Includes information on average tariff rates and types that U.S. firms should be aware of when exporting to the market.
Last Published: 10/30/2018
The GCC established a customs union when it promulgated and implemented the Unified Customs Law and Single Customs Tariff, resulting in a common external tariff of 5% for most imported goods. Kuwait and other GCC countries reserve the right to assess certain exceptions until a uniform list of goods exempt from tariffs is adopted by all GCC member states. Kuwait officially approved the Single Customs Tariff on April 1, 2003, thereby setting a 5% import duty (CIF) on most goods.  Exempt from the Single Customs Tariff are certain basic foodstuffs and medicines or medical items, which are duty free. Tobacco products are assessed a 100% duty.
 
Duties are to be paid in Kuwaiti dinars (KD). The dinar is pegged to a basket of currencies. U.S. companies needing assistance in determining their harmonized tariff schedule code number or requesting information on specific products should contact a U.S. Department of Commerce Export Assistance Center (USEAC).  A list of USEACs can be found on the Export.gov U.S. Offices index webpage.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.


More Information

Kuwait Tariff Rate Quotas Import Duties