points: Doha Seaport, Umm 
Said Seaport, Abu Samra Land, Ras Lafan Industrial, Al Khor Seaport, Al Wakra Seaport, Doha International 
Airport, Air Cargo, Al Shamal Seaport, General Post Office, Land Transport and Collins Seaport. 
3 UK Trade and Investment (2004). 
4 WTO document G/PSI/N/1/Add.8, 28 September 1999. WT/TPR/S/144 Trade Policy Review 
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9. Imports of certain products, including meat of asses, mules or hinnies; ivory; certain drugs; 
asbestos; and some used pneumatic tyres are strictly prohibited.  The importation of other goods is allowed selectively (special goods);  these include  swine, pork and pork products, and alcoholic 
beverages (section (iv) below).   
10. The Customs and Ports General Authority w as set up in November 2001 through an Emiri 
Decree to, inter alia , implement the laws and regulations related to customs, and administer customs 
matters, including the supervision of all importe d and exported goods through the various customs 
points in Qatar and the prevention of customs evasion.
5 All customs procedures are fully 
computerized.   
11. According to the authorities, the average lengt h of time required for clearance of goods is 
between one and three hours, regardless of the mode of transportation, and provided everything is in 
order, including the documentation.  Import duties must  be paid or guaranteed at the time of customs 
clearance.  Certain goods can be imported on "temporar y basis" for a period of six months, renewable 
for a further six months. Prior approval of the Di rector General of the Customs and Ports General 
Authority is needed, and a cheque or bank guarantee e quivalent to the normal duty to be paid on the 
imported products must be  deposited with customs.6 Customs duties are finally paid on the difference 
between the new and used value of the products.   
12. Qatar is yet to implement the WTO Agreemen t on Implementation of Article VII of the 
GATT 1994 (Customs Valuation), and has not notif ied the WTO of its legislation on customs 
valuation.  The customs value of imported goods is generally based on reference prices, mainly used 
in cases of under-valuation. 
13. In cases of disagreements concerning valuation decisions by the Customs and Ports General 
Authority, the importer may (without prejudice to its  right to appeal to court) appeal before a 
Valuation Committee (composed of Qatari administ ration officers) within 15 days following the 
registration of the customs declaration or from the date the valuation notice was sent.  Decisions by 
the Valuation Committee must be taken by majority  and are effective once approved by the Customs 
and Ports General Authority.  The importer must be  informed in writing of the decision taken by the 
Committee.7  According to the authorities, so far, all pr oblems have been solved at the level of the 
Committee, and mostly have referred to the value. 
14. Qatar has been a member of the World Customs Organization since 1994. 
(iii) Rules of origin 
15. Qatar applies two different sets of rules of  origin: non-preferential and preferential.8  As part 
of its obligations under the Gulf Cooperation Counc il (GCC) customs union, Qatar applies the same 
non-preferential rules of origin as the other five GCC member states with respect to imports from 
third countries. Under the GCC rules of origin, products are considered as originating from the 
country where they are wholly obtained or where they underwent substantia l transformation (at least 
40% of value added). 
16. Qatar's preferential rules of origin are based  on the value-added content. For products 
imported under the Greater Arab Free-Trade Area, local value-added of at least 20% (40% in practice) is required in order to qualify for preferential treatment. 
                                                     
 
5 Ministry of Foreign Affairs (undated), Communications and Transport . 
6 UK Trade and Investment (2004). 
7 Article 60 of the Customs Law. 
8 WTO document G/RO/N/25, 13 April 1999. Qatar WT/TPR/S/144 
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(iv) Tariffs, other duties, and taxes9 
(a) General features 
17. Qatar has applied the GCC common external tari ff (CET) since 1 January 2003.  The CET is 
based on the 2002 Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS), and comprises 7,154 lines at the HS eight-digit level.  Of  these, 7,085 lines (99% of the total) are ad valorem  while 
69 are alternate, i.e. 19 lines of tobacco and tobacco  products; 18 of prohibit ed products (e.g. drugs, 
ivory, asbestos, and used pneumatic tyres); and 32 of selectively prohibited (special) goods, such as 
swine, pig meat, and pig products . Ad valorem  tariffs range from zero to 100% and are levied on the 
c.i.f. value.  The tariff has four rates: zero, 5%, 20%, and 100%. 
18. Qatar applies seasonal tariffs to imports of some  fruits and vegetables, e.g asparagus, olives, 
pumpkins, and grapes. 
(b) MFN applied tariff structure 
19. In 2004 , Qatar's simple average MFN applied tariff is 5.2% (Tables III.1 and AIII.1), 
compared with 4.2% in 2002 (before applying the GCC's CET).
10  The coefficient of variation of 1.34 
reveals high dispersion of the tariff rates that range fr om zero to 100%.  As can be seen in Chart III.1, 
the modal rate (the most frequent  tariff band) is 5%; it applies to 6,648 tariff lines (93% of the total).11  
Duty-free items (417 tariff lines, or 5.8% of the total) include basic food products such as wheat, 
flour, rice, feed grains, and powdered milk;  while  two tariff lines (iron from 10mm to 32mm) have a 
20% duty rate, and 37 tariff lines (0.5% of the total, i.e alcoholic beverages, and tobacco and tobacco 
products) are subject to the highest tariff rate of 100%. 
20. MFN applied tariffs average 7.1% on agricultural products (WTO definition)12, and 4.8% on 
non-agricultural goods.  Using ISIC (Revision 2) de finition, manufacturing, and mining and quarrying 
are granted broadly the same level of average ta riff protection (5.3% and 5%, respectively); the 
average tariff is 3.3% in agriculture. 
21. In aggregate, Qatar's tariff displays positive escalation, from first-stage processed products, 
with an average tariff rate of 4%, to semi-finished goods, with an average rate of 4.9%, to fully 
processed products, on which tariffs average 5.6%.  This  structure reflects the relatively low tariffs in 
agriculture.  Otherwise, tariffs are uniform from th e first to the final stages of processing in many 
industries (Chart III.2).  Tariff escalation is mixe d (negative from the first to the second stage, and 
then positive) in food and beverages, and basi c metal products, and negative from semi-finished 
goods to finished products in a few industries.  
 
                                                     
 
9 With the exception of a 5% commission, Qatar does not apply any other charges, taxes or levies.  
However, the possibility of introducing the consumption tax on some products (e.g. on tobacco and luxury products), as from 2005, is being considered within the GCC customs union.  Gulf Times, 20 October 2004. 
10 WTO (2004a). 
11 Total tariff lines excluding 49 lines related to "special" goods, and 18 lines on prohibited products. 
12 The WTO definition of agriculture covers:  HS Chapters 01-24, less fish and fishery products (HS 
0301-0307, 0509, 051191, 1504, 1603-1605 and 230120), plus some selected products (HS 290543, 290544, 
290545, 3301, 3501-3505, 380910, 382311-382319, 382360, 382370, 382460, 4101-4103, 4301, 5001-5003, 5105-5103, 5201-5203, 5301 and 5302). WT/TPR/S/144 Trade Policy Review 
Page 24 
 
 
5.8
3.0
49.792.9
95.9
99.2
46.80.0
0.00.5
0.5
0.9
01,0002,0003,0004,0005,0006,0007,000All products
Manufacturing
Mining and quarrying
Agriculture
Duty-free 5 20 100Chart III.1
Applied MFN tariff distribution by sector (ISIC 1 definitions)a, 2004
Number of lines
a
Source:Labels are share of the total number of tariff lines, including non- ad valorem  duties, by sector. Due to the non-use of 
some of the non- ad valorem  duties in the calculations, the figures may not sum to 100%.
WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the Qatari authorities. 
 
 
 
(c) MFN bound tariffs 
22. As a result of the Uruguay Round, Qatar bound all its tariffs lines at ad valorem  rates ranging 
from zero to 200%.  The majority of tariff lines (60.6% of the total) were bound at 15%, while 0.9% (e.g. organic chemicals, and pharmaceutical produc ts) were bound at zero, and 0.7% (e.g. swine, 
alcoholic beverages, and tobacco and tobacco produc ts) at 200%.  For most products, applied rates are 
well below the bound rates, thus allowing Qatar ma rgins to increase its import tariffs. The simple 
average bound rate is 16%, compared with a simple  average applied MFN rate of 5.2% in 2004 
(Table III.1).  Furthermore, the imposition of non- ad valorem  tariff rates does not ensure compliance 
by Qatar with its WTO binding commitments made at ad valorem  rates on the products to which it 
applies non- ad valorem  tariffs.   Moreover, on 32 tariff lines at the HS eight-digit level (i.e. 29011010 
to 29029090), the applied MFN rate of 5% is above the bound rate of zero. Qatar WT/TPR/S/144 
 Page 25 
 
 
0.02.04.06.08.010.012.0Chart III.2
Tariff escalation by ISIC 2-digit, 2004
Per cent
Sourc e: WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the Qatari authorities.
All products
Food, beverages
Textiles, 
apparel
Wood products
Paper, printing
Chemicals,
plastics
Non-metallic
mineral
product s
Ba si c m eta l
product s
Fabricated meta l
product s
Other
manufacturingNOT AP PLI CABLEAgri cutur e
MiningRaw materials Semi-processed Fully processed
 
(d) Other duties and taxes 
23. For all products subject to binding commitm ents, Qatar bound other duties and charges  
(stamp duty) at 3% of customs duty.   The stamp duty is not currently applied.   Qatar applies a 5% 
commission on parallel imports of goods for which local agents hold distributor rights, and a 17% service fee on hotel bills.
13 
(e) Duty and tax concessions 
24. Qatar allows duty-free imports of machinery a nd equipment, and of raw and semi-finished 
materials not available locally. Qatar grants duty concessions selectively on imports. In recent years, 
selective duty exemptions have been granted on cons truction materials and equipment to the principal 
contractors working on certain projects, for example in  the oil, gas, water, and electricity subsectors. 
25. Duty-free imports are allowed for, inter alia , international organizations, diplomatic missions, 
the armed forces, police, and charity institutions. 
(f) Tariff preferences 
26. Imports from the other five member states of th e GCC enter Qatar duty free, provided that the 
goods meet the origin criteria (section(2)(iii) above ).  Qatar provides prefer ential tariff margins of 
80% on all imports from the other members of the GAFTA, the goal being to establish a free-trade 
area by early 2005 (Chapter II(4)(ii)(b)). 
                                                      
13 The commission is collected on  behalf of the local agents. WT/TPR/S/144 Trade Policy Review 
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(v) Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing 
27. Import prohibitions are in place for various r easons, including international conventions, 
environment, and health and safety (Table III.2).  Prohibitions apply to 18 product categories (at the 
HS eight-digit level) ranging from meat of asses, mu les or hinnies, to certain drugs, asbestos, and 
some used pneumatic tyres.  Some 49 other cate gories of goods (at the HS eight-digit level) are 
selectively prohibited (special goods)  by Qatar on religious or moral grounds; these include swine, 
pork and pork products, a nd alcoholic beverages. 
Table III.2 
Import prohibitions and restrictions, November 2004 
HS code Description of items 
Prohibited goods   
02050090 Other meat of asses, mules or hinnies 
05071000 Ivory; ivory waste and powder 
09082000 Mace 
12079100 Poppy seeds 
12079910 Poppy 
12079920 Hemp seeds 
12113000 Coca leaf 
12114000 Poppy straw 
12119020 Black poppy plants 
13021100 Opium 
13021910 Hashish 
25240000 Asbestos 
29399110 Cocaine 
40121100 Tyres of a kind used on motor cars  
40121200 Tyres of a kind used on buses or lorries 
40121300 Tyres of a kind used on aircraft 
40121900 Tyres, other 
40122000 Used pneumatic tyres 
Selectively prohibited goods ("special goods")  
01031000 Pure-bred breeding swine animals 
01039100 Other swine weighing less than 50 kg 
01039200 Other swine weighing 50 kg or more 
02031100 Swine carcasses and half-carcasses,  fresh 
02031200 Hams, shoulders and other cuts of swine,  fresh 
02031900 Other fresh swine meat 
02032100 Swine carcasses and half-carcasses,  frozen 
02032200 Hams, shoulders and other cuts of swine, frozen 
02032900 Other frozen swine meat 
02063000 Swine offal, fresh or chilled 
02064100 Swine livers, frozen 
02064900 Other swine offal, frozen 
02090010 Pig fat 
02101100 Hams, shoulders and cuts fr om swine, salted, brine, etc. 
02101200 Swine bellies (streaky) a nd cuts, salted, brine, etc. 
02101900 Other swine offal and flour, salted, brine, etc. 
05021000 Pigs', hogs' or boars' bristles 
15010030 Lard and other pig fats 
15030011 Styrene of pig 
15030021 Margarine of pig 
15030091 Fat of pig 
16010011 Sausage of pig or animal blood 
16010021 Canned sausage of pig or animal blood 
16010031 Frozen sausage of pig 
16024100 Prepared hams and similar cuts of swine 
16024200 Prepared ham shoulders and similar cuts 
16024900 Other prepared swine meat 
Table III.2 (cont'd) Qatar WT/TPR/S/144 
 Page 27 
 
 
HS code Description of items 
16029030 Preparations of animal blood 
17049080 White chocolate with alcohol 
18063110 Chocolate with alcohol 
18063210 Non-stuffed choc olate with alcohol 
22030000 Beer made from malt 
22041000 Sparkling wine 
22042100 Other wine in contai ners holding 2 litres or less 
22042900 Other wine over 2 litres 
22043000 Other grape must 
22051000 Vermouth, etc., in cont ainers of 2 litres or less 
22059000 Other vermouth, etc., over 2 litres 
22060000 Other fermented beve rages like cider and mead 
22072090 Other ethyl alcohol of  any strength, denatured 
22082000 Spirits obtained by distilling grape wine 
22083000 Whiskies 
22084000 Rum and tafia 
22085000 Gin and geneva 
22086000 Vodka 
22087000 Liqueurs and cordials 
22089090 Other denatured ethyl alcohol under 80% 
23070010 Wine lees 
41132000 Leather of swine 
Source:  Information provided by the Qatari authorities.  
28. In 1998, Qatar notified the WTO that it had no import licensing procedures in place14; it 
maintains no import licence requirements.  However,  permits are required for specified importation of 
prohibited and special goods. 
29. Imports controls are applied on sanitary, phyt osanitary, and Islamic grounds, by means of 
certificates (section (vii)(b)).  In ad dition, pharmaceutical products must be imported directly from a 
manufacturer with a research department, and th e products must be licensed in the country of 
manufacture.15 
(vi) Contingency trade remedies 
(a) Anti-dumping and countervailing measures 
30. Qatar has notified the WTO that it has no la ws and/or regulations on anti-dumping and 
countervailing measures.16 Anti-dumping legislation is being considered under the GCC customs 
union.  No anti-dumping or countervailing actions have been taken by Qatar. 
(b) Safeguard measures 
31. Qatar has no legislation on safeguards.17  It has never applied any safeguard measures, and 
has not so far taken any action under GATT Article XIX. 
                                                      
14 WTO document G/LIC/N/1/QAT/1, 2 April 1998. 
15 UK Trade and Investment (2004). 
16 WTO documents G/ADP/N/1/QAT/1 and G/SCM/N/1/QAT/1, 31 March 1998. 
17 WTO document G/SG/N/1/QAT/1, 30 March 1998. WT/TPR/S/144 Trade Policy Review 
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(vii) Standards and other technical requirements 
(a) Standards, testing, and certification 
32. On 8 November 2004, Qatar notified the WTO that it accepted the TBT Code of Good 
Practice, and named the Qatar General Organiza tion for Standards and Metrology (QGOSM) as its 
enquiry point. 
33. The QGOSM was established in October 2002, un der Law No. 16 of 2002, to replace the 
Standards Office of the MEC.  Almost all Qatari standards are based on standards developed by the Gulf Standardization and Metrology Organiza tion of the GCC (GSMO), based in Riyadh 
(Saudi Arabia).  As part of the GCC customs union, member states are working towards harmonizing 
their standards system, but differences still exist. Qatar-specific standards are developed only when 
necessary and when no Gulf standard exists. Ther e are currently 26 Qatari-specific standards (25 
mandatory and one voluntary) on building, mechani cal, and food products. Qatari standards must be 
published in the Official Gazette  and normally come into effect after a period of 3-6 months. 
34. GCC-wide standards are formulated by th e GSMO (following a proposal from a member 
body) and require support from all member countries in  order to be included in the Gulf standards 
work programme.
18  Once approved, GSMO standards are circulated to all GCC member states to be 
adopted as voluntary or mandatory standards.    In Qatar, all GSMO standards are adopted by the QGOSM; all proposed standards are examined by QGOSM.  GCC members have five years to 
harmonize any voluntary national standard with region al requirements; the regional standard becomes 
mandatory once harmonized.  There are 1,699 G CC standards (end October 2004), of which 331 
(19.5%), relating mainly to food products, are manda tory. According to the authorities, although GCC 
standards have not been reviewed to establish conform ity with international standards, they are based, 
to some extent, on international standards; the GS MO is reviewing conformity of its standards with 
international standards. 
35. All mandatory standards apply equally to loca lly produced and imported products.  Imported 
products requiring conformity certificates are given au tomatic entry if the product has been tested by 
an accredited laboratory. If not, conformity assessment may be carried out, for example, by the 
Ministry of Public Health on food products. Qatar h as no certification system:   if the standard is 
simple, a check is carried out upon import, if it is complicated, self-declaration is accepted. 
36. Qatar is a member of the International Orga nization for Standardization (ISO), as well as 
regional standardization organizations, including th e Arab Centre for Standardization and Metrology 
under the Arab Industrial Developmen t and Mining Organization (AIDMO). 
(b) Sanitary and phytosanitary measures 
37. Qatar's  enquiry point under the WTO SPS Agreement is the Ministry of Public Health 
(MPH).
19  All imports, exports, and domestic producti on of plants and animals are subject to 
inspection by the Agricultural Quar antine Unit of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture.   
38. Under Law No. 12 of 1991 concerning agricultu re quarantine and executive regulation, all 
imports of plants must be accompanied by an agricultural clearance certificate issued by the 
appropriate authorities in the country of export.  Phytosanitary certificates are also required for 
                                                      
18 If national proposals are not accepted by all GCC members, they may be adopted as national 
standards. 
19 WTO document G/SPS/EN Q/16, 5 December 2003. Qatar WT/TPR/S/144 
 Page 29 
 
 
imports of flour, rice, wheat seed, and agricultural seeds and plants. The Agricultural Quarantine Unit 
also examines and issues health certificates for a ll agricultural products prior to their export. 
39. Health certificates and prior permission are required from the MPH for imports of live 
animals from all countries, but prior permission ma y not be required for imports from GCC members. 
Health certificates are required for all birds. Cats  and dogs may be imported from all countries, and 
must be accompanied by a health certificate from th e competent authority stating that the animal is 
free from rabies. 
40. Imports of foodstuffs are monitored and tested by the MPH to ensure compliance with 
national food standards, and must be accompanied by a certificate declaring them free of radiation, 
dioxin, and cyclamate.  According to the author ities, these requirements also apply to locally 
produced foodstuffs.  Meat and poultry products must  also be accompanied by a health certificate 
from the country of origin, and a halal slaughter certificate issued by an appropriate Islamic centre in the country of origin.  Imported eggs must be st amped to distinguish them from locally produced 
eggs. 
41. Imports of drugs and medicin es should be registered with the department of drugs and 
pharmacy of the MPH. 
42. Qatar is a member of the World Organizati on for Animal Health (OIE) and the Codex 
Alimentarius. 
(c) Marking, labelling, and packaging 
43. Labels on all consumer products  must be in Arabic, or Arabic plus any other language, 
although a small number of products with labels on ly in English may be approved for import, on a 
case-by-case basis and for marketing test purposes.  Labels must provide information on, inter alia,  
place of manufacture, identification of the manufactu rer, product informati on, and standard quality 
disclosures. All food products must be clearly la belled with:  product and brand names;  production 
and expiry dates;  country of origin;  name of the manufacturer;  net weight in metric units;  and a list 
of ingredients and additives in descending order of impor tance.  In addition, all fats and oils used as 
ingredients must be clearly identified on the label.
20 
44. As an Islamic country, Qatar has strict marking and labelling requirements for meat and 
poultry products.  In addition to the mandatory labelling procedures followed in North America, 
packaged fresh or frozen  meat and poultry must carry:  bilin gual labelling, of which one language 
must be Arabic; country of origin; production (slaughtering or freezing) and expiration dates, 
including the month; shelf-life of the product; me tric net weight; product identification; and a 
statement that the product was slaughtered accordi ng to Islamic principles, if so required. Pre-
packaged processed meat and poultry must be accompanied by production and expiration dates as 
well as the net weight of the product.21 
45. National standards for packing are restricted to general-purpose polythene bags, such as 
shopping bags, which are required to have a mini mum thickness of 40 microns, and garbage bags, 
which must have a minimum thickness of 60 microns.22 
                                                      
20 UK Trade and Investment (2004). 
21 UK Trade and Investment (2004). 
22 UK Trade and Investment (2004). WT/TPR/S/144 Trade Policy Review 
Page 30 
 
 
46. GCC standards have been criticized for being too restrictive. In particular, shelf-life standards 
are considered to be set at arbitrary levels that re strict imports of a variety of food products. Qatar has 
mandatory shelf-life standards for 75 food products. To  be allowed entry, these products must arrive 
at the destination with at least half the shelf-life remaining. Shelf-life validity of all foodstuffs should 
not be less than six months at the time of entry of the products into Qata r. All food products are 
examined at government central laboratories before they reach consumers.23 
(viii) Government procurement 
47. The main legislation regulating government pr ocurement in Qatar is Law No. 8 of 1976, 
amended by Law No. 10 of 1980, Law No. 9 of 1981,  and Law No. 10 of 1990.  The Central Tenders 
Committee (CTC), under the authority of the Minister of Finance, handles procurement worth 
US$25,000 and above, including the bidding process a nd awarding of contracts. Procurement below 
this threshold is usually processed by in -house tender committees in each Ministry.24 The Public 
Work Authority is the Government 's principal construction supervis or.  It supervises contracts for 
civil construction and highway projects.  The Mini stry of Energy and Industry supervises certain 
projects in its specialized fields. The Ministry of  Defence is in charge of defence equipment and 
services. Foreign firms interested in selling products and services to the Qatari Government must go 
through local agents, although Qatari ministri es, government organiza tions and state-owned 
enterprises can and do buy directly from foreign firms.25 
48. As a general rule, the Government does not award "turnkey" contracts, preferring to award 
separate contracts to consultants.  The role of the consultant (usually a foreign firm) includes the task 
of short-listing firms to be invited to bid for proj ects.  According to the authorities, Qatar employs 
mostly open tendering procedures.  Single tende ring is used for emergency cases or for special 
contracts when there is no other way to purchase a good.  The value of a single tender purchase must not exceed QR 100,000.
26 
49. For larger projects, the CTC normally invites pre-qualification documents from short-listed 
foreign and/or local contractors or merchants.  The Government announces invitations to pre-qualify 
in local and/or foreign papers and occasionally through Qatari embassies abroad. Law No. 10 of 1990 
provides for classification of contractors by a comm ittee operating under the CTC.  The classification 
process is based on the firm's financial strengt h, business reputation, and experience. Although 
preference normally goes to the lowest bidder that meets all specifications, the CTC has waived this 
rule in the past without necessarily providing the reason (explanation is provided on request).27 
50. Bid and performance bonds are required in the form of unconditional guarantees with a local 
bank. The standard bid bond is 5% of the cont ract value and the performance bond is 10%, although 
the rates can be higher for certain projects.  Foreig n firms are not required to have a local agent for the 
bid process;  however, participating foreign firms ne ed to have satisfied the local agent requirement 
by the time a contract is ready to be signed. Bi ds should be in Arabic unless the tender document 
specifically indicates that English is required.28 
                                                      
23 USTR (2003). 
24 The CTC also handles procurement when a public user does not have its own committee. The 
Ministry of Defence, Qatar Petroleum, Qatar General El ectricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), and Public 
Works Authority (among others) have their own committees. 
25 U.S. Department of State (2001). 
26  Article 51 of Law No. 10 of 1990. 
27 UK Trade and Investment (2004). 
28 U.S. Department of State (2001). Qatar WT/TPR/S/144 
 Page 31 
 
 
51. The State Purchase Office (SPO), a division of the CTC, handles all local purchase orders for 
equipment and supplies required by various government  ministries.  It  handles bids worth hundreds 
of millions of dollars every year.  The usual period for preparation of quotations is 30 days but is 
often less than three weeks after the announcemen t of tenders.  Under these circumstances, an 
established local agency arrangement is de facto cr ucial for successful bidding.  The Special Projects 
Office (also known as the SPO, but not connected to th e State Purchase Office), in the Office of the 
Emir, used to handle private construction projects re lated to the residences of the Emir and immediate 
members of his family.  This office was dissolved in July 1998.29 
52. Unless otherwise stated in the contract, the st andard clauses stipulate that disputes emanating 
from government contracts will be subject  to settlement by Qatari courts.30 
53. Foreign and local contractors are usually paid 20% of the contract as advance payment 
(maximum QR 5 million), against, inter alia , unconditional bank guarant ees. Further payments are 
made according to a standard schedule, which almo st always authorizes the Government to retain 
portions of payments due until after completion and acceptance of the project. 
54. Qatar grants a 10% price preference for Qatari products and 5% price preference for GCC 
products in all government procurement. 
55. Qatar is neither a member of nor an observe r to the Plurilateral Agreement on Government 
Procurement concluded under the WTO. 
(ix) Local-content requirements 
56. Qatar has notified the WTO that it does not maintain any measures inconsistent with the 
Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMs).31 
(x) Other measures 
57. Qatar does not apply any sanctions apart from t hose adopted by the United Nations Security 
Council. It does not maintain any compulsory reserve stocks.  
58. No official countertrade or offsetting arrangeme nts, or agreements designed to influence the 
quantity or value of goods and services imported by  Qatar are currently in force. Likewise, the 
authorities are not aware of the existence of such ag reements between Qatari and foreign companies.   
59. Qatar has not taken any measures for balance-of-payment purposes. 
(3) MEASURES DIRECTLY AFFECTING EXPORTS  
(i) Registration and documentation 
60. Similar registration and documen tation requirements apply to exporters and importers in 
Qatar (section (2)(i) above). 
                                                      
29 U.S. Department of State (2001). 
30 In general, appeals are first made to the CTC, then to the Minister of Finance, and ultimately to the 
courts.  
31 WTO document G/TRIMS/N/2/Rev. 11, 24 September 2003. WT/TPR/S/144 Trade Policy Review 
Page 32 
 
 
(ii) Export duties and taxes 
61. No duties or taxes are levied by Qatar on its exports. 
(iii) Export prohibitions and restrictions 
62. According to the authorities, export prohibitions apply to alcoholic products.  They also apply 
to, inter alia,  species of fish and seafood products for food security reasons. 
(iv) Export subsidies and assistance 
63. In 1999, Qatar notified the WTO that it did not grant or maintain within its territory any 
subsidy within the meaning of Articles 1:1 (definition of a subsidy) and 2 (specificity) of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures,  nor any subsidy that operated directly or 
indirectly to increase exports from or reduce imports into its territory within the meaning of Article 
XVI:1 (subsidies in general) of GATT 1994.
32 
64. Customs duties are suspended on goods st ored in government bonded warehouses and 
destined for re-export.  If the goods are sold in Qa tar instead of being re-exported, the appropriate 
duties are levied. The Customs and Ports General Authority may inspect all goods stored in bonded 
warehouses.  No distinction is made between loca lly owned and foreign-owned companies in respect 
of access to bonded warehouses.33 
(v) Export finance, insurance, guarantees, and promotion 
65. Qatar does not have any programmes for export fi nance, insurance, guarantees, or promotion. 
(vi) Other measures 
66. Qatar has no export-processing zones or free points. 
67. According to the authorities, Qatar does not par ticipate in any arrangements designed to curb 
or control exports to third countries at the request  of foreign governments/companies, except those on 
oil and gas exports derived from its membership  in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting 
Countries (OPEC) (Chapter IV(3)(ii)).  
(4) MEASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE  
(i) Incentives 
68. Qatar offers various investme nt incentives both to national and foreign investors.  The 
purpose of the incentives is to encourage and orient investments, in order to promote the country's 
development objectives; encourage the utilization of and add value to local products; promote exports; 
and introduce new industries, products, and technologies.34 
69. In addition to import duty concessions (section (2)(iv)(e) above), other general incentives for 
all investors include:  the right to import mate rials and equipment required for the establishment, 
operation or expansion of projects;  five to ten y ears' exemption from income tax, effective from the 
                                                      
32 WTO document G/SCM/N/38/QAT, 18 March 1999. 
33 UK Trade and Investment (2004). 
34 Ministry of Foreign Affairs (undated), Investment Incentives . Qatar WT/TPR/S/144 
 Page 33 
 
 
date of the commissioning of projects;  long-term  loans from the Qatar Industrial Development Bank 
with competitive interest rates of around 50% of  the commercial rate for small and medium-sized 
industrial projects; land sites at subs idized lease-rates and long lease-te rms;  supply of electricity, fuel, 
water, and natural gas at subsidized prices;  a nd flexible regulations and procedures to import 
workforce under Labour Law No. 14 of 2004. 
(ii) Competition policy and price controls 
70. Qatar has no competition legislation.   
71. Certain products, such as gas, petroleum, electri city, and water, as well as some services (e.g. 
telecommunication, air transport, postal, and tourism)  are subject to price controls (Chapter IV(3) and 
(5)).  In general, the prices of these goods and services are set by the relevant companies, subject to 
approval by the Council of Ministers.   
(iii) Public enterprises and privatization 
72. The privatization programme in Qatar started in late 1998, with the main aim of reducing 
public liabilities and raising cash to finance public deficits.  Now that oil and gas revenues have 
grown considerably, the central objective of the pr ogramme is to increase the participation of the 
private sector in the economy, and make it an importa nt driving force, rather than the small, under-
developed entity it has been.  No particular institutio n is in charge of the privatization programme in 
Qatar; depending on the area, various  institutions may participate.  
73. The first major public sale of government assets took place at the end of 1998, when 45% 
(QR2.8 billion) of Qatar Telecom (Q-Tel), the state-owned telecommunications monopoly, was sold 
to domestic and foreign investors.  In 1999, the Gove rnment privatized the ma nagement of the largest 
power plant Qatar General Electricity  and Water Corporation (Kahramaa)35;  and in 2001, port 
services were privatized.  
74. In mid 2003, Qatar Petroleum's shareholdings in the following companies were partially 
privatized (QP's remaining shares are indicated in  parentheses): Qatar Steel Company (70%); Qatar 
Petrochemical Company (80%); Qatar Fertilizer Co mpany (75%); and Qatar Fuel Additives Company 
(50%).  QP transferred its shareholdings in these co mpanies to Industries of Qatar (IQ) and then sold 
30% (QR 5 billion) of its stake in IQ to Qata ri investors through an initial public offering.36  I n  
addition, QP owns shares in other local compan ies, e.g. 40% of Qatar Fuel Company; 10% of 
Kahramaa; 15% of Qatar Shipping Company; 50 % of Qatar Nitrogen Company; 51% of Qatex 
Limited; 25.5% of Qatar Vinyl Company; and 100% of Gulf Helicopters Company. 
75. Candidates for privatization in the near future include public enterprises in gas transport, iron 
and steel, petrochemicals, and fertilizer, as well as in  some services, such as municipal cleaning.  The 
Government plans first to set up a fully state- owned cleaning services company on an "experimental 
basis", and then offer it for sale to private investors.37 
76. Qatar's privatization efforts would be further en couraged if the Government were to remove 
the remaining obstacles for wider foreign investme nt in the economy, such as the exclusion of 
                                                      
35 The Qatari authorities estimated that this privatization resulted in a more than 40% drop in the 
government's annual spending on power and water (IMF, 2002b). 
36 Industries Qatar is controlled and owned by QP (70%) and by the public (30%). 
37 Economist Intelligence Unit (2004). WT/TPR/S/144 Trade Policy Review 
Page 34 
 
 
foreigners from certain key activities (e.g. banki ng, insurance, commercial representation), and 
restrictions in others (i.e. foreign equity is limited to 49% in many sectors) (Chapter II(5)). 
77. In 1998, Qatar notified the WTO that it did not  maintain any state-trading enterprises under 
Article XVII of GATT 1994 and pa ragraph 1 of the Understandi ng on the Interpretation of 
Article XVII.38  However, the importation and distribution of alcoholic beverages are the exclusive 
right of the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC), a subsidiary of Qatar Airways (Chapter IV(5)(iv)(b)). 
(iv) Intellectual property rights 
(a) Overview 
78. As part of its harmonization efforts within th e GCC, and in accordance with its commitments 
under the WTO TRIPS Agreement, Qatar enacted, in 200 2, new legislation in the areas of patents, 
copyrights and neighbouring rights, trade marks, geographical indications, and industrial designs. 
Moreover, special committees have been set up, with the assistance of the World Intellectual Property 
Organization (WIPO), to prepare two draft laws on t opography of integrated circuits, and undisclosed 
information.  In 1999, Qatar notified the WTO th at nationals of other WTO Members enjoyed non-
discriminatory treatment with respect to all intellectual property rights.
39 In 2001, in recognition of 
Qatar's progress on TRIPS, the United States re moved Qatar from its Special 301 Watch List. 
However, Qatar was returned to the Watch List in 2002, because of continued "high levels of end-user 
piracy of unauthorized computer software"40.  According to the authorities, in 2003, Qatar was 
removed from the Watch List. 
79. Intellectual property rights legislation in Qa tar comprises mainly:  the GCC Unified Law on 
Patents of 200241; Law No. 7 of 2002 on Protection of Copyright and Related Rights42; and Law No. 9 
of 2002 on Trademarks, Geographical I ndications and Industrial Designs.43 Qatar's  intellectual 
property legislation was reviewed by the WTO TRIPS Committee on 25-27 June 2002.44 
80. The main institutions responsible for intellectua l property matters in Qa tar are: the Patent 
Office of the GCC (based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia ); the MEC Copyright Office for the protection of 
copyright and related rights;  the MEC Trademark Office for issues related to trade marks, geographical indications, and designs; the Customs a nd Ports General Authority for matters related to 
border measures; and the Ministry of Justice for enforcement before the courts. 
81. Qatar has been member of WIPO since Septem ber 1976.  In July 2001, it joined the Paris 
Convention for the Protection of Industrial Pr operty Rights and the Berne Convention for the 
Protection of Literary and Artistic Works. 
(b) Patents 
82. Under the GCC Unified Law on Patents of 2002, patents are granted for a period of 20 years 
(not renewable) from the date of filing with the Commercial Registration Office in the MEC.  Patent 
                                                     
 
38 WTO document G/STR/N/1/QAT, 30 March 1998. 
39 WTO document IP/N/1/QAT/1, 15 April 1999. 
40 USTR (2003) . 
41 The GCC Unified Law on Patent of 2002  replaced the 1992 GCC Law on Patent. 
42 This law is a revision of Law No. 25 of 1995 on Copyright. 
43 WTO document IP/N/1/QAT/2, 21 July 2002. 
44 WTO document IP/Q-Q4/QAT/1, of 8 June 2004, contains the introductory statement by Qatar as 
well as the questions posed and answers given during the review. Qatar WT/TPR/S/144 
 Page 35 
 
 
protection is given in all six GCC member states through registration in one GCC member. Patents are 
granted by the Patent Office of the GCC and are au tomatically registered in Qatar without further 
examination.  For patentability, Article 2 of the GCC Law requires that the invention must not be 
contrary to the laws of Islamic Shariy'a or public order or to morality observed in the GCC states.  
83. Patent protection is granted for inventions in all fields of technology.  Exceptions include 
scientific theories, mathematical methods, and com puter programs;  schemes, rules, and methods for 
doing business, performing purely mental acts, or play ing games; and varieties of plants, species of 
animals, or biological processes used to pr oduce plants or animals with the exception of 
microbiological processes and the products thereof.45 The GCC Council is studying a law on plant 
variety protection which, once enacted, will apply in Qatar. 
84. Compulsory licences under the GCC Law may be gran ted for "public interest", and in the case 
of lack of or insufficient working in the GCC memb er states. The licence will not be exclusive and 
will essentially be granted to meet the demand of th e local market. The patent owner will be paid 
adequate compensation.  On compulsory licences, the GCC Law (Article 19) requires that at least 
three years have elapsed after the grant of the patent ;  that the applicant prov es that efforts were made 
to obtain a licence from the patent owner;  and ade quate compensation under fair terms. Furthermore, 
consensus of all six GCC countries is necessary for granting a compulsory licence.  However, 
compulsory licences have never been gr anted by the GCC Patent Office.  
(c) Copyright 
85. Law No. 7 of 2002 provides for Protection of Co pyright and Related Rights.  Under Article 7 
of the Law, the owner of the copyright has the exclusive right to carry out or to authorize 
reproduction, translation, excerpts, musical arra ngement or other transformation of the work; 
distribution to the public;  rental to the public of audiovisual works or computer programs; public performance of the work;  and communi cation of the work to the public. 
86. There are exceptions to copyrights in certain  special cases not conflicting with the normal 
exploitation of the work, nor prejudicing (unreasonably) legitimate interests of the right holder.  These 
relate to, inter alia , personal use (through reproduction, transla tion) or use by way of illustration for 
teaching (Article 18).  Moreover, there are limited exceptions relating to teaching activities that are, 
according to the authorities, compa tible with the TRIPS Agreement. 
87. In Qatar, protection accorded to authors of co mputer programs, databases or compilation of 
data is for 50 calendar years. Protection of  performance rights is until the end of the 50
th year 
following the fixation of the performance in a sound r ecording or in the absence of such fixation from 
the end of the year in which the performance t ook place (Article 40). Protection for producers of 
sound recordings is until the end of the 50th year following the year of publication, or if the sound 
recording has not been published, from the fixa tion of the sound recording until the end of the 
50th year, following the year of fixation (Article 41) . Protection for broadcasting organizations is for 
20 years from the year in which the broadcast took place (Article 42).  
(d) Trade marks 
88. Trade marks are protected under Law No. 9 of 2002 on Trademarks, Geographical Indications 
and Industrial Designs.46  Protection is granted for ten years from the date of filing of the application 
                                                      
45 Articles 3 and 14 of the GCC Law. 
46 The following are deemed to be marks of registration: names having a distinctive form, signatures, 
words, letters, numerals, designs pictures, symbols, stamps, seals, vignettes, three dimensional figures and other signs or combinations of colours, a single non-functional colour, a sound, a smell or a combination of signs, WT/TPR/S/144 Trade Policy Review 
Page 36 
 
 
for registration (Article 19);  the registration fee is  to QR 275. Registration is renewable indefinitely 
for periods of ten years (Article 18), subject to pa yment of renewal fees (QR 155).  Registration of a 
mark confers on its owner the right to prevent third parties from using it or a sign resembling it in any way that might mislead the public, for products or se rvices for which the mark is registered or for 
similar products or services (Article 20).
47 
89. Applications for registration of trade mark s are filed with the Trademarks Office upon 
payment of a fee of QR 300 (Article 9). A single a pplication for registration may be filed for a group 
of marks. Notwithstanding the provisions of interna tional or bilateral agreements to which Qatar is 
party, an applicant not domiciled or who does not have a real and effective domicile in Qatar must 
apply for registration through an ag ent domiciled in Qatar.  The application must be accompanied by a 
certified power of attorney. If there are objections, Article 15 allows any party to state reasons for oppositions within four months from the publication date in the Official Gazette .  
(e) Geographical indications 
90. Geographical indications are protected under Chap ter 11 (Articles 38 to 41) of Law No. 9 of 
2002 on Trademarks, Geographical In dications and Industrial Designs.
48 Protection is based on 
registration and covers all goods, including wines a nd spirits. Procedures for obtaining protection of 
geographical indications are the same as those for trade marks.  
91. The law does not provide for exceptions under Article 24 of the WTO TRIPS Agreement.   
(f) Industrial designs 
92. All industrial designs that are invented are pr otected under Chapter 11 (Articles 42 to 45) of 
Law No. 9 of 2002 on Trademarks, Geographical Indi cations and Industrial Designs. Protection for 
industrial designs is for five years from the filing date , renewable for two further periods of five years.  
Procedures for obtaining industrial designs protec tion are the same as those for trade marks.  
93. Remedies against imports of articles bearing embodied or copies of designs are the same as 
those for trade marks and are cited in Article 45. A dditionally, Article 52 provides that the court shall 
order the destruction of the counterfeit or imitate d marks, indications, trade names, or industrial 
designs or the products affixed thereto or the produc ts that illegally bear false or illegal indications, 
even in the event of acquittal. 
94. Qatar's legislation does not provide for the right  to issue a compulsory  licence for industrial 
designs. 
                                                                                                                                                                     
used or intended to be used to distinguish the products of enterprises in the fields of industry, handicraft, 
agriculture, forestry, mining, goods sold or services offered. 
47 Protection of well-known trade marks and service ma rks is also provided through non-registration of 
marks that are confusingly similar to a mark already filed or registered by a third party for identical or similar 
products, services or well-known signs even if they are not filed or registered  in Qatar (Article 8.8). 
48 A geographical indication is any expression or sign indicating the geographical name of a country, 
region, locality or place, which serves to designate a pr oduct originating therein, th e quality, characteristic and 
reputation of which are due exclusively or partly to th e geographical environment, the natural or human factors 
of such origin (Article 1). Qatar WT/TPR/S/144 
 Page 37 
 
 
(g) Enforcement 
95. Civil and criminal courts in Qatar have jurisdiction over intellectual property rights 
infringement cases depending on the type of viola tion (Chapter II(1)).  All interested parties, 
including foreigners, may assert intellectual property ri ghts before the courts without any formalities.  
The staff of the Copyright Office and of the Trademar ks Office have the capaci ty of legal officers for 
controlling and certifying offences in violation of th e respective laws.  They can, for instance, enter 
premises where the works are published and/or, dist ributed, and confiscate material, copies or means 
used in any acts violating the laws.  
96. Chapter 10 of Law No. 7 of 2002 deals with preventive measures and sanctions regarding 
copyrights and neighbouring rights.49  It provides that the court may, upon application by the holder of 
the right or any of his successors or heirs, gr ant injunctions to prohibit the committing of 
infringements, order seizure of the infringing copies or any part thereof, seize infringing copies used 
in the reproduction, order appropriate indemnifi cation, and seize profits attributable to the 
infringement (Article 47).  Criminal actions incl ude imprisonment for between six months and one 
year, and/or fines of between QR 30,000 and QR  100,000 depending on th e infringement (penalties 
may be doubled in the case of recurrence).  
97. In the case of trade marks, geographical indicati ons and industrial designs, Chapter 12 of Law 
No. 9 of 2002 deals with remedies and sanctions as well as preventive measures.50  Concerned persons 
may lodge an action before the competent civil court to prohibit acts of infringement of their rights, as well as action for damages.  The competent civil cour ts may order the confiscation of the products and 
the closure of the enterprise.  The court can orde r the destruction of the counterfeits or imitation 
marks.
51  Criminal actions include imprisonment for a term not exceeding one or two years and a fine 
not exceeding QR 10,000 or QR 20,000, depending on the offence (penalties may be doubled in the 
case of recurrence). 
98. Qatar has some difficulties in enforcing its in tellectual property rights laws.  In 2002, for 
example, not a single enforcement action was initia ted by the Qatari Government, while Qatar was 
reported as having the second highest piracy rate in the Middle East and Africa.52 
                                                      
49 Provisional measures in the case of copyrights include granting injunctions, seizure, and 
confiscation. Article 47 of the Copyright Law provides that preventive measures may be initiated upon application of the holder of the right or any of his successors or heirs.  
50 Preventive measures in the case of  trade marks include the seizure of items. Article 46 of Law No. 9 
of 2002 provides that preventive measures may be initiated upon a petition by a concerned person directed to the 
competent civil court. It also indicat es that preventive measures taken by the owner of the mark shall become 
null and void unless followed within ten days from the da te of the order by a civil or criminal action initiated 
against the party in respect of whom the measures were taken. 
51 Circumstances necessitating seizure, forfeiture, and destruction of infringing trade marks are cited in 
Articles 47, 48, and 49 of the Law on Trademarks, and include generally infringements of intellectual property 
rights. 
52 International Intellectual Property Alliance (2003).