How to Export to Qatar - Export to Qatar

Documentation
In Qatar, the letter of credit (L/C) is the most common instrument for controlling exports and imports. When an L.C. is opened, the supplier is required to provide a certificate of origin, and a certificate from the captain of the ship or from the shipping agency stating that the ship is allowed to enter Arab ports. Both documents should be notarized by an Arab Embassy or consulate or an Arab Chamber of Commerce in the exporting country. In order to clear goods from Customs zones at ports or land boundaries in Qatar, importers must submit a variety of documents, including a bill of lading, certificate of origin, pro forma invoice and import license. In Qatar, only authorized local agents are allowed to import specific goods produced by the foreign firms they represent in the local market. However, this requirement may be waived if the local agent fails to provide the necessary spare parts and backup services for the product in Qatar.

Most Middle Eastern states require that commercial documentation be certified by a pre-determined organization prior to legalization at the embassy or consulate. The following organizations perform certification of documents:

National U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce
Documentation certified for the following countries: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

Certification Locations:
National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce National Office
1100 New York Avenue., Suite 550
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: 202-289-5920
Fax: 202-289-5939

NUSACC-New York Office
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 2739
New York, NY 10170
Telephone: 212-986-8024
Fax: 212-986-0216

NUSACC-Houston Office
1330 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 1600
Houston, TX 77056
Telephone: 713-963-4620
Fax: 713-963-4609

Hours of Certification (EST)
10:30am-12:30pm Walk-ins
12:30pm-1:30pm Closed
1:30pm-3:30pm Walk-ins
9:30am-4:30pm Delivieries and Pick-ups

Note: Certicification Procedures for Commercial Documents can be found on the NUSACC web page at http://www.nusacc.org