China sourcing agent for Qatar buyers

Qatar imports most of what it uses, and demand from construction, hospitality and retail stays strong. Our Qatari clients include contractors and fit-out companies, hotel and restaurant groups, retailers and traders, and businesses buying furniture, lighting, packaging and equipment.

Many of these orders are for projects with fixed deadlines. That makes it more important to check the factory before ordering and the goods before shipping, so a container doesn't arrive late or with the wrong finishes.

For project orders from several suppliers, we can collect everything at one warehouse in China and ship it together, so the goods arrive at the same time. Our CBM calculator shows how much container space your order needs.

Qatar applies the GCC common customs tariff. For most goods that means 5% customs duty on the CIF value, the cost of the goods plus insurance and freight. Some goods carry higher rates, and some are exempt, so check your product's tariff code with your customs broker.

Qatar has not introduced VAT, so imports don't pay it, unlike in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Qatar has said it plans to introduce VAT eventually, so check the current position before you set your prices. Our landed cost calculator shows the full cost per unit.

To import commercially, your company needs the right trading activity on its commercial registration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and a customs code from the General Authority of Customs. Declarations are submitted and duties paid through Al Nadeeb, Qatar's electronic customs single window, usually by a licensed customs broker.

Some products need approval from the relevant authority before they can be imported or sold. Food and food-contact items go through the Ministry of Public Health, telecom and wireless equipment through the Communications Regulatory Authority, and many other regulated goods have to meet Qatari or GCC standards.

Ask the supplier for existing test reports and certificates as early as possible. We check that the goods match them during our pre-shipment inspection.

• Detailed commercial invoice and packing list.
• Bill of lading or air waybill.
• Certificate of origin from the exporting country.
• Approvals or certificates for regulated products.

1. 1We find factories that make your product, visit them and check their registration.
2. 2We collect and check samples and finishes, then send them to Doha together.
3. 3We follow production in Chinese, keep to your project timeline and inspect the goods before you pay the balance.
4. 4We arrange freight to Hamad Port with partner forwarders and check the documents before shipping.

Supplying a hotel or restaurant project? See how we handle hotel, restaurant and café procurement. Many Qatari buyers also visit suppliers in person, and we can plan a business trip to China or the Canton Fair.