Trade General Import licenses are issued by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. Most imports are not restricted. Imports of alcoholic beverages, firearms, ammunition, and certain drugs are subject to licensing for reasons of health or public policy. All imports of pork and derivatives are prohibited. Samples of no commercial value are admitted free of duty.
Valuable samples are dutiable unless intended for temporary use and subsequent re-exportation.
The Qatar government encourages foreign investment. Imports of flour have been banned unless prior written approval is received from the Qatar Chamber of Commerce. All goods imported to Qatar for sale must be imported by a holder of an import license, which is issued only to Qatar citizens by the Ministry of Finance, Economy and Commerce. Imports of goods from other member countries of the GCC are not subject to a customs tariff. No duty is levied on goods transhipped through Qatar.