Kuwait

Restricted Cargo

• A special permit from the Kuwait Ministry of the Interior will be needed in order to legally import any weapons or ammunition into the country.
• All alcoholic beverages and associated materials for the construction of alcoholic drinks are denied entry into the country.
• All beef, pigs, pork, pork and pigskin products (such as handbags, wallets and shoes) are banned from entering the country from England and The Republic of Ireland.
• Jewels, precious stones and metals may only be imported subject to approval by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• Authorization must be obtained from the Ministry of Health for drugs and medicines

Prohibited Cargo

• Illegal or unlicensed drugs
• Guns, explosives and ammunition
• Knives and deadly weapons
• Alcoholic products
• Plant and plant products
• Pork, Meat and meat products
• Birds – unless from certain countries
• Unsealed milk products and mineral water
• Fresh vegetables
• Food prepared abroad
• Animals from Iraq
• All goods from Israel
• Politically subversive material
• Counterfeit money and goods
• Pornographic material

IMCO classes 1, 2, 6 and 7 & Radioactive Material

• To discharge Hazardous cargo under IMCO classes 1, 2, 6 and 7 or any type of Radioactive material in Kuwait, approval should be obtained from Kuwait local authorities, prior to loading from origin.
• Any import IMCO cargoes without the necessary approvals from POD, will lead to ROB (Retain on Board) which will be under POL account.
• IMCO Class shipment Containers will be discharged on Direct Delivery basis only at Shuaiba Port at all seasons. Summer season restriction applicable at Shuwaikh port. Such cargoes are not allowed to be stored in the− Port or at the Terminal.
• Discharge of dangerous goods other than stated above classes should also be notified to port authorities before arrival.
• The agents in Kuwait requires a Cargo Manifest for Dangerous goods in advance, to obtain the necessary permissions. The Manifest or the Approval Request must Carry the Following information:−
  • Carrying vessel to Kuwait, voyage number and ETA Kuwait
  • Ports of loading and Discharge
  • IMCO class and group
  • Technical name
  • United Nation Number
  • Flash point
  • IMDG code page number
  • Number of packages, Weight, Measurement of each package & total weight and measurement of the consignment.
  • Whether the cargo is for discharge in Kuwait or to be retained on board for discharge at other ports.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: CONTAINERS CARRYING ANY HAZARDOUS DANGEROUS CARGO MUST BE AFFIXED WITH RELEVANT LABELS TO AVOID HEAVY PENALTIES FROM LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Weight Restrictions

Import:
Shuwaikh and Shuaiba port’s gantry crane has maximum weight limitation of 40 metric tons. For overweight containers discharged, double handling charges are imposed (i.e. containers in excess of 24 mts/20′ and 30 mts/40′ & 45′ incl. tare weight; an additional cost of KWD 22/20′, KWD 38/40′, and KWD 50/45′).

Export:
Must strictly ensure that Cargo weight to be within the payload as mentioned on the CSC plate.

The information on the Bill of lading must mention the:

• Name and address of the shipper & consignee
• Port of destination
• Description of the goods, gross weight, no. of packages etc.

The details must match with the commercial docs.

Acceptance of split B/L manifested with multiple / single consignees under one container is not permitted.

Kuwait documentation procedures require a commercial invoice, certificate of origin, packing list, and a bill of lading for all commercial shipments.

Certain products may require additional licenses or certificates.

All import cargoes must be palletized.

Non-compliance of the same will lead to penalties which will be imposed on the Consignee.