Customs advice:

Importing into Kuwait

Quick tips Your shipment inventory must be accurate You must be a Kuwait national or resident to import personal effects All computer modems must be registered

Everything you need to know about shipping personal goods to Kuwait

To import personal possessions into Kuwait, start by logging into your online Seven Seas Worldwide account and completing the following documents:

An inventory packing list accurately detailing every item in your shipment.
Optional insurance to cover your belongings in the rare chance of loss or damage.
Colour scans of your passport's picture and signature pages.

Please ensure your documents are accurate, as all shipments are subject to inspection by customs officials in Kuwait. If shipping by sea, we'll suggest an agent in Kuwait who can help you clear your belongings through customs.

Our friendly customer support team are available 24/7 to answer customs questions and offer advice.

If you are shipping a computer modem, you must register it with the Ministry of Communication...

Importing personal effects duty-free into Kuwait

Kuwaiti nationals and residents may import used personal effects to Kuwait free from customs duty-free under the following conditions:

Your shipment's total value does not exceed USD 1,000 (around KWD 305), as estimated by Kuwaiti Customs.
All applicable documents must be submitted at least five days before your shipment arrives in Kuwait.
You provide a copy of your residence permit (sea freight only), work or temporary work permit stamped on arrival in Kuwait and a Kuwait Civil ID.
Provide Kuwait customs with a signed authorisation letter from your employer in Kuwait, naming the appointed destination agent who will clear and deliver your shipment.
For all new household goods, provide an import licence and certificate of origin certified by the Arab Chamber of Commerce from the Kuwait Embassy or consulate.

A 5% customs duty applies to all non-diplomatic sea imports, plus items not manufactured in Kuwait. If you import an item similarly produced in Kuwait, the duty will range from 15% to 22%.

If you are shipping a computer modem, you must register it with the Ministry of Communication and pay a yearly fee of USD 400. Check the Kuwaiti Government website for the latest information.

Prohibited goods

Like all countries, Kuwait has specific shipping restrictions to safeguard its residents and environment.

Hazardous goods in classes 5.1, 5.2, 4.2, and class 4 are not permitted, nor are most class 2.1 and 2.3 materials, except UN1950 in limited quantities. All types of lithium batteries, including UN3090, UN3091, UN3480, UN3481, and UN3536, are strictly prohibited, regardless of their classification, as are any battery.

Books, audio/video tapes, DVDs and music records are permitted but closely censored. Items by music labels on the Israeli boycott list, including CBS, RCA and Columbia, are banned.

Military goods require pre-approval before shipment. You must complete a Dangerous Goods Note (DGN) and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to ship any hazardous goods.

Non-compliance, such as undeclared batteries, may result in fines, penalties, or surcharges for the shipment owner. So, before packing, reference our Prohibitive Goods page. For the latest customs information in Kuwait, please check the official Kuwait Customs Clearances website and the Kuwait FIDI Global Alliance Customs Guide.

View prohibited goods