GAC Clarifies Duty Exemptions for Personal Belongings
The General Authority of Customs (GAC) has recently clarified the conditions under which individuals including travelers, returning citizens, and persons with special needs can benefit from exemptions on customs duties for personal belongings.
Asma Saif Al-Kharousi, the Acting Head of the Temporary Import and Duty Refund Section at GAC, highlighted the Authority’s commitment to educating citizens and residents about customs procedures.
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“Our responsibilities extend beyond the mere processing of entries; we strive to facilitate movement while simultaneously safeguarding the security of society and the national economy,” she remarked.
The newly established guidelines underscore exemptions applicable not only to military and diplomatic missions but also to individual travelers.
Al-Kharousi noted that personal belongings, including luggage and gifts, are eligible for duty exemptions, provided they are non-commercial and intended solely for personal use.
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“The process has been designed to be both smooth and flexible for travelers,” she added. However, strict limitations apply; crew members and professional traders bringing in goods for commercial purposes will not qualify for these exemptions.
For citizens returning permanently from abroad, specific criteria must be met to benefit from duty exemptions on used household items and personal effects.
This provision particularly applies to individuals who have resided overseas for significant periods—such as those on work assignments, students, or patients undergoing long-term medical treatment.
Upon their return, these citizens may bring personal belongings back to Qatar without incurring duties, provided that their shipment arrives within six months of their return and that they can furnish proof of residence abroad for no less than three years.
Al-Kharousi emphasized that these regulations are intended to facilitate the reintegration of returning citizens while maintaining the integrity of customs practices. “Our objective is to support our citizens and travelers while also protecting the economy and society as a whole,” she concluded.
Through these updates, the GAC aims to simplify the customs experience while reinforcing its commitment to fostering a secure and efficient environment for both residents and visitors in Qatar.
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