Non-Automatic products*

Basic information

1

Outline of the system

The Kuwait maintains non-automatic licensing system.

2

Product coverage

General licence: it applies to all firms and institutions, but there are certain activities that are not eligible for import license due the type of business and handicraft practiced see Annex in G/LIC/N/3/KWT/3.

Temporary licence: it applies to all person, firms and institutions that not granted for General license.

Nature of licensing

Automatic

3

If Automatic, administrative purpose

Non-Automatic

4

If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime

5

Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

The purpose of licensing is to ensure that goods that do not meet the requirements of different laws, regulations or decisions are not imported.

6

Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

There is no restriction on the quantity or value of imports.

7

The system applies to products originating from which country?

The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.

8

Expected duration of licensing procedure

Eligibility of applicants

12

Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?

Yes.

13

What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?

14

Is there a registration fee?

15

Is there a published list of authorized importers?

Contact point for information on eligibility

16

Ministry/Authority

Ministry of Commerce and Industry

17

Address

Kuwait City

18

Telephone

(+965) 224 831 47

19

Fax

(+965) 224 337 49

20

E-mail address

21

Website

22

Contact officer

Mona Abdulasis Al-Faraj

Submission of an application

23

Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application

Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Documentation requirements

24

What information is required in applications?

25

What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?

See Annex B

Window of submission of an application

26

How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?

Applications for non-automatic licenses may be submitted within 3 days prior to the closing date of applications.

27

Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain

No

Issuing the license

28

Can a licence be granted immediately on request?

Yes

29

Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence

30

Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?

Ministry of Commerce and Industry

31

Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?

32

Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?

No other conditions are attached

Fees and other administrative charges

33

Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?

There are no licensing fees or administrative charges

34

What is the amount of the fee or charge?

35

Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?

There are no deposit or advance payment requirements associated with the issue of a license.

36

Amount or rate?

37

Is it refundable?

38

What is the period of retention?

39

What is the purpose of this requirement?

Refusal of an application

40

Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?

41

Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?

Yes

42

Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?

Yes

43

If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?

Importation

44

Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?

No

45

What documents are required upon actual importation?

Documents required are: the import license, copy of invoice and certificate of origin.

46

Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?

No other administrative procedures

Conditions of licensing

47

What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?

The period of validity of a license is one year from the date of issue. Extension may be granted.

48

Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?

There is no penalty for non-utilization of a license or portion of a license.

49

Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?

Licenses are not transferable between importers.

Foreign Exchange

50

Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?

Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported.

51

Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?

52

Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?

53

What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?