Basic information
Outline of the system
The Kuwait maintains non-automatic licensing system.
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
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
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.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
There is no restriction on the quantity or value of imports.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Licensing is maintained under Decision No. 43 of the PRESEDENT OF KUWAIT (1964).
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
The legislation does not leave designation of products subject to administrative discretion.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
The government (or the executive branch) does not abolish the system without legislative approval.
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
Yes.
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Address
Kuwait City
Telephone
(+965) 224 831 47
Fax
(+965) 224 337 49
E-mail address
Contact officer
Mona Abdulasis Al-Faraj
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
See Annex B
Window of submission of an application
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.
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
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Yes
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
No other conditions are attached
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
There are no licensing fees or administrative charges
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
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.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Yes
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
Yes
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
No
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Documents required are: the import license, copy of invoice and certificate of origin.
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
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.
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.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Licenses are not transferable between importers.
Foreign Exchange
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.