 RESTRICTED  
  
WT/TPR/S/408  
9 February 2021  
(21-1042) Page: 1/97 
Trade Policy Review Body   
 
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
REPORT BY THE SECRETARIAT  
QATAR 
This report, prepared for the third Trade Policy Review of Qatar, has been drawn up by the WTO 
Secretariat on its own responsibility. The Secretariat has, as required by the Agreement establishing 
the Trade Policy Review Mechanism (Annex 3 of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World 
Trade Organization), sought clarification from Qatar on its trade policies and practices.  
 
Any technical questions arising from this report may be addressed to Mr Mark Koulen 
(tel: 022 739 5224); Mr Cato Adrian (tel: 022 739 5469); Ms Zheng Wang (tel: 022 739 5288) and 
Ms Takako Ikezuki (tel: 022 739 5534).  
 
Document WT/TPR/G/408 contains the policy statement submitted by Qatar.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: This report is subject to restricted circulation and press embargo until the end of the first 
session of the meeting of the Trade Policy Review Body on Qatar. This report was drafted in English.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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CONTENTS  
SUMMARY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  6 
1   ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  ................................ ................................ ........................  10 
1.1   Main Features of the Economy  ................................ ................................ ..................... 10 
1.2   Recent Economic Developments  ................................ ................................ ................... 10 
1.3   Developments in Trade and Investment  ................................ ................................ ........ 16 
1.3.1    Trends and patterns in merchandise and services trade  ................................ ................ 16 
1.3.2    Trends and patterns in FDI  ................................ ................................ ....................... 19 
2   TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES ................................ ................................ ...........  21 
2.1   General Framework  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....21 
2.2   Trade Policy Formulation and Objectives  ................................ ................................ ........ 22 
2.3   Trade Agreements and Arrangements  ................................ ................................ ........... 24 
2.3.1    WTO ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 24 
2.3.2    Regional and preferential agreements  ................................ ................................ ........ 26 
2.3.2.1    Regional trade agreements  ................................ ................................ .................... 26 
2.3.2.1.1    Gulf Cooperation Council Customs Union  ................................ ............................... 27 
2.3.2.1.2    RTAs signed by the GCC  ................................ ................................ ...................... 28 
2.3.2.1.3    Pan-Arab Free Trade Area (PAFTA)  ................................ ................................ .......29 
2.3.3    Other agreements and arrangements  ................................ ................................ ......... 29 
2.4   Investment Regime  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....30 
2.4.1    Foreign investment  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..30 
2.4.2    Business environment  ................................ ................................ .............................. 31 
2.4.3    Bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and double taxation agreements (DTAs)  ................... 32 
2.4.4    E-commerce  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 32 
3   TRADE POLICIES  AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  ................................ ........................  34 
3.1   Measures Directly Affecting Imports  ................................ ................................ .............. 34 
3.1.1    Customs procedures, valuation, and requirements  ................................ ....................... 34 
3.1.1.1    Customs valuation  ................................ ................................ ................................ 35 
3.1.2    Rules of origin  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 35 
3.1.3    Tariffs  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 35 
3.1.3.1    WTO bindings  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......38 
3.1.3.2    Preferential tariffs  ................................ ................................ ................................ .40 
3.1.3.3    Tariff exemptions and reductions  ................................ ................................ ............ 41 
3.1.4    Other charges affecting imports  ................................ ................................ ................. 43 
3.1.5    Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  ................................ ............................ 43 
3.1.6    Anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures  ................................ ................ 44 
3.2   Measures Directly Affecting Exports  ................................ ................................ .............. 45 
3.2.1    Customs procedures and requirements  ................................ ................................ .......45 
3.2.2    Taxes, charges, and levies  ................................ ................................ ........................ 45 
3.2.3    Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  ................................ ............................. 45 WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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  3.2.4    Export support and promotion  ................................ ................................ ................... 46 
3.2.5    Export finance, insurance, and  guarantees  ................................ ................................ ..46 
3.3   Measures Affecting Production and Trade  ................................ ................................ .......46 
3.3.1    Incentives  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 46 
3.3.2    Standards and other technical requirements  ................................ ............................... 49 
3.3.3    Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements  ................................ ................................ ....53 
3.3.4    Competition policy and price controls  ................................ ................................ ......... 55 
3.3.4.1    Competition policy  ................................ ................................ ................................ 55 
3.3.4.2    Price controls ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 56 
3.3.5    State trading, state -owned enterprises, and privatization  ................................ ............. 57 
3.3.5.1    State trading  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 57 
3.3.5.2    State -owned enterprises (SOEs) and privatization  ................................ ..................... 58 
3.3.6    Government procurement  ................................ ................................ ......................... 59 
3.3.7    Intellectual property rights (IPRs)  ................................ ................................ .............. 60 
3.3.7.1    Overview  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 60 
3.3.7.2    Economic policy context  ................................ ................................ ......................... 61 
3.3.7.3    Industrial property rights  ................................ ................................ ....................... 62 
3.3.7.4    Copyright and related rights  ................................ ................................ ................... 63 
3.3.7.5    Enforcement  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 63 
4   TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  ................................ ................................ .....................  64 
4.1   Mining and Energy  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......64 
4.1.1    Natural gas  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 64 
4.1.2    Crude petroleum  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......66 
4.2   Services  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 66 
4.2.1    Financial services  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....67 
4.2.1.1    Banking  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 68 
4.2.1.2    Insurance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 72 
4.2.1.3    Capital markets  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....74 
4.2.2    Communications  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......75 
4.2.2.1    Telecommunications  ................................ ................................ .............................. 75 
4.2.2.1.1    Overview  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 75 
4.2.2.1.2    Regulatory framework  ................................ ................................ ........................ 76 
4.2.2.2    Postal services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......77 
4.2.3    Transportation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 78 
4.2.3.1    Civil aviation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 78 
4.2.3.2    Maritime transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ 79 
4.2.4    Tourism  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 81 
5   APPENDIX TABLES  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 87 
 WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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CHARTS  
 
Chart 1.1 Economically active population (15 years and older) by nationality, 2014 -19 ............... 10 
Chart 1.2 Composition of exports, including re -exports, 2014 -19 ................................ ............. 11 
Chart 1.3 Production composition of merchandise trade by HS sections/subheadings,  
2014 and 2019  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 17 
Chart 1.4 Direction of merchandise trade, 2014 and 2019  ................................ ....................... 18 
Chart 2.1 Overview of reciprocal trade, 2015  and 2019  ................................ .......................... 27 
Chart 3.1 Distribution of MFN tariff rates, 2020  ................................ ................................ ......36 
Chart 3.2 Average applied MFN tariff and bound rates, by HS section, 2020  .............................. 39 
Chart 3.3 Tariffs under preferential agreements, 2020  ................................ ............................ 41 
Chart 4.1 Total services exports and imports, 2015 -19 ................................ ........................... 67 
Chart 4.2 Interest rate spread, 2015 -19 ................................ ................................ ............... 71 
Chart 4.3 Bank credits and deposits, and loan -to-deposit ratios, 2015 -19 ................................ .71 
Chart 4.4 Insurance market by type (domest ic gross written premiums), 2019  .......................... 73 
Chart 4.5 Value of commercial vessels, 2019  ................................ ................................ ......... 80 
Chart 4.6 International tourist arrivals, 2014 -20 ................................ ................................ ....82 
 
TABLES  
 
Table 1.1 Selected basic macroeconomic indicators, 2014 -20 ................................ .................. 12 
Table 1.2 GDP by economic activity, 2014 -20 ................................ ................................ ........ 13 
Table 1.3 Balance of payments, 2014 -20 ................................ ................................ .............. 14 
Table 1.4 Trade in services, 2014 -19 ................................ ................................ .................... 19 
Table 2.1 Main trade - and investment -related legislation, 2020  ................................ ............... 24 
Table 2.2 Qatar's notifications to the WTO, 1 January 2015 - 31 December 2020  ....................... 25 
Table 2.3 Qatar's double taxation agreements  ................................ ................................ .......32 
Table 3.1 Structure of applied MFN tariffs, 2013 and 2 020 ................................ ...................... 37 
Table 3.2 Applied MFN tariff summary, 2020  ................................ ................................ ......... 37 
Table 3.3 Tariff line where applied rate exceeds bound tariff rate  ................................ ............. 39 
Table 3.4 Key features of customs duty exemptions and reductions  ................................ ......... 42 
Table 3.5 GCC anti -dumping measures in force, 30 June 2020  ................................ ................. 45 
Table 3.6 Main financial support progr ammes provided by the QDB  ................................ .......... 48 
Table 3.7 List of restricted products by QS according to technical regulations  ............................ 50 
Table 3.8 Labelling requirements for selected product groups  ................................ .................. 52 
Table 3.9 Commodities and services subject to price controls  ................................ .................. 57 
Table 3.10 Certain SOEs, 2020  ................................ ................................ ............................ 58 
Table 3.11 Fees for IPR registration and certification  ................................ .............................. 61 
Table 3.12 IP rights applied and registered, 2015 -19 ................................ .............................. 62 
Table 4.1 Corporate structure of Qatargas  ................................ ................................ ............. 65 
Table 4.2 Rights and licence holders in the crude oil sector  ................................ ..................... 66 
Table 4.3 Financial system, 2015 -19 ................................ ................................ .................... 68 WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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  Table 4.4 Registered banks, December 2019  ................................ ................................ ......... 69 
Table 4.5 Banking sector financial soundness indicators, 2015 -19 ................................ ............ 70 
Table 4.6 Selected prudential requ irements  ................................ ................................ ........... 70 
Table 4.7 Insurance and reinsurance companies, as at December 2019  ................................ ....72 
Table 4.8 Selected insurance indicators, 2015 -19 ................................ ................................ ...74 
Table 4.9 Capital markets overview, 2015 -19 ................................ ................................ ........ 74 
Table 4.10 Selected telecommunications indicators, 2015 –19 ................................ .................. 75 
Table 4.11 Selected indicators of air transport, 2015 -19 ................................ ......................... 78 
Table 4.12 Number of vessels and dead -weight tonnage, 2015 -19 ................................ ........... 79 
Table 4.13 Overview of tourism sector, 2 015-19 ................................ ................................ ....82 
Table 4.14 Main legal framework  ................................ ................................ ......................... 84 
 
BOXES  
 
Box 1.1 Qatar Investment Authority  ................................ ................................ ..................... 11 
 
APPENDIX TABLES  
 
Table A1.1 Merchandise exports by HS sections and major HS chapters/subheadings,  
2014-19 ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 87 
Table A1.2 Merchandise imports by HS sec tions and major HS chapters/subheadings,  
2014-19 ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 88 
Table A1.3 Merchandise exports by destination, 2014 -19 ................................ ........................ 89 
Table A1.4 Merchandise imports by origin, 2014 -19 ................................ ............................... 90 
 
Table A3.1 Prohibited goods  ................................ ................................ ................................ 91 
Table A3.2 Restricted goods  ................................ ................................ ................................ 92 
 
 
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SUMMARY  
1. Qatar is a hydrocarbon -rich country with a small indigenous population relative to its 
expatriate community. Some 1.9 million foreign workers constitute approximately 95% of the 
economically active population. Per capita GDP amounted to USD 62,800 in 2019. As stated in Qatar 
National Vision 2030, Qatar is pursuing economic diversification in t he coming decade, seeking to 
build an economy less reliant on petroleum resources and with a larger private sector. Construction 
of infrastructure for the staging of the FIFA World Cup 2022 was a major economic stimulus, but 
most of these projects were finalized or are about to be completed.  
2. Qatar experienced three economic shocks during the review period. The first shock began in 
2014, as declining oil prices had a knock -on effect on the price of natural gas, Qatar's main export 
and source of government r evenue. Measures were taken to rein in government expenditures, and 
fiscal discipline was maintained , as gas prices partially recovered in 2017 and 2018. Building on the 
reform of domestic fuel pricing in 2016, when prices were increased to world market le vels, followed 
by regular adjustments to mirror movements in international fuel prices, utility prices (water and 
electricity) were also raised for businesses and non -Qatari households.  
3. The second shock occurred in June 2017 when the Kingdom of Bahrain, Eg ypt, the Kingdom 
of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates severed economic and trade ties, and most transport 
links with Qatar. The dispute officially ended on 5 January 2021. The embargo resulted in significant 
negative short -term effects, including capital flight. However, Qatar tap ped into its sovereign wealth 
fund, which may be called upon in urgent situations , to stabilize the economy. As for trade, minor 
effects of the diplomatic rift were felt mainly on the import side. The drop in Gulf Cooperation Council 
(GCC) trade was met with increased imports from other sources, notably the United States, Turkey, 
and Oman. The import shares of the E uropean  Union, China, and India also rose compared with 
2014. Asian countries absorb over 80% of Qatar 's exports, which are dominated by sales of liquefied 
natural gas (LNG), crude oil , and other petroleum products.  
4. The most recent worldwide shock, the COVID -19 pandemic, also affected Qatar. Subjected to 
strict quarantine measures, many businesses close d temporarily or operate d with reduced capacity 
during 2020. The authorities responded with several mitigation measures, including a QAR 75 billion 
stimulus package for the private sector, capital injections in the stock market, and additional liquidity 
to the banking sector to facilitate new lending and the postponement of loan repayments.  
5. The Qatari riyal is pegged to the US dollar. The monetary policy implemented by the central 
bank is consequently geared to the management of short -term interbank interest rates to sustain 
the fixed parity. Except for COVID -19 relief measures, the fiscal consolidation process continues. 
Qatar's current account was in deficit in 2016 for the first time in nearly 20 years. The surplus was 
subsequently restored, althou gh effects of the pandemic may weaken the balance in the near term.  
6. Qatar continues to improve its trade and investment environment by, inter alia , increasing 
transparency through the launch of the e -government portal, the legal portal, and the e -commerce 
portal; restructuring the ministries and agencies related to trade and investment , including the 
establishment of the Planning and Statistics Authority, the Investment Promotion Agency (IPA), the 
General Tax Authority, and the reorganization of the Ministr y of Economy and Commerce into the 
Ministry of Commerce and Industry; and amending and revising legislation on foreign direct 
investment  (FDI) , intellectual property rights (IPR)  protection, anti -money laundering, and incentive 
schemes. The law on FDI was repealed and replaced by Law No.  1 of 2019, which allows foreign 
ownership of up to 100% (up from 49%) in almost all economic sectors. Amendments to legislation 
on free zones, income tax, and foreign ownership and use of properties, as well as the establis hment 
of the IPA, all aim at attracting more investment. The Law Organizing the Partnership between Public 
and Private Sectors entered into force in 2020, aiming to increas e the participation of the private 
sector in the economy and encouraging competition . Qatar is making efforts to promote e -
commerce, through measures to strengthen the regulatory framework, enhance delivery, enable e -
payment, and empower e -merchants. According to the most recent investment survey available, 
FDI accounted for approximately  17% of the assets held by non -residents at the end of 2018. Almost 
90% of the inward FDI relates to the oil and gas sector, either in exploration and production as such 
or in associated manufacturing, transportation, and marketing activities.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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  7. Qatar is act ively engaged in WTO activities and is strongly committed to the multilateral 
trading system. In 2016, it deposited its instrument of acceptance of the 2005 Protocol Amending 
the TRIPS Agreement, and in June 2017 it ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation Agre ement (TFA). All 
provisions in Section  1 of the TFA , except for Article  7.7 (Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized 
Operators), were designated as Category A commitments. According to the authorities, the 
Authorized Economic Operator programme has been  in place since 26 January 2019, and Qatar has 
accordingly implemented all of its obligations under the TFA. Qatar made  notifications to the WTO 
in a number of areas, although some notifications require updating or renewal, specifically those on 
agricultur e, import licensing procedures, subsidies, state -trading enterprises, and the General 
Agreement on Trade in Services . During the review period, Qatar was involved in four dispute 
settlement cases as a complainant, and one as a respondent. Qatar is a GCC member, and a party 
to the Pan -Arab Free Trade Area (PAFTA) Agreement. As a GCC member, Qatar has regional trade 
agreements with Singapore, and with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) States.  
8. Qatar applies the GCC common external tariff . Tariffs remain low and relatively simple. Almost 
all (99.3% ) tariff lines carry ad valorem  duties, and most tariffs  are at 5%  (87.5% of total tariff 
lines). Mixed duties apply to most tobacco products (0.2% of total tariff lines). The 2020 average 
applie d most-favoured -nation ( MFN) tariff, at 5.1%, was up slightly from 5% in 2013, mainly due 
to changes in the tariff nomenclature , as well as to increases in customs duty rates for 
preserved/processed fruit products containing alcohol, electronic smoking dev ices, and electrical 
appliances.  Tariffs on agricultural products (WTO definition) remain higher (simple average of 7.7%) 
than on non -agricultural products (4. 6%). All tariff lines are bound; the simple average bound tariff 
was 15.9%, more than three times  higher than the simple average applied MFN rate of 5.1% . In 
2020, the applied MFN tariff rates for 38 lines at the HS 8 -digit level (mainly products containing 
alcohol and steel products) exceeded their bindings. In addition to duty -free treatment to all imports 
from GCC and PAFTA members, Qatar grants preferences on a reciprocal basis to EFTA States and 
Singapore ( over 95% of tariff lines  receive  duty-free treatment ). In response to the COVID -19 
pandemic , Qatar implemented a temporary exemption of customs  duties on food and medical goods 
for nine months  in 2020.  
9. On 1 January 2019, Qatar began to impose excise tax on specific goods considered harmful 
to human health, i.e. tobacco, energy drinks, carbonated drinks, and  "special purpose goods " 
(alcohol and po rk). The tax rate is 50% on carbonated drinks and 100% on all other goods subject 
to the tax. Qatar has yet to  implement  the GCC Unified Agreement for Value Added Tax, which 
foresees the imposition of VAT at a standard rate of 5% on goods and services.  
10. Qatar prohibits or restricts the importation of certain goods for reasons of security, health, or 
religion. The list of prohibited goods is relatively short, while the restricted list now covers some 
1,240 eight -digit tariff line items. Qatar is party to sev eral international environmental conventions 
that allow or mandate restrictions on imports and/or exports of goods. Trade remedy measures are 
implemented within a common GCC framework. The GCC Office of the Technical Secretariat carried 
out several anti -dumping investigations during the review period, resulting in the imposition of duties 
on ceramic tiles, certain electric lead -acid accumulators, and containerboard. The WTO Committee 
on Safeguards was notified of certain ongoing investigations, but these ar e proceeding without the 
imposition of provisional measures.  
11. Tasdeer, Qatar's export development agency , was launched in 2011 to help boost non -
hydrocarbon exports. It operates within the Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and is financed through 
its budget. Th e QDB provides Qatari SMEs and start -ups with a wide range of supports, including 
credit guarantee, export finance, export insurance, direct lending, and legal advisory services.  
12. Qatar provid es incentives, in the form of fiscal and financial support, to in vestment  projects 
in free zones and to SMEs. In 2018, the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) was established as an 
independent entity to develop and regulate free zones. Currently, Qatar has two free zones. Benefits 
to enterprises located in the zones inclu de 20 -year corporate tax holidays, import tariff exemptions, 
potential access to an investment fund, quality infrastructure, and 100% ownership and full capital 
repatriation for foreign investors. In addition to free zones overseen by  the QFZA, there are special 
free zones, such as the Qatar Science and Technology Park and the Qatar Financial Centre, where 
the Government provides certain supports to attract technology institutes and international financial 
business.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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13. The legal and inst itutional framework for standards has remained largely unchanged since the 
previous Review . The General Organization for Standardization is the competent body responsible 
for standards and technical regulations in Qatar. At the GCC level, Qatar is a member  of the GCC 
Standardization Organization (GSO ). As at November 2020, Qatar had 22,240 standards, of which 
1,130 were mandat ory and 29 were national. According to the authorities, 96% of the total approved 
standards are based on international standards. Qat ar made 267 notifications to the WTO from 2014 
to 31  November 2020. The y cover, inter alia , animal and food products, tyres, cosmetics, tobacco, 
and electric and electronic equipment. Some WTO Members in the Technical Barriers to Trade ( TBT) 
Committee raised specific trade concerns (STCs) about Qatar's technical regulations on animal 
products, energy drinks, halal feedstuff, motor vehicles, restrictions on hazardous substances in 
electrical and electronic equipment, and shelf -life requirements for cheese.  During the review period, 
Qatar implemented several marking and labelling rules, including the Qatari Quality Mark, nutrition 
information labels , and labels on cosmetics and on motor vehicles . 
14. Qatar's sanitary and phytosanitary ( SPS) regime has remained  largely unchanged since the 
previous Review . During the review period, Qatar implemented several initiatives aiming to ensure 
a balance between food safety and trade facilitation. These include an electronically managed food 
control system, a food registratio n system, and the Global Partners System (E -Certificate Exchange 
Program) . Qatar made 93 notifications under the SPS Agreement from 2014 to 31  November 2020. 
They cover, inter alia , food products including fruits and vegetables, meat, cereals and pulses, a nd 
dairy products. Of these, 74 were joint notifications made with the other GCC member States plus 
Yemen.  In July 2017, at the WTO SPS Committee, one STC was raised concerning a proposed GCC 
Guide for Control on Imported Foods . In this regard, the GCC ann ounced that the implementation 
of the Guide was suspended until further notice . 
15. Since the previous Review, no change has been made to the legislative or the institutional 
framework on competition, although the authorities indicate that new laws on competit ion and on 
price controls are being prepared. Certain essential goods and services, including milk and dairy 
products, meat, vegetables, fruits, fish and seafood, vehicles, building materials, clothing and 
fabrics, restaurant services, and e -marketing serv ice fees and delivery fees, are subject to maximum 
prices.  
16. Qatar notified to the WTO that it does not maintain any state -trading enterprises; however, 
the State grants exclusive rights to some enterprises to import or export certain products. State -
owned enterprises (SOEs) dominate sectors such as oil and gas and minerals, as well as a number 
of services sectors. Qatar's public procurement regime underwent significant changes during the 
review period: the new law on public procurement, which entered into f orce in 2016 and was 
amended again in 2018, decentralized the tendering process. Domestically produced products qualify 
for a price preference of 10% in public procurement.  
17. Qatar implemented reforms to its IPR protection system with a view to promoting th e 
development of a knowledge economy. It promulgated new legislation on the protection of industrial 
designs and models in 2020, and launched its online trademark registration service in 2017 as its 
first step in implementing an online IPR registration sys tem. During the review period, Qatar joined 
several international agreements and treaties on IPR protection, such as the Budapest Treaty, the 
Rome Convention, the Marrakesh Treaty, and the Beijing Treaty. However, the number of patent 
and trademark applica tions filed by Qatari residents remains low, and the regulation to implement 
the Copyright Law has not been issued, resulting in the delayed implementation of the Law .  
18. Qatar holds the world's third largest reserves of natural gas. A moratorium on the further 
development of the giant North Field was initiated in 2005 and subsequently extended. However, 
the North Field Expansion Project announced in September 2018 intends to boost Qatar's capacity 
to produce LNG from 77 million tonnes per year at present to 126 million tonnes by 2025. The 
expansion will reinforce Qatar's position as the world's leading exporter of LNG. Qatar left the 
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries ( OPEC ) on 1 January 2019, when it accounted 
for less than 2% of the cartel members' production.   
19. The wholly state -owned Qatar Petroleum (QP) is the Government's vehicle to develop Qatar's 
abundant resources of oil and gas sustainably and ensure t he continued growth of the national 
industry. Its daughter company Qatargas, which includes joint ventures between QP and foreign 
partners, is the world's largest LNG -producing company. QP also engage s in a range of downstream 
activities domestically throu gh its subsidiaries and joint ventures. In addition, QP is the marketing WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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  agent for the wholly state -owned Qatar Petroleum for the Sale of Petroleum Products Company Ltd. , 
which  holds exclusive rights to sell certain petroleum products on behalf of the prod ucing entities to 
customers outside Qatar. Crude petroleum was added to the list of regulated products with effect 
from 1 January 2018 . 
20. The expansion of the services sector is an important part of Qatar's efforts to diversify its 
economy. The services sect or currently accounts for approximately 40% of GDP. The sector remains 
dominated by several SOEs, e.g. in telecommunications, postal services, and transport services 
including civil aviation and port management. Qatar's financial services sector is sound, with strong 
profitability and capital. Under the Qatar Central Bank and Regulation of Financial Institutions Law, 
foreign bank branches can operate in Qatar after obtaining licences from the Qatar Central Bank. As 
money and property in Qatar cannot be insu red outside the country, insurance services are provided 
by domestic insurance companies and foreign insurance branches.  
21. Qatar has a high level of telecom maturity. Major players in the market are Ooredoo and 
Vodafone Qatar, which are 70% and 62% owned by  the State, respectively. Foreign investment of 
up to 100% is allowed in telecommunications services. The Telecommunications Law was amended 
in 2017 to, inter alia , strengthen the executive powers of the sectoral regulator – the 
Communications Regulatory A uthority, which is also in charge of competition -related issues in this 
sector. Postal services are exclusively reserved for Qatar Post, a 100% state -owned company. No 
specific rules apply to courier services, which are provided by four international opera tors. 
22. Before the outbreak of the COVID -19 pandemic, the civil aviation sector developed quickly, 
pushed by the robust growth of the economy and diversification efforts. Mail delivered by air almost 
quadrupled from 2015 to 2019, perhaps reflecting fast -growing online cross -border shopping 
activities. Foreign equity of up to 49% is allowed in civil aviation services. More than half (88 of 169) 
of Qatar's air services agreements cover up to the 5th freedom of traffic rights, i.e. the right to fly 
between two f oreign countries on a flight originating or ending in one's own country. Foreign -flagged 
vessels play an important role in maritime transport, accounting for 52% of vessels and carrying 
80% of the total dead -weight tonnage. Gas carriers accounted for more than 90% of commercial 
vessels.  
23. Qatar continued to promote itself as a premium tourism destination. After a sharp decline in 
tourist arrivals in mid -2017, arrivals started to rise, and in 2019 Qatar welcomed 2.1 million  visitors. 
Qatar continued to promote  meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions activities; this 
subsector expanded robustly , with an annual average growth rate of 44% during 2014 -19. Qatar 
was ranked 51st out of 140 countries in the World Economic Forum's 2019 Travel & Tourism 
Compet itiveness Report and was the second -highest -ranked economy in the Middle East.  However, 
following the worldwide outbreak of COVID -19, Qatar's tourism industry was severely affected.  In 
response,  the Government  launched the Qatar Clean initiative to ensure the highest levels of hygiene 
and safety in tourist establishments. As such, hotels, restaurants, and other tourist attractions were 
able to reopen, on a limited basis, to the domestic market (i.e. Qatar i residents).  
24. The Qatar National Tourism Council , which replaced the Qatar Tourism Authority in 2018 , 
regulates the tourism industry. During the review period, Qatar amended the Tourism Law and 
issued new legislation on business events . In September 2017, Qatar launched the Next Chapter  of 
the Qatar Nationa l Tourism Sector Strategy 2030 for the period 2017 -23, aiming to achieve a target 
of 5.6 million tourist arrivals by 2023 by focusing on , inter alia , streamlining regulatory processes; 
diversify ing products , services , and source markets ; and promoting investment opportunities. 
Examples include the e -licensing system, and policies that help enable  easy access to Qatar . 
Reflecting these reform measures , in 2018, the United Nations World Tourism Organization ranked 
Qatar as the most open co untry in the Middle East (and 8th in the world) . The Government also 
provides several incentives, including tax exemptions for foreign -invested projects and support for 
tourism start -ups, SMEs , and entrepreneurs . 
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 1  ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
1.1  Main Features of the Economy  
1.1.  Qatar is a Gulf country rich in petroleum resources, particularly of natural gas, with a population 
totalling 2.8 million. The population grew rapidly until 2017, due to a steady influx of foreign workers. 
The indig enous population is relatively small compared with the expatriate community. In 2019, the 
nearly 108,000 employed Qataris constituted just over 5% of the economically active population 
(Chart 1.1). As the expatriate workforce is predominantly male, the fem ale participation rate in the 
job market is low (less than 14%). However, the ratio is much higher within the Qatari population 
and on a rising trend (36.6% in 2019). GDP per capita declined in the review period, but nevertheless 
amounted to USD 6 2,800 in 2019.  
Chart 1.1 Economically active population (15 years and older ) by nationality, 2014 -19 
 
Source:  Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA), Annual Bulletin Labour Force Sample Survey , 2018 and 
2019.  
1.2.  The aim of Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030), launched in 2008, is to transform Qatar 
into an advanced country capable of sustaining its own development and providing a high standard 
of living for all of its people for generations to come by 2030. Qata r seeks to develop an economy 
that is diversified and thus less dependent on hydrocarbons, with investment moving towards 
knowledge -based industries and a private sector that is growing in importance. QNV 2030 is 
implemented through consecutive five -year N ational Development Strategies. The ongoing Second 
National Development Strategy highlights manufacturing, finance, professional and scientific 
activities, tourism, logistics, and information and communication as priority sectors.  
1.2  Recent Economic Developm ents 
1.3.  Although Qatar's exports of natural gas, refined products, and petrochemicals are more 
significant than its exports of crude oil, the economy was negatively affected by the decline in oil 
prices that accelerated during 2014 with subsequent knock -on ef fects on gas prices (Chart 1.2). 
Export receipts and government revenue fell markedly. GDP measured in current prices contracted 
between 2014 and 2016.  
05001,0001,5002,0002,500
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018  2019Qataris Non-QatarisGraph 1. [QAT] Economically active population (15 years and above) by nationality, 2014 -19 
Number ('000)
Planning and Statistics Authority, Annual Bulletin Labour force sample survey, 2018 and 2019. Source: WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 Chart 1.2 Composition of exports, including re -exports, 2014 -19 
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on PSA, Foreign Trade Portal . Viewed at: 
https://www.psa.gov.qa/en/statistics1/ft/Pages/default.aspx ; and World Bank, Commodity Markets.  
 Viewed at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/research/commodity -markets .  
1.4.  A second shock to  the economy occurred in June 2017, as the Kingdom of Bahrain, Egypt, the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates decided to sever economic and trade ties, 
and most transport links, with Qatar. Although the short -term effects of the diplomati c rift and 
resulting economic blockade were severe, Qatar's reserves allowed it to implement policies that 
quickly restored economic stability. Liquidity challenges arose in the banking system, as interbank 
placements, non -resident deposits, and resident p rivate -sector deposits fell by some USD 40 billion 
(11% of total bank liabilities).1 However, this bout of capital flight was countered by a sharp increase 
in the foreign currency deposits of public -sector enterprises in the second half of 2017.2 The 
stabilizing function of the sovereign wealth fund proved particularly pertinent, as its reserves may 
be called upon to support Qatar in an extreme emergency (Box 1.1).  
Box 1.1 Qatar Investment Authority  
The Government created the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar, in 2005. 
The Government exercises ownership through the Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investment, 
which assigns state reserve funds for the QIA to de velop, invest, and manage. The QIA is mandated to 
invest, diversify, and grow the State's sovereign reserves to create value for future generations. The fund 
supports the economy by investing in local companies, and it provides liquidity to the State when needed.  
The QIA is a founding member of the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds and a co -author of the 
Generally Accepted Principles and Practices set out by this group – more widely known as the Santiago 
Principles. The QIA reviews its activiti es and procedures regularly in light of these principles.  
According to the authorities, the QIA is a professional and sophisticated investment organization, capable of 
attracting top talent both locally and globally. In 2015, a subsidiary, the Qatar Inves tment Authority Advisory 
(USA), was established in New York to focus on potential investments in North America.  
In 2017, the QIA became a founding member of the One Planet Sovereign Wealth Fund Initiative, which 
integrates climate change considerations int o financial decision -making. The One Planet Sovereign Wealth 
Fund Framework, which the QIA helped draft, was published in July 2018. The Framework is the first ever 
 
1 International Monetary Fund (2018), Qatar: 2018 Article  IV Consultation –Press Release; Staff Report; 
and Statement by the Executive Director for Qatar , IMF Country Report No. 18/135 . Viewed at: 
https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/CR/Issues/2018/05/30/Qatar -2018-Article -IV-Consultation -Press -
Release -Staff-Report -and-Statement -by-the-Execu tive-45915 . 
2 Qatar Central Bank (2017), The Forty First Annual Report . 
020406080100120140
 2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019Petroleum gases (liquefied natural gas)
Crude oil
Other fuels
Non-fuel products
020406080100120
0.02.04.06.08.010.012.014.016.018.0
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019Natural gas, US
Natural gas, Europe
Liquefied natural gas, Japan
Crude oil, average (right-scale)Graph 1. [QAT] Composition of exports, including re -exports, 2014 -19 
(USD billion) (USD/mmbtu)
ExportsPrices
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on PSA, Foreign Trade Portal. 
Viewed at: https://www.psa.gov.qa/en/statistics1/ft/Pages/default.aspx; 
and World Bank, Commodity Markets. 
Viewed at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/research/commodity -markets.  (USD/bbl)WT/TPR/S/ 408• Qatar  
 
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 set of guidelines for the sovereign wealth industry to help deliver on finance -related climate goals.  
The QIA invests across asset classes, sectors, and geographies in order to diversify the Qatari economy away 
from hydrocarbon dependency.  
In 2020, the QIA remained focused on generating sustainable returns to create better jobs, environments, 
and opportunities for future generations.  
Source:  Information provided by QIA officials.  
1.5.  The blockade's disruptions caused a temporary spike in food prices, but the successful 
development of new supply chains reversed the inflationary pressures throughout the economy. The 
blockade prompted a drive for self -sufficiency in some agricultural comm odities. The agricultural 
sector accordingly expanded, although from a very small base.  
1.6.  The oil price shock led to major declines in government revenue in 2015 and 2016. Qatar does 
not levy personal income taxes. Government revenue, principally from corpo rations, is thus sensitive 
to taxes on the net earnings of enterprises operating in the petroleum sector, as well as investment 
revenue transferred from Qatar Petroleum and other public corporations. The Government derives 
more than 80% of its budget reven ue from the oil and gas sector, and its sharply reduced profitability 
caused the fiscal balance to swing into a deficit, which was financed by a combination of domestic 
and external sources. The revenue shortfall continued into 2017, but the budget deficit  nevertheless 
declined due to measures to rein in expenditures, notably through reductions in the Government's 
wage bill and the delay of certain infrastructure projects (Table 1.1).3 
Table 1.1 Selected basic  macroeconomic indicators, 2014 -20 
 2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2019 
Jan.-
June  2020 
Jan.-
Junea 
GDP at current prices (QAR billion)  750.7  588.7  552.3  586.4  667.3  640.0  320.8  268.8  
GDP at current prices (USD billion)  206.2  161.7  151.7  161.1  183.3  175.8  88.1 73.8 
Real GDP percentage change  (in constant 
prices, base year 2018)  5.3 4.8 3.1 -1.5 1.2 0.8 1.1 -3.1 
     Mining and quarrying  -0.7 -0.8 -0.8 -2.3 -0.3 -1.8 -0.6 -0.7 
     Non-mining and quarrying  10.6 9.1 5.8 -1.0 2.2 2.4 2.2 -4.6 
Nominal GDP per capita (USD '000)  93.1 66.3  58.0  59.1  66.4  62.8  .. .. 
CPI (percentage change)  3.3 1.8 2.7 0.4 0.3 -0.7 -0.9 -1.9 
Population (million)  2.2 2.4 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.8 .. .. 
Unemployment rate (%)  0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 .. .. 
     Qataris  0.9 0.8 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.3 .. .. 
     Non-Qataris  0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 .. .. 
GDP by type of expenditure (% of GDP at current prices)   
     Household consumption  15.8  22.3  25.7  25.5  23.0  24.5  24.5 26.8 
     Government consumption  15.5  20.2  19.5  17.6  16.3  18.5  18.4 23.6 
     Gross capital formation (GCF)b 31.8  37.1  48.9  42.6  40.7  42.6  41.6 41.2 
     Exports (goods and services, f.o.b.)  68.0  57.1  47.7  52.9  55.9  52.3  53.5 49.4 
     Imports (goods and services, f.o.b.)  31.0  36.6  41.8  38.6  35.9  38.0  38.1 41.0 
Central government finances (% of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)c 
Total revenue  .. 31.8 30.9 27.8 31.2 33.6 .. .. 
     Oil and gas  .. 26.0 25.5 22.7 25.9 26.6 .. .. 
     Miscellaneous  .. 5.8 5.5 5.2 5.2 7.0 .. .. 
Total expenditure  .. 32.5 40.1 34.7 28.9 32.6 .. .. 
     Wages and salaries  .. 6.3 10.7 9.1 8.3 9.6 .. .. 
     Current expenditure  .. 12.5 10.8 10.3 8.3 9.8 .. .. 
     Secondary capital  .. 5.3 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.6 .. .. 
     Major projects  .. 8.4 17.9 14.7 11.7 12.5 .. .. 
Surplus or deficit  .. -0.7 -9.2 -6.8 2.3 1.0 .. .. 
Oil revenue as a share of total revenue  .. 81.9 82.4 81.5 83.3 79.2 .. .. 
Public debt (% of GDP)d  
Central government debt  24.9 35.5 46.7 49.8 48.4 52.7 .. .. 
     External debt  8.9 12.5 21.0 18.8 21.5 26.0 .. .. 
     Domestic debt  16.0 23.1 25.7 31.0 26.9 26.7 .. .. 
External sector   
Exchange rates         
  
     QAR/USD  3.6 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.6 
     QAR/EUR  4.8 4.0 4.0 4.1 4.3 4.1 4.1 4.0 
     Nominal effective exchange rate  
    (percentage change; - depreciation)  1.1 8.8 2.4 0.6 -0.8 3.1 5.0 2.6 
     Real effective exchange rate  
    (percentage change; - depreciation)  .. 11.0 2.6 -1.1 -3.7 .. .. .. 
Current account (% of GDP)  24.0 8.5 -5.5 4.0 9.1 2.4 3.9 -1.9 
Workers' remittance outflows (USD billion)  11.1 12.0 11.8 12.6 11.4 11.8 5.9 4.7 
 
3 On average, public -sector wages exceeded those of the private sector by 71% in 2017.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2019 
Jan.-
June  2020 
Jan.-
Junea 
     % of GDP  5.4 7.4 7.8 7.8 6.2 6.7 6.7 6.3 
Total reserves (USD billion)  43.2 37.3 31.9 15.0 30.4 39.7 .. .. 
     Total reserves in months of imports  6.4 6.3 5.3 2.5 4.7 5.9 .. .. 
Oil and gas statistics   
Crude oil, average (USD/bbl) (nominal)e 96.2 50.8 42.8 52.8 68.3 61.4 .. .. 
Oil production (million tonnes)f 83.5 81.2 81.6 79.1 79.5 78.5 .. .. 
Crude oil and condensate production ('000 
barrels daily)f 1,508  1,463  1,465  1,432  1,427  1,405  .. .. 
Natural gas: production (billion cubic 
metres)f 169.5  174.9  173.6  168.6  176.5  178.1  .. .. 
      LNG exports (billion cubic metres)f 103.6  105.6  107.3  103.6  104.9  107.1  .. .. 
.. Not available.  
a Preliminary.  
b Includes statistical discrepancy.  
c For 2015, data covers 9 months (1 April to 31 December 2015) where the period was extended as 
per Law No.  2 of 2015 for amending the fiscal year to a calendar year. 2019 preliminary estimates.  
d Oil and gas revenue includes investment revenue transferred from  Qatar Petroleum. Based on IMF 
(2019), Qatar: Article  IV Consultation –Press Release; Staff Report , IMF Country Report No. 19/146, 
p. 30. 
e Crude oil price averages (Brent, Dubai, and WTI), based on World Bank Commodity Price Data. 
Average of crude oil.  
f Based on BP (2020), Statistical Review of World Energy , 69th ed.  
Source:  PSA, Statistics . Viewed at: https://www.psa.gov.qa/en/statistics1/Pages/default.aspx;  QCB, 
Statistics . Viewed at: http://www.qcb.gov.qa/English/Publications/Statistics/Pages/Statistics.aspx ;  
 IMF (2019), Qatar: Article  IV Consultation –Press Release; Staff Report , IMF Country Report No. 
19/146; IMF International Financial Statistics database. Viewed at: https://data.imf.org ; 
 UNCTAD Stat database. Viewed at: http://unctadstat.unctad.org/EN/ ; World Bank, World 
Development Indicators . Viewed at: http://datatopics.worldbank.org/world -develo pment -indicators/ ; 
World Bank, Commodity Markets . Viewed at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/research/commodity -
markets ; and BP (2020), Statistical Review of World Energy , 69th ed. Viewed  at: 
https://www.bp.com/content/dam/bp/business -sites/en/global/corporate/pdfs/energy -
economi cs/statistical -review/bp -stats-review -2020-full-report.pdf . 
1.7.  Sharply improved terms of trade in 2017 and 2018 restored the surpluses in Qatar's external 
accounts, aided its efforts of fiscal consolidation and financial stabilization, and facilitated the 
domestic economic rebound. The non -hydrocarbon sector, with particularly good momentum in 
manufacturing and construction, was the prime engine of economic growth in 2018. Although the 
construction sector performed less well towards the end of 2018, as several  FIFA World Cup 2022 
projects neared completion, targeted government expenditures on infrastructure to support the 
objectives of QNV 2030 will continue to boost construction activity.  Measured in current prices, the 
share of services in the economy has bee n well over 40% since 2015 . Construction and retail and 
wholesale trade emerged as new drivers of growth (Table 1.2). A visa -free entry programme was 
expanded to attract tourism.  
Table 1.2 GDP by economic act ivity, 2014 -20 
  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2019 
Jan.-
June  2020 
Jan.-
Junea 
Share of GDP %b at current prices  
  Agriculture, forestry and fishing  0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 
  Mining and quarrying  52.7 37.7 29.8 34.1 39.1 36.1 37.1 30.0 
  Manufacturing  10.2 8.9 8.5 8.1 8.3 7.8 7.7 7.1 
  Electricity, gas, steam  and air 
conditioning supply; water supply, 
sewerage, waste management and 
remediation activities  0.4 0.7 1.1 1.2 0.8 1.0 0.9 1.1 
  Construction  6.7 10.3 14.0 13.5 12.4 12.3 12.5 14.4 
  Services, of which:  29.9 42.2 46.5 43.0 39.2 42.6 41.6 47.0 
Wholesale and retail trade; repair 
of motor vehicles and motorcycles  6.4 8.8 8.5 8.1 7.5 7.9 7.2 6.9 
     Transportation and storage  2.1 3.7 4.5 3.8 3.9 4.4 4.4 4.6 
Accommodation and food service 
activities  0.8 1.1 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.9 0.8 0.8 
     Information and communication  1.2 1.7 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.6 WT/TPR/S/ 408• Qatar  
 
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   2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2019 
Jan.-
June  2020 
Jan.-
Junea 
     Financial and insurance activities  5.9 7.7 8.5 8.3 7.4 8.2 8.1 9.8 
     Real estate  4.6 6.6 7.8 7.4 6.4 6.5 6.4 7.3 
     Professional, scientific and technical  
activities; administrative and 
support service activities  2.3 3.3 3.8 3.7 3.2 3.2 3.4 3.7 
     Public administration and defence; 
compulsory social security  5.5 7.5 8.0 6.7 7.3 8.2 8.2 10.5 
Annual percentage change  (in constant prices, base year 2018 )  
  Agriculture, forestry and fishing  25.1 7.7 9.0 20.6 15.7 2.9 4.3 1.3 
  Mining and quarrying  -0.7 -0.8 -0.8 -2.3 -0.3 -1.8 -0.6 -0.7 
  Manufacturing  4.4 6.3 1.0 -0.8 6.7 -1.6 -3.9 -6.6 
  Electricity, gas, steam  and air 
conditioning supply; water supply, 
sewerage, waste management and 
remediation activities  14.9 7.2 4.1 0.9 -9.9 27.0 15.8 11.7 
  Construction  22.9 20.4 28.5 1.8 1.2 -1.7 -1.3 -3.6 
  Services, of which:  10.0 7.5 1.7 -1.9 1.5 3.5 3.6 -4.6 
Wholesale and retail trade; repair 
of motor vehicles and motorcycles  11.7 6.3 -10.7 -1.6 1.6 -0.3 -0.6 -17.2 
Transportation and storage  8.0 3.8 9.8 -0.7 7.7 9.2 9.9 -17.6 
Accommodation and food service 
activities  16.3 -3.9 -2.4 3.2 3.7 9.5 7.6 -23.2 
Information and communication  12.8 10.9 -3.3 -2.3 1.7 1.1 3.0 -1.1 
Financial and insurance activities  14.3 8.3 9.2 4.5 -1.6 3.1 1.9 3.7 
Real estate  10.3 9.7 6.2 4.8 4.3 2.0 2.9 0.0 
Professional, scientific  and 
technical activities; administrative 
and support service activities  5.5 11.4 5.4 0.3 -3.6 -1.7 -2.0 -6.0 
Public administration and defence; 
compulsory social security  8.2 7.7 -2.5 -12.3 18.2 6.3 6.4 7.2 
a Preliminary data.  
b Calculations are based on GDP excluding import duties.  
Source:  PSA, Quarterly National Accounts Bulletin (Second Quarter 2020) , Vol. 38 , November 2020.  
1.8.  The government budget returned to surplus in 2018, as public revenue from oil and gas rose 
by 30% while government expend itures remained restrained. Fiscal discipline was accompanied by 
measures to expand the revenue base. Building on the reform of domestic fuel pricing in 2016, when 
prices were increased to world market levels, followed by regular adjustments to mirror move ments 
in international fuel prices, utility prices (water and electricity) were also raised for businesses and 
non-Qatari households. Moreover, excise taxes on tobacco, certain beverages, and "special purpose 
goods" (alcohol and pork) were introduced with effect from 1 January 2019. However, the 
implementation of a 5% value added tax on goods and services has so far been put on hold.  
1.9.  Except in 2016, when Qatar's current account went into deficit for the first time in nearly 
20 years, it was in surplus throu ghout the review period (Table 1.3). The capital and financial 
account, which is volatile, was mostly in deficit. Another important element in Qatar's balance of 
payments is workers' remittances, which constitute an annual outflow of approximately 
USD 12 billion. The foreign currency reserves of the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) fell substantially from 
2014 to 2017, when they covered no more than 2.5 months of imports, but the reserves have 
subsequently been rebuilt with the rise in exports.  
Table 1.3 Balance of payments, 2014 -20 
(USD billion)  
  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019a 2019 
Jan.-
June  2020 
Jan.-
Junea 
Current account  49.4 13.8 -8.3 6.4 16.7 4.2 3.4 -1.4 
     Goods  95.6 48.8 25.4 36.7 51.0 41.6 21.6 14.0 
          Exports (f.o.b.)  126.7  77.3 57.3 67.5 84.3 72.9 37.4 26.7 
          Imports (f.o.b.)  -31.1 -28.5 -31.9 -30.8 -33.3 -31.4 -15.7 -12.7 
     Services  -19.3 -15.8 -16.4 -13.7 -14.2 -16.3 -8.0 -7.8 
          Services (credit)  13.5 15.0 15.2 17.7 18.3 19.1 9.8 9.8 WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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   2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019a 2019 
Jan.-
June  2020 
Jan.-
Junea 
               Travel  4.6 5.0 5.4 6.0 5.6 5.4 2.8 1.8 
               Transportation  6.4 7.4 7.6 10.2 10.1 10.7 5.4 5.7 
               Others  2.5 2.5 2.2 1.5 2.6 3.0 1.6 2.3 
          Services (debit)  -32.9 -30.8 -31.5 -31.4 -32.5 -35.4 -17.8 -17.6 
               Travel  -8.7 -8.2 -9.1 -9.6 -9.3 -9.5 -4.8 -3.3 
               Transportation  -12.1 -11.5 -11.0 -10.9 -11.4 -14.0 -6.8 -7.9 
               Others  -12.1 -11.1 -11.5 -10.9 -11.8 -12.0 -6.2 -6.3 
     Income  -9.3 -3.6 -1.1 -0.4 -3.7 -4.4 -1.8 -1.8 
          Income (credit)  7.4 7.8 7.1 8.6 8.0 8.9 4.7 5.0 
               Compensation of  
employees  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
               Investment income  7.4 7.8 7.1 8.6 8.0 8.9 4.7 5.0 
          Income (debit)  -16.7 -11.4 -8.2 -9.0 -11.8 -13.4 -6.5 -6.8 
Compensation of 
employees  -0.1 -0.2 -0.1 -0.2 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 
               Investment income  -16.6 -11.2 -8.1 -8.8 -11.6 -13.2 -6.5 -6.7 
     Current transfers  -17.5 -15.7 -16.2 -16.2 -16.4 -16.6 -8.4 -5.8 
          Credit  0.7 0.6 0.6 1.3 0.9 1.3 0.6 0.6 
          Debit  -18.2 -16.3 -16.8 -17.5 -17.3 -18.0 -9.0 -6.4 
of which workers' 
remittances  -11.1 -12.0 -11.8 -12.6 -11.4 -11.8 -5.9 -4.7 
Capital and financial account  -49.2 -19.7 3.8 -25.5 0.3 6.0 5.1 2.5 
     Capital account  -5.5 -0.7 -0.8 -0.5 -0.2 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 
     Financial account  -43.6 -18.9 4.6 -25.0 0.5 6.1 5.2 2.6 
          Direct investment  -5.7 -3.0 -7.1 -0.7 -5.7 -7.3 -4.9 -3.4 
               Abroad  -6.7 -4.0 -7.9 -1.7 -3.5 -4.5 -3.2 -1.1 
               In Qatar  1.0 1.1 0.8 1.0 -2.2 -2.8 -1.6 -2.3 
          Portfolio investment  -19.9 -16.5 6.1 9.2 -5.3 2.2 6.6 0.8 
               Assets  -16.7 -11.6 -10.1 11.4 -18.5 -10.5 -6.8 -7.9 
               Liabilities  -3.2 -4.9 16.2 -2.2 13.2 12.7 13.3 8.7 
          Financial derivatives, net  0.3 -0.1 0.1 -0.3 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.8 
          Other investment  -18.3 0.7 5.6 -33.2 11.3 11.2 3.5 4.3 
               Assets  -22.5 -19.0 -22.8 -11.1 -4.7 -9.8 -5.8 -0.6 
               Liabilities  4.2 19.6 28.4 -22.1 16.0 21.0 9.2 4.9 
Net errors and omissions  1.1 0.4 -1.2 1.2 -1.1 -0.8 -1.0 0.1 
Overall balance  1.3 -5.5 -5.6 -17.9 15.9 9.4 7.5 1.2 
Change in reserves (increase - ) -1.3 5.5 5.6 17.9 -15.9 -9.4 -7.5 -1.2 
a Preliminary estimates.  
Source:  QCB, Statistics . Viewed at: 
http://www.qcb.gov.qa/English/Publications/Statistics/Pages/Statistics.aspx . 
1.10.   Inflation was subdue d during the review period. Fuel prices increased following the 
deregulation and alignment with world market prices in 2016, but these price increases were offset 
by falling rents for housing and lower charges for water and other utilities.4 Consumer pric e inflation 
has been particularly low since 2017, and consistently negative since September 2018, except for 
one month (September 2019). A key element in the price stability policy is the peg of the Qatari 
riyal to the US dollar. The exchange rate has been  fixed at QAR 3.64 per dollar since July 2001. The 
monetary policy implemented by the QCB is thus geared to the management of short -term interbank 
interest rates to sustain the fixed parity of the national currency. The QCB raised its key policy rates 
in 2017 to track increases implemented by the US Federal Reserve, and again in 2018 (another four 
increases), but subsequently also lowered them in successive increments by 50 basis points in total 
in 2019. In its most recent move, the QCB reduced its deposit and repurchase rates by 100 basis 
points in March 2020.  
1.11.   According to the IMF, Qatar's economy adjusted successfully to the dual shocks of lower oil 
prices and the diplomatic rift, assisted by a prudent fiscal policy, an appropriate monetary anchor, 
 
4 The QCB real estate price index jumped by 82% from 2012 to 2016, but declined by 15% during 
2017-18 due to softer demand and increased availability of new properties.  WT/TPR/S/ 408• Qatar  
 
- 16 - 
 
 sound financial regulation and supervision frameworks, and cons iderable buffers. The fixed exchange 
rate regime remains appropriate in the IMF's view.5  
1.12.   Qatar has been severely affected by the COVID -19 pandemic. Its rates of registered infections 
per capita were at times among the highest in the world in 2020. Initia l measures taken by the 
authorities to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the economy and the financial sector included: 
(i) a QAR 75 billion stimulus package for the private sector , as announced by the Supreme 
Committee for Crisis Management; (ii)  the injection of QAR 10 billion into the stock market to boost 
investor sentiment; (iii)  a QAR 50 billion repo facility (at 0% interest) for domestic banks to allow 
affected enterprises to defer loan repayments for six months; (iv)  liquidity support to banks for the 
provision of new lending at low interest rates; and (v)  a National Guarantee Program (QAR  3 billion) 
to fund salary and rental payments in affected sectors for three months.6  
1.13.   Quarantine measures imposed due to the COVID -19 pandemic negative ly influence d the 
economic performance in the second quarter of 2020, as many businesses were temporarily closed 
or operated with reduced activity. Second quarter GDP declined by 6.1% (in constant prices), or 
26.3% in current prices, relative to the same quarter  one year earlier.  
1.14.   Going forward, Qatar appears well placed to respond effectively to the lower oil price 
environment. Its position is underpinned by three factors: (i)  the ongoing fiscal consolidation 
process; (ii)  a decline in publicly financed CapEx  spending, as major projects for the FIFA World Cup 
2022 either were finalized or are about to be completed; and (iii)  the combination of a strong market 
appetite for Qatar's credit profile with opportunistic debt market issuances. As a result, the fiscal 
balance is expected to record larger surpluses over the medium term, as spending on major projects 
is anticipated to decline gradually and hydrocarbon revenues are expected to remain steady as 
output remains relatively constant.  
1.3  Developments in Trade and Inv estment  
1.3.1   Trends and patterns in merchandise and services trade  
1.15.   Qatar runs sizable surpluses in its merchandise trade. However, the surplus declined from 
USD 96 billion in 2014 to USD 44 billion in 2019, reflecting the significant reduction in oil and gas  
prices. The contraction of exports occurred between 2014 and 2016, when exports fell from 
USD 127 billion to USD 57 billion. The subsequent rise in prices for LNG staged a recovery of exports 
until 2018, followed by a milder weakening in 2019. Imports of merchandise were relatively stable, 
ranging from USD 29 billion to USD 32.6 billion per year (Chart 1.3).  
1.16.   The composition of Qatar's exports was relatively stable during the review period. The share 
of LNG, which accounted for two thirds of the export valu e in 2014, declined somewhat, while the 
share of non -oil goods and petroleum -related products with price volatilities that are less correlated 
with those of the underlying basic inputs (e.g. polyethylene, PVC, ethylene, hydrogen, and urea) 
increased (Chart  1.3 and Table A1.1).  On the import side, there has been a notable contraction in 
the purchases of transport equipment, es pecially motor vehicles used for commercial or industrial 
purposes, since 2016 (Table A1.2). Imports of aircraft and related component s continue to fluctuate. 
Because Qatar has a small and open  economy, consumer goods account for more than 30% of its 
merchandise imports, and apart from passenger cars, mobile telephones, and household appliances, 
much of these imports are captured in the "other" category in Chart 1.3.  
 
5 IMF (2019), Qatar: Article  IV Consultation –Press Release; Staff Report , IMF Country Report 
No. 19/146.  
6 QCB, Financial Stability Review 2019 , Doha.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 17 - 
 
 Chart 1.3 Production composition of merchandise trade by HS sections/subheadings, 
2014 and 2019  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on PSA data. Viewed at: 
https://www.psa.gov.qa/en/statistics1/ft/Pages/default.aspx . 
1.17.   Asian countries absorb approximately 80% of Qatar's exports (Chart 1.4 and Table A1.3). 
Sales of LNG make Japan, the Republic of Ko rea, China, India, and Singapore the principal export 
destinations. The share of EU countries rose to 10% during the review period, while the Americas 
continue to be minor export markets. Minor effects of the diplomatic rift between Qatar and its four 
neighbours were mainly felt on the import side. The significant drop in Gulf Cooperation Council 
(GCC) trade led to increased supplies from other sources, notably the United States, Turkey, and 
Oman (Chart 1.4 and Table A1.4). The import shares of the EU, Chin a, and India have also increased 
compared with 2014.  
Chart 1.[QAT]
Production composition of merchandise trade by HS sections/subheadings, 2014 and 2019
2014 2019
Exports (f.o.b.)
Petroleum gases and 
other gaseous hydrocarbons 
61.9%Petroleum oils, crude 
17.0%Petroleum oils, 
other than crude 
7.0%Chemicals 
4.4% Plastics and 
rubber
3.3% 
Other
6.5% 
Total:   USD 126.7 billion Total:  USD 72.9 billion
Imports (c.i.f.)
Chemicals 
7.5%
Machinery, 
electrical 
equipment 
25.6%Live animals 3.7% Live animals 3.8%
Vegetable 
products
3.7%
Mineral 
products
5.0%
Chemicals 
8.5%
Base metals 
and articles 
thereof 
8.7%Machinery, 
electrical 
equipment 
26.6%Transport
equipment
12.5%Other 31.2%
Total:   USD 30.4 billion Total:   USD 29.2 billion
WTO Secretariat calculations, based on PSA data. Viewed at: 
https://www.psa.gov.qa/en/statistics1/ft/Pages/default.aspx. Vegetable 
products 2.8%Petroleum oils, crude 
17.0%
Petroleum gases and 
other gaseous hydrocarbons 
67.4%
Mineral 
products 
4.3%Other 25.5%
Transport
equipment
20.8%
Base metals 
and articles 
thereof 9.7%Chemicals 
3.0% Petroleum oils, 
other than crude 
5.1%Plastics and 
rubber
3.1% 
Other
4.3% 
Source: WT/TPR/S/ 408• Qatar  
 
- 18 - 
 
 Chart 1.4 Direction of merchandise trade, 2014 and 2019  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on PSA data. Viewed at: 
https://www.psa.gov.qa/en/statistics1/ft/Pages/default.aspx . 
1.18.   Qatar's trade in services balance remains in deficit (Table  1.4). Although services exports 
grew significantly in recent years, they have yet to exceed USD  20 billion per year. Imports of 
services are valued at USD 35 billion to USD 40 billion per year. Transportation and travel services 
dominate both exports and imports. While the expansion of Qatar Airways contributed to rapid 
growth in passenger travel on the export side, the shipping of Qatar's exports of LNG, crude oil, and 
other industrial goods remained an important component of its services imports. In addi tion, a 
substantial portion of Qatar's services imports in recent years were linked to the staging of the FIFA 
World Cup in 2022.  
Chart 1.[QAT]
Direction of merchandise trade, 2014 and 2019
2014 2019
Exports (f.o.b.)
Asia 81.2%
Gulf Cooperation 
Council (GCC)
3.3%Thailand 3.9%
Chinese Taipei 3.2%
Other 3.9%
Total:   USD 126.7 billion Total:  USD 72.9 billion
Imports (c.i.f.)
EU-28
27.5%United States
11.3% Turkey 1.4%
Switzerland 
3.2%India  
3.7%
Gulf Cooperation 
Council (GCC)
15.7%
EU-28
29.6%Switzerland 
2.5%Turkey 4.1%Gulf Cooperation 
Council (GCC)
4.4%China 11.9%Japan
3.0%India  
5.2%
Other Asia
10.1%
Other
10.5%
United States
18.7%
Total:   USD 30.4 billion Total:   USD 29.2 billionJapan
26.2%
China 10.4%Americas 1.7%Thailand 2.6%
Americas 
1.9%
Source:Other 8.5%EU-28
10.4%
Japan
6.4%EU-28
7.8%Chinese Taipei 
3.4%
Gulf Cooperation 
Council (GCC)
6.2%China 7.5%
Japan
18.6%Other Asia 7.1%
Other Asia
12.0%Korea, Rep. of
19.1%
Asia 
30.2%Asia
32.4%Asia 80.5%China 12.4%
Korea, Rep. of
15.6%India  
12.2%Singapore 7.6%India  12.6 %
Singapore 6.2%
Other Asia 3.5%
Other 3.0%
WTO Secretariat calculations, based on PSA data. Viewed at: 
https://www.psa.gov.qa/en/statistics1/ft/Pages/default.aspx. WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 19 - 
 
 Table 1.4 Trade in services, 2014 -19 
  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  
Trade balance (USD billion)  -19.3 -15.8 -16.4 -13.7 -14.2 -16.3 
Export services (USD billion)  13.5 15.0 15.2 17.7 18.3 19.1 
  (% of total)  
Transport  47.5 49.4 50.1 57.8 55.1 55.9 
   Passenger  44.2 47.3 47.3 55.3 52.9 53.5 
   Freight  3.3 2.1 2.8 2.5 2.1 2.4 
   Other  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Travel  33.9 33.6 35.7 33.7 30.5 28.5 
Other services  18.5 17.0 14.2 8.5 14.5 15.6 
   Insurance and pension services  6.4 3.7 3.4 2.3 3.9 4.7 
Telecommunications, computer, and 
information services  2.8 3.6 4.2 3.5 4.3 4.6 
   Technical, trade -related, and other business 
services  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
   Personal, cultural, and recreational services  3.8 3.7 2.5 1.6 3.6 2.2 
   Government goods and services, n.i.e.  5.6 6.0 4.1 1.0 2.7 4.1 
Import services (USD billion)  32.9 30.8 31.5 31.4 32.5 35.4 
  (% of total)  
Transport  36.9 37.2 34.7 34.8 35.2 39.4 
    Passenger  12.7 11.3 12.9 8.4 7.6 8.6 
    Freight  9.0 8.4 8.9 8.5 9.0 6.9 
    Other  15.2 17.6 13.0 17.8 18.5 23.9 
Travel  26.4 26.6 28.8 30.7 28.5 26.8 
Other services  36.7 36.2 36.5 34.6 36.2 33.8 
   Insurance and pension services  7.2 8.8 9.7 8.6 9.7 9.8 
   Telecommunications, computer, and 
information services  8.1 4.9 6.5 8.9 7.4 6.5 
Technical, trade -related, and other business 
services  8.2 10.4 9.1 6.1 8.7 7.5 
   Personal, cultural, and recreational services  4.5 4.4 5.4 5.5 5.0 5.0 
   Government goods and services, n.i.e.  8.7 7.7 5.7 5.4 5.4 5.0 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on WTO Data Portal. Viewed at: https://data.wto.org/ . 
1.3.2   Trends and patterns in FDI  
1.19.   According to the PSA, its most recent survey (conducted jointly with the QCB) indicated that 
the stoc k of foreign investment in Qatar stood at QAR 714.7 billion at the end of 2018.7 The majority 
of the assets (68%) held by non -residents were "other" investments, e.g. bank deposits and other 
short-term financial investments. Portfolio investments accounte d for close to QAR 100 billion of the 
investment stock, while FDI totalled QAR 123.3 billion. Almost 90% of the inward FDI related to the 
oil and gas sector, either in exploration and production as such or in associated manufacturing, 
transportation, and m arketing activities. The remainder of the FDI stock primarily concerned finance 
and insurance activities. The FDI funds primarily originate in the European Union, the United States, 
and other countries in the America s.  
1.20.   The stock of FDI declined by QAR 6 b illion from 2017 to 2018. However, due to a massive net 
influx of "other" investment (nearly QAR 64 billion), assets held by non -residents increased by 10% 
year on year. The positive trend continued into 2019, with financial liabilities to non -residents ri sing 
to QAR 722.6 billion at the end of the first quarter. Thus, according to the survey, for the first time 
the total amount of financial liabilities to non -residents surpassed the total at the end of the second 
quarter of 2017. At that time, the diplomat ic rift with Qatar's neighbours had caused a significant 
reduction in deposits and other short -term investments by foreigners of more than QAR  60 billion. 
However, the reversal of these financial flows began in early 2018.  
 
7 PSA, Qatar Foreign Investment Survey 2018 , 7 July 2019 . Viewed at: www.psa.gov.qa .  WT/TPR/S/ 408• Qatar  
 
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 1.21.   Assets held by Qatari residents i n approximately 80 countries have been relatively stable in 
recent quarters, and are valued at about QAR 400 billion. Around QAR  150 billion of this amount is 
classified as direct investment and QAR 37 billion as portfolio investment. However, it should be  
noted that the PSA/QCB investment survey does not include assets held by the QIA or investments 
by individuals.8  
  
 
8 Qatar aims to become a subscriber of the Special Data Dissemination Standard of the IMF, which 
requires , inter alia , compilation and dissemination of f oreign investment statistics on a quarterly basis. The 
survey is based on data collected from privately owned companies and certain government -owned enterprises. 
Estimates are made for non -surveyed corporations.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 2  TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
2.1  General Framework  
2.1.  The State of Qatar is a constitutional monarchy headed by an Amir1, who is also the 
commander -in-chief of the armed forces. The executive authority is vested in the Amir, assisted by 
the Council of Ministers. The Amir appoints the Prime Minister, who then recommends ministers. The 
ministers are directly accountable to the Amir. The Amir's  functions include ratification and 
promulgation of laws, summoning and presiding over the Council of Ministers, drafting general policy 
of the State, appointing civil servants and military personnel, accrediting heads of diplomatic and 
consular missions, conferring civilian and military orders, granting pardons, and overseeing functions 
of the consultative bodies.  
2.2.  The Prime Minister chairs the sessions of the Council of Ministers, and supervises and 
coordinates work among various ministries. The Council of  Ministers is mandated to monitor all 
internal and external affairs within the jurisdiction in accordance with the provisions of the 
Constitution. It also proposes draft laws and decrees, which are then discussed by the Advisory 
Council (Al -Shoura) (see be low) before being submitted to the Amir for ratification and issuance.  
2.3.  Legislative power is exercised by the Al -Shoura. According to the Constitution, the Al -Shoura 
is responsible for supervising and making decisions on, inter alia , the drafting of and vo ting on 
proposed legislation; state policy concerning economic, administrative, and political issues; state 
affairs related to society and culture ; and the national budget.2 Currently it has 45 members: Article 
77 of the Constitution stipulates that 30 o f the 45 should be elected directly by the people.3 To date 
no election has taken place, and all 45 members have been appointed by Amiri decisions. The term 
of office of the Al -Shoura is four calendar years.  
2.4.  Qatar's Constitution was ratified in 2004, and  has not been amended. In the legal hierarchy, 
the Constitution is followed by laws, decree laws, Amiri decrees and orders, Prime Ministerial decrees 
and orders, and Administrative orders.  
2.5.  According to Articles 105 -106 of the Constitution, every member of  the Al -Shoura has the right 
to propose bills. Draft laws passed by the Al -Shoura are referred to the Amir for ratification. Once 
ratified, the law is published in the Official Gazette . If the Amir declines to approve the draft law, he 
needs to return it w ith the reasons for such rejection to the Al -Shoura within three months of the 
date of referral. In that case, and if the Al -Shoura passes the same draft again with a two ‐thirds 
majority, the Amir must ratify and promulgate it.  
2.6.  Under Article 143, the enfor cement of the Constitution shall not affect the provisions of treaties 
and international agreements to which Qatar is a party. Trade treaties, once ratified and decreed by 
the Amir, and subsequently published in the Official Gazette,  become law. Treaty obl igations 
supersede national legislation and are admissible in national courts; to the extent that legislation is 
not in accord with Qatar's WTO obligations, the WTO Agreement is definitive.  
2.7.  The judicial system consists of a parallel system of courts: one for Shariah law, and one for 
civil, commercial, and criminal law. Trade and commercial matters are covered by civil law, whereas 
the Shariah system administers matters mostly relating to family law. Law No. 10 of 2003 
established the Supreme Judicial Counc il, whose members include the head of the Shariah appeal 
court, and that of the justice appeal court. Qatar has one court of cassation4, courts of appeals, and 
courts of first instance. Judges are appointed by the Supreme Judicial Council.  
2.8.  In 2008, the S upreme Constitutional Court of Qatar was established to hear constitutional 
matters referred from other courts.  The authorities state that, to date, no laws or decisions contain 
 
1 "Amir" is used instead of "Emir" (which w as used in the previous two Trade Policy Review reports), as 
suggested by the Member under review.  
2 Hukoomi , Advisory Council. Viewed  at: https://portal.www.gov.qa . 
3 Al-Meezan, Permanent  Constitution  of the State of Qatar . Viewed at: 
https://www.almeezan.qa/LawPage.aspx?id=2284&language=en .  
4 The court of cassation is responsible for appeals of contravention, misapplication, and  
misinterpretation of law, and of disputes arising between courts regarding their areas of jurisdiction.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 22 - 
 
 provisions that necessitate the functioning of the Court, as no provisions con flict with the 
Constitution.  
2.9.  The private sector's participation in policy setting and legislation preparations is coordinated 
by relevant ministries, through surveys, workshops, communications, and regular meetings. The 
authorities state that some busines speople are members of the Al -Shoura, and they review and vote 
on relevant policies and legislation, notably the Law No. 16 of 2018 Regulating Non -Qatari Ownership 
and Use of Properties, and Law No. 1 of 2019 Regulating the Investment of Non -Qatari Capital  in 
Economic Activities.  
2.10.   Qatar ranked 30th (out of 180 economies) in the Corruption Perceptions Index in 2019, 
improved by three places from its 2018 ranking.5 It has been a party to the United Nations 
Convention against Corruption since 2007.6 Key domestic institutions to combat corruption and 
enhance accountability include the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority, the State 
Audit Bureau, the Qatar Financial Information Unit, and the Rule of Law and Anti -Corruption Center. 
According to the IMF, Qatar has engaged in significant anti -corruption efforts in recent years, and 
"consistently compares well with regional peers on the indicators of corruption".7 Some observers 
point to lack of transparency in the budgeting process as creating a possible risk of corruption.8  
2.11.   Steps taken by the Government to improve transparency include the launch of a number of 
portals:  
a. The e -government portal (Hukoomi: https://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/portal ), which serves 
as a single window for all government services. In 2020, Qatar ranked 66th among around 
190 economies in the United Nations e -Government Survey.9 
b. The legal portal (Al -Meezan: https://www.almeezan.qa ), which digitizes and publishes 
legal information. The authorities state that all laws are published in the Official Gazette , 
and electronic copies are available on Al -Meezan. This portal inten ds to provide legal 
information in both Arabic and English; in practice, some laws are available in both 
languages while others are being translated.  
c. The e -commerce portal ( https://ecommerce.gov.qa/ ) (Section 2.4. 4). 
2.12.   In addition, in September 2019 Qatar issued Law No.  20 on Anti -Money Laundering and 
Terrorism Financing, which replaced Law No.  4 of 2010. As required in Law No.  20, Qatar issued Law 
No. 1 of 2020 regarding the Unified Economic Registry. The Registry re cords data collected from, 
inter alia , economic enterprises and real beneficiaries, which effectively own or control legal persons. 
Such information is available to the public and concerned authorities.10 The Registry is located in the 
Commercial Registration and Licenses Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry 
(MOCI).  
2.2  Trade Policy Formulation and Objectives  
2.13.   Since the previous Review in 2014, some trade -related government ministries and agencies 
have been restructured:  
 
5 Transparency International, Country Data: Qatar . Viewed at: 
https://www.transparency. org/en/countries/qatar .  
6 UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Signature and Ratification Status . Viewed at: 
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/corruption/ratification -status.html .  
7 IMF (2019), Qatar: Article IV Consultation –Press Release; Staff Report , IMF Country Report 
No. 19/146. Viewed at: https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/CR/Issues/2019/06/02/Qatar -2019-Article -IV-
Consultation -Press -Release -Staff-Report -46956 .  
8 Transparency International, An Overview of Corruption and Anti -Corruption in Qatar . Viewed at: 
https://knowledgehub.transparency.org/helpdesk/qatar -an-overview -of-corruption -and-anti-corruption .  
9 UN, E-Government Survey 2020 . Viewed at: 
https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/Portals/egovkb/Documents/un/2020 -Survey/2020% 20UN%20E -
Government%20Survey%20(Full%20Report).pdf .  
10 Al Tamimi & Co., The Unified Economic Registrar in Qatar . Viewed at: https://www.tamimi.com/law -
updat e-articles/the -unified -economic -registrar -in-qatar/ . WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 23 - 
 
 a. The Planning an d Statistics Authority (PSA), established in 2018 under Amiri Decree 
No. 70. The PSA is responsible for: (i) developing the overall vision of the country in 
cooperation with other concerned authorities; (ii) preparing for national development 
strategies; a nd (iii) following up their implementation. It is also mandated to establish an 
integrated statistical system11, which the authorities indicate has not yet been established.  
b. The General Authority of Customs, established in 2014 under Amiri Decree No. 37. I ts 
budget is attached to that of the Ministry of Finance.12 
c. The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar, set up on 7 July 2019 (Section 2.4.1).   
d. The General Tax Authority, established as an entity legally separated from the Ministry of 
Finance in 2018, under Ami ri Decree No.  77. It administers all tax matters, including VAT.  
e. The National Tourism Council, which replaced the Qatar Tourism Authority ( Section  4.2.4). 
2.14.   In particular, pursuant to Amiri Decree No. 12 of 2019, the previous Ministry of Economy and 
Commerce was reorganized to become the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI). The MOCI is 
responsible for overseeing commercial and industrial activities, attracting investment, and 
supporting the development of exports.13 It is also the main ministry r esponsible for formulating and 
implementing trade policies.  
2.15.   Other agencies involved in the implementation of specific aspects of trade policy include the 
PSA, the Ministries of Finance, State for Energy Affairs, Transport and Communication, and Public 
Health; the Qatar Central Bank; and the Qatar Development Bank. Agricultural policy is dealt with 
by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, which contains an Agriculture Affairs Department, 
a Livestock Department, a Fisheries Department, and an Agricul tural Research Department.  
2.16.   The National Committee on Trade, formed in 2001, coordinates the private and public sectors 
to maximize the benefits of membership in a manner that realizes Qatar's sustainable development 
objectives. It meets at least twice a m onth. The Committee includes representatives from various 
ministries and agencies, together with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI). All 
private -sector entities must be registered with the QCCI to perform commercial and industrial 
activities . The QCCI is financed through contributions from its members, and through fees collected 
by hosting events.  
2.17.   Qatar's trade policy is formulated within the broader framework of the Qatar National Vision 
2030, which is a roadmap towards becoming an advanced  society capable of sustainable 
development by 2030.14 Its Second National Development Strategy (NDS -2) 2018 -202215 aims at 
sustaining economic prosperity through economic diversification, infrastructure and private -sector 
development, and natural resource s management (Section 1 .1). The NDS -2 set targets to diversify 
production through increasing public investment in infrastructure, promoting private investment, 
establishing industrial and service zones, and supporting the development of small and medium -
sized enterprises (SMEs).  
2.18.   Since 2015, some of Qatar's main trade - and investment -related laws have been amended or 
revised (Table 2.1).  
 
11 PSA, About Us:  Roles and Functions . Viewed at: 
https://www.psa.gov.qa/en/aboutus1/Pages/Overview.aspx . 
12 Customs, The History of Q atar Customs. Viewed at: 
https://www.customs.gov.qa/English/About/Pages/Qatar -Customs -In-Brief.aspx . It was called the General 
Administration of Customs between 2009  and 2014, and was under the Ministry of Economy and Finance.  
13 MOCI, Vision , Mission and Message . Viewed at: https://www.moci.gov.qa/en/about -the-
ministry/vision -mission-and-message/ .  
14 General Secretariat for Development Planning (2008), Qatar National Vision 2030 . Viewed at: 
https://www.psa.gov.qa/en/qnv1/Documents/QNV2030_English_v2.p df.  
15 PSA, Qatar Second National Development Strategy 2018 -2022. Viewed at: 
https://www.psa.gov.qa/en/knowledge/Documents/NDS2Final.pdf .  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 24 - 
 
 Table 2.1 Main trade - and investment -related legislation, 2020  
Title Refer ence  
Law No.  10 on the Protection of Industrial Designs and Models  Law No. 10 of 2020  
Law Organizing the Partnership between Public and Private Sectors  Law No. 12 of 2020  
Law Regulating the Investment of Non -Qatari Capital in Economic 
Activities  Law No.  1 of 2019  
Ministerial Resolution No.  44 of 2020 Issuing the Executive Regulations 
of the Qatar Foreign Capital Investment Law No.  1 of 2019  Ministerial Resolution No. 44 of 
2020 
Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Terrorism Financing Law  Law No.  20 of 2019  
Law Regulating Non -Qatari Ownership and Use of Properties  Law No.  16 of 2018  
Investment Free Zones Law  Law No. 34 of 2005, amended by 
Decree Law No.  21 of 2017  
Law on Income Tax  Law No.  24 of 2018  
Electronic Commerce and Transactions Law  Law No. 16 of 2010  
Law Concerning Protection of Competition and Prevention of 
Monopolistic Practices  Law No. 19 of 2006  
Law Promulgating the Law (Regulation) of Common Industrial 
Regulation for the Countries of the Cooperati on Council for the Arab 
States of the Gulf  Law No. 20 of 2006  
 
Law on Trade Regulation  Law No. 27 of 2006  
Customs Law  Law No. 40 of 2002  
Source:  WTO Secretariat, based on information provided by the authorities.  
2.19.   Qatar is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and its customs union. It applies 
GCC-level trade laws, including the Common GCC Customs Law. GCC decisions take precedence in 
the absence of, or conflict with, Qatari laws (GCC Decree No. 81 of 2008, Article 33).  
2.3  Trade Agreements and Arrangements  
2.3.1   WTO  
2.20.   Qatar has been a WTO Member since 13 January 1996, and it grants at least most -favoured -
nation (MFN) tariff treatment to all its tradin g partners. In 2014, Qatar notified to the WTO its 
commitments in Category A under the TFA16, and ratified the TFA on 12 June 2017.17 In April 2016, 
Qatar deposited its instrument of acceptance of the 2005 Protocol Amending the WTO Agreement 
on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement). Qatar became a 
participant in the Information Technology Agreement in 2013 .  
2.21.   The authorities state that Qatar is an active Member of the WTO. It participates in discussions 
on investm ent facilitation for development, e -commerce, WTO reform, and the rules of fisheries 
subsidies. It also participates in discussions on:  
a. agriculture, particularly on food security as a net food importing developing country 
(NFIDC), and on improving transpar ency in food exports;  
b. services, particularly on domestic regulations;  
c. technical assistance, particularly on technical assistance activities;  
d. TRIPS, including on a joint paper submitted to the TRIPS Council called Intellectual 
Property and Innovation: Publi c-Private Collaborations in Innovation – IP 
Commercialization ; and  
e. the environment, including proposing the addition of natural gas and its technologies to 
the list of environmental goods.  
 
16 WTO document WT/PCTF/N/QAT/1, 25 July 2014.  
17 WTO, TFA Database. Viewed at: https://tfadatabase.org/members/qatar . WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 25 - 
 
 2.22.   During the review period, Qatar was involved directly in five cases  in the WTO's dispute 
settlement system: four as a complainant18, and one as a respondent.19 It has also participated as 
a third  party in 13 cases (DS484, DS493, DS518, DS544, DS547, DS548, DS550, DS551, DS552, 
DS554, DS556, DS564, and DS566).20 
2.23.   Since its previous Review, Qatar has made notifications to the WTO in a number of areas 
(Table  2.2). In particular, it made 62 regular notifications under Article 7 of the SPS Agreement, and 
192 notifications under Article 2.9 of the TBT Agreement. However, as at 30  June 2020, a number 
of notifications require updating or renewal, in the areas of agriculture (domestic support and export 
subsidies), import licensing procedures, quantitative restrictions, customs valuation, subsidies, 
state-trading enterprises, and GAT S.  
Table 2.2 Qatar's notifications to the WTO, 1 January 2015 - 31 December 2020  
Agreement/Article  Requirement  Symbol and date of latest 
notification  
Agreement on Agriculture  
Articles 10 and 18.2  Export subsidies (ES:1)  G/AG/N/QAT/13, 30 January 2018  
Enabling Clause  
Article V:7(a) of GATS, 
and Paragraph 4(a) of 
the Enabling Clause  Notification of regional trade agreement: 
GCC and Singapore  S/C/N/807/Rev.1 and 
WT/COMTD/N/45/Rev.1, 14 July 2015  
General Agreement on Trade in Services  
Article III:4 and/or IV:2  Enquiry/contact points  S/ENQ/78/Rev.18, 1 February 2019  
 
GATT 1994  
Article XVII:4(a)  State trading activities  G/STR/N/16, 13 February 2017  
Agreement on Import Licensing  
Article 7.3   G/LIC/N/3/QAT/13, 1 February 2018  
Agreement on the Implementation of Article  VI of the GATT 1994 (anti -dumping)  
Article 16.4  Anti-dumping actions ( ad hoc )  G/ADP/N/325, 1 April 2019  
Article 16.4  Anti-dumping actions (semi -annual)  G/ADP/N/342/QAT, 5 October 2020  
Article 18.5 of the 
Agreement on the 
Implementation of 
Article  VI of the GATT 
1994, Article 32.6 of the 
Agreement on Subsidies 
and Countervailing 
Measures, and 
Article  12.6 of the 
Agreement on 
Safeguards  English Translation of the GCC Amended 
Common Law on Anti -Dumping, 
Countervailing and Safeguard Measures  G/ADP/N/1/QAT/3,  
G/SCM/N/1/QAT/3,  
G/SG/N/1/QAT/3, 20 March 2015  
Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  
Article  25.1 and GATT 
Article XVI:1  Subsidies  G/SCM/N/253/QAT,  
G/SCM/N/284/QAT, 18 September 2015  
Agreement on Safeguards  
Article 12.1(a)  Safeguard measures (initiating an 
investigation relating to serious injury or 
threat thereof and the reasons for it)  G/SG/N/8/QAT/3, 23 July 2020  
Article 12.1(b), and 
Article 9.1, footnote  2 Safeguard measures (making a finding of 
serious injury or threat thereof caused by 
increased imports), and non -application of 
safeguard measures against a product 
originating in a d eveloping country Member  G/SG/N/10/QAT/2,  
G/SG/N/11/QAT/3, 5 April 2019  
 
18 The four disputes inc lude: (i)  United Arab Emirates – Measures Relating to Trade in Goods and 
Services, and Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights  (DS526) (Panel was composed); 
(ii) Bahrain – Measures Relating to Trade in Goods and Services, and Trade -Related As pects of Intellectual 
Property Rights  (DS527); (iii) Saudi Arabia – Measures Relating to Trade in Goods and Services, and Trade -
Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights  (DS528); and (iv) Saudi Arabia – Measures concerning the 
Protection of Intellect ual Property Rights  (DS567) ( a panel report was delivered in June 2020 but Saudi Arabia 
notified the DSB on 28 July 2020 of its decision to appeal the panel report ). For details on these cases, see 
WTO information at:  https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/countries_e/qatar_e.htm . 
19 Qatar – Certain Measures concerning Goods from the United Arab Emirates  (DS576), brought by the 
United Arab Emirates. In August  2019, the United Arab Emi rates indicated that it no longer considered it 
necessary to pursue its complaint, due to Qatar's withdrawal of the measures in question , and requested that 
the matter be concluded.  
20 WTO,  Qatar and the WTO.  Viewed at:  
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/countries_e/qatar_e.htm .  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 Agreement/Article  Requirement  Symbol and date of latest 
notification  
Article 12.1(c)  Safeguard measures (taking a decision to 
apply or extend a safeguard measure)  G/SG/N/10/QAT/1,  
G/SG/N/11/QAT/2, 15 June 2017  
Article 12.4, and footnote 
2 of Article  9  Notification before taking a provisional 
safeguard measure  G/SG/N/7/QAT/1,  
G/SG/N/11/QAT/1, 21 October 2016  
Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  
Article 7, Annex B  Sanitary/phytosanitary emergency 
measures  67 regular notifications  
http://spsims.wto.org/  
Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade  
Article 2.9  Technical regulations  206 notifications  
http://tbtims.wto.org  
Article 2.10  Information about standards and 
conformity assessment procedures  G/TBT/N/QAT/490, 26 September 2017  
Articles 2.9 and 5.6  Technical regulations and conformity 
assessment procedures  G/TBT/N/QAT/559, 18 February 2019  
Article 5.6  Conformity assessment procedures  G/TBT/N/QAT/375, 13 January 2015  
Agreement on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights  
Article 69  Members' contact points  IP/N/3/QAT/1, 20 March 2020  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
2.3.2   Regional and preferential agreements  
2.3.2.1   Regio nal trade agreements  
2.24.   Bilaterally, Qatar does not have any free trade agreements.21 
2.25.   At the regional level, Qatar is a member of the GCC, and a party to the Pan -Arab Free Trade 
Area (PAFTA) Agreement. As a GCC member, Qatar concluded RTAs with Singapore, and with the 
European Free Trade Association (EFTA) States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, No rway, and Switzerland). 
The GCC announced ongoing negotiations for RTAs with Australia and with Japan. From 2015 to 
2019, the ratios of Qatar's trade with EFTA, GCC, and PAFTA members to its total merchandise trade 
declined, while the ratio of Qatar's bila teral trade with Singapore increased (Chart 2.1).  Trade 
relations with the GCC suffered from the diplomatic difficulties that Qatar has experienced since 
2017. In June 2017, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab 
Emirates severed diplomatic relations with Qatar and banned Qatar -registered airplanes and ships 
from utilizing their airspace and sea routes. Saudi Arabia also blocked Qatar's only land crossing.  
2.26.   Qatar responded to the blockade by making extensive use of the mult ilateral framework under 
the WTO, in particular trade facilitation and the diversification of import sources. The authorities are 
of the view that the blockade acted as a catalyst that pushed institutional and policy changes. Most 
of the initiatives undert aken by the Government to provide continuity and mitigate risks associated 
with the blockade advanced the country's economic development and diversification agenda as set 
forth in Qatar National Vision 2030 and NDS -2. 
2.27.   On 5 January 2021, during a GCC Summit, GCC members signed an agreement to end the 
blockade against Qatar.22 
 
21 According to t he authorities , Qatar has a significant number of bilateral economic cooperation 
agreements providing preferential treatment. These agreements operate in a de facto  similar manner as the 
FTAs.  
22 MEES, Long-Running Qatar Embargo Ends with GCC Summit Agreement , 8 January 2021. Viewed at: 
https://www.mees.com/2021/1/8/geopolitical -risk/long -running -qatar -embargo -ends-with-gcc-summit -
agreement/36bc9080 -51cc-11eb-9ab3-97cab010f837 . Egypt also signed.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 Chart 2.1 Overview of reciprocal trade, 2015 and 2019  
 
Note:  PAFTA excluding GCC countries.  
Source:  PSA, Foreign Trade Portal . View ed at: https://www.psa.gov.qa/en/statistics1/ft/Pages/default.aspx . 
2.3.2.1.1   Gulf Cooperation Council Customs Union  
2.28.   The GCC Customs Union, comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Ara bia, and the 
United Arab Emirates, entered into force on 1 January 2003. Under the GCC Customs Union, goods 
produced in GCC countries enter duty -free into Qatar; products are generally considered to originate 
in the country where they are wholly obtained o r where they underwent substantial transformation, 
with at least 40% of local value added.  
2.29.   Other major elements of the GCC Customs Union include:  
a. a common external customs tariff (CET);  
b. common customs regulations and procedures;  
c. a single -entry point where  customs duties are collected;  
79.3%2.9%
15.5%
1.9%
0.4%20.7%
Non-FTAs EFTA GCC PAFTA Singapore90.5%2.7%
4.4%
1.5%
1.0%9.5%
86.0%0.3%
7.3%
1.8%
4.6%14.0% 88.2%0.3%
3.3%
0.6%
7.6%11.8%Chart 1.[QAT]
Overview of reciprocal trade, 2015 and 2019
2015 2019
Imports
Exports including re -exports
Source:  Planning and Statistics Authority. Viewed at: https://www.psa.gov.qa/en/statistics1/ft/Pages/default.aspx.Note:     PAFTA excluding GCC countries.WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 d. the elimination of all tariff and non -tariff barriers, while taking into consideration 
agricultural and quarantine laws as well as rules on prohibited and restricted goods; and  
e. national treatment accorded to goods produced in  any member State, by other member 
States.  
2.30.   According to the GCC CET, a single customs duty rate of 5% is applied on all goods imported 
into the GCC Customs Union, with the following exceptions:  
a. Products listed under 417 HS subheadings are exempted from al l import tariffs. These 
include: live animals, fresh and chilled meat and fish; fresh vegetables and fruit, and 
cereals; medicines and medical supplies; books, newspapers, and magazines; and ships 
and commercial aircrafts.  
b. Imports by industrial plants loca ted in a GCC territory of machinery, equipment, spare 
parts, raw materials, semi -manufactured materials, and packing materials directly 
required for production are exempted from customs duties.  
c. Imports by international organizations, diplomatic missions, t he armed forces, police, 
personal effects, and charities are exempted from customs duties.  
d. Ad valorem  duties of 100% are imposed on tobacco and products thereof (with a minimum 
specific customs duty component) (HS Chapter 24).  
2.31.   Qatar also applies customs duties of 100% on alcohol products.  
2.32.   Duties collected at the first point of entry into the GCC Custom Union are allocated to the final 
destination GCC member State through a mechanism for the settlement of customs revenue sharing 
(clearing mechanism ). The member State of final destination, wherein the goods are consumed, 
shall retain the customs revenue generated from such goods.  
2.33.   Qatar allows the free movement of GCC nationals, allowing them to work in all sectors. 
Furthermore, there are no restrict ions for investment by GCC nationals, except in a small number 
of sectors currently being negotiated, including commercial agencies and services; Hajj and Umrah 
agencies and services; l abour and manpower offices and agencies; and p ublishing, newspapers, an d 
magazines.  
2.34.   The agreement establishing the GCC Customs Union was notified to the WTO in 2006, 2008, 
and 2009. Its factual presentation was issued in March 2018.23 
2.3.2.1.2   RTAs signed by the GCC  
2.35.   As a member of the GCC, Qatar is a signatory to the GCC's RTAs with third parties. The GCC -
Singapore Free Trade and Economic Integration Agreement (GCC -Singapore RTA) was signed on 
15 December 2008. It entered into force on 1 September 2013, with the end of the implementation 
period in 2018. It was notified to the WTO in 2 015.24 This Agreement provides for the liberalization 
of trade in goods and services, and covers areas including customs procedures, government 
procurement, cooperation, and dispute settlement. In 2019, 1% of Qatar's imports came from 
Singapore, and 7.6% o f its exports went to Singapore. Qatar imports mainly jewellery, mineral fuels, 
aircrafts and parts, and electrical machinery and parts. It exports mainly mineral fuels (88%), as 
well as organic chemicals, iron and steel, fertilizers, and salt.  
2.36.   Under the GCC-Singapore RTA, customs duties are eliminated on goods originating from the 
other parties in accordance with their schedules, while Singapore commits to eliminate customs 
duties on all goods originating from GCC member States. After the full implementat ion of the RTA 
in September 2018, 3.5% of Qatar's tariff lines remain dutiable while the rest are duty -free. The 
dutiable lines include some animal products, liquor and alcoholic products, and tobacco products.  
 
23 WTO documents WT/REG276/1 and WT/COMTD/RTA/9/1, 21 March 2018.  
24 WTO documents WT/COMTD/N/45/Rev.1 and S/C/N/807/Rev.1, 14 July 2015.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 2.37.   A good is considered as originating in a par ty if it: (i) is wholly obtained or produced; or 
(ii) underwent sufficient working or production, such as having a change in tariff heading at the HS 
2- or 4-digit levels, or having a value added of not less than 35% based on the ex -works price. Non -
origin ating products, whose value does not exceed 10% of the good's value, may nonetheless be 
considered originating.  
2.38.   The GCC member States also signed an RTA with the EFTA States in 2009. This RTA has not 
been notified to the WTO. It covers trade in goods (indu strial and processed agricultural goods, fish, 
and other marine products), trade in services, government procurement, and competition. Basic 
agricultural products are covered by the bilateral agricultural agreements, which are part of the 
instruments estab lishing the free trade area between the parties.25 The authorities state that Qatar 
ratified this agreement, and it entered into force in 2015. In 2019, 2.7% of Qatar's imports and 
0.3% of its exports were traded with EFTA States. Qatar's main imports were  gold, watches, and 
medications, while its main exports were pearls, fertilizers, and salt.  
2.3.2.1.3   Pan-Arab Free Trade Area (PAFTA)  
2.39.   The PAFTA Agreement, also known as the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) Agreement, 
entered into force on 1 January 1998. Curre ntly, it has 16 members, including GCC member States, 
Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen.26 The Agreement 
was notified to the WTO in 2006.27 
2.40.   The PAFTA Agreement aims to facilitate and develop intra -Arab trade in goods, where customs 
tariffs are reduced or eliminated. According to the authorities, Qatar exempts tariffs on any products 
bearing an Arab certificate of origin. It is not clear to the Secretariat how this Arab certificate of 
origin works.  
2.41.   Qatar's main im ports from PAFTA members include fresh fruits and vegetables, some 
medicines, and dairy products, and its exports are mainly petroleum oil, plastics, and motor vehicles. 
Trade with PAFTA members is declining (Chart 2.1).  
2.42.   A separate framework on the libera lization of trade in services is currently being negotiated.   
2.3.3   Other agreements and arrangements  
2.43.   Qatar passed legislation in 2010 to adopt the Protocol on the Preferential Tariff Scheme 
(PRETAS) for the Trade Preferential System among members of the Organiz ation of the Islamic 
Cooperation (TPS -OIC). The Protocol provides for reciprocal preferential tariff access, i.e. providing 
a margin of preference on current MFN duty rates for a certain percentage of tariff lines. Each party 
has a specific tariff reductio n programme. The Protocol also provides for the removal of para -tariffs 
(i.e. border charges and fees), elimination of non -tariff barriers, establishment of rules of origin, and 
provisions related to trade remedies. PRETAS has not been notified to the WTO.  
2.44.   Under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), exports of certain Qatari products 
receive non -reciprocal preferential treatment from Armenia, Australia, Kazakhstan, the Russian 
Federation, and Turkey.28 
2.45.   Qatar does not grant unilateral preferences.  
 
25 EFTA, Gulf Cooperation Council. Viewed at: https://www.efta.int/free -trade/free -trade-
agreements/gcc . 
26 WTO, RTA Database – Pan-Arab Free Trade Area (PAFTA) . Viewed at: 
http://rtais.wto.org/UI/PublicShowMemberRTAIDCard.aspx ?rtaid=16 .  
27 WTO document WT/REG223/N/1, 20 November 2006.  
28 WTO, PTA Database,  Qatar . Viewed at: http://ptadb.wto.org/Country.aspx?code=634 . WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 2.4  Investment Regime  
2.4.1   Foreign investment  
2.46.   To promote inward FDI, the Government undertook a number of reform measures. In 
particular, a  new FDI law – Law No. 1 of 2019 Regulating the Investment of Non -Qatari Capital in 
Economic Activities – entered into force on 7 January 2019 and repealed Law No. 13 of 2000.   
2.47.   The new Law permits foreign ownership of up to 100% in all economic sectors (up from 49% 
for most sectors under the repealed law), with certain exceptions. Under the new Law, the 49% 
ownership cap of companies listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange may be increased upon approval by 
the MOCI.  
2.48.   Pursuant to the Law, foreign investors are prohibited from investing in:  
a. banks and insurance companies, unless otherwise excluded by decisions from the Council 
of Ministers;  
b. commercial agencies; and  
c. any other fields for which a deci sion from the Council of Ministers is issued.  
2.49.    The Law does not apply to:  
a. companies and individuals who are assigned to extract or manage natural resources under 
a concession or special contract, to the extent the provisions of such contract do not 
contradict the provisions of the new Law;  
b. companies set up by the Government and public institutions or in which they participate, 
and companies in which the Government participates in partnership with foreign investors 
in a percentage of no less than 51%; and  
c. corporate or natural persons licensed by Qatar Petroleum to carry out petroleum activities, 
or which aim to invest in the oil and gas and petrochemical sectors.  
2.50.   The incentives under the new Law remain mostly the same as those under the repealed law, 
including land at non -market rents; income tax exemptions; and import tariff exemptions on 
machinery, equipment, and spare parts for industrial projects. Foreign investors have the right to 
refer their disputes, with the exception of those related to labour, to  international arbitration or 
alternative dispute resolution.  
2.51.   Another important measure to promote FDI was the establishment of the Investment 
Promotion Agency (IPA) on 7 July 2019. The IPA aims to be a single and complete source for 
investment solutions to attract FDI in the country's priority sectors ( tourism, advanced 
manufacturing (including chemicals and electronics), infrastructure, agriculture, and technology 
development . It intends to pursue a targeted and sector -specific investment promotion agend a, and 
it is responsible for coordinating investment promotion and marketing activities with key 
stakeholders and providing advice on the policy formulation process. The IPA's Advisory Board is 
chaired by the Minister of the MOCI, and includes the Minister  of Finance, the Ministerial Group for 
the Promotion of the Private Sector, the Chairman of the Qatar Free Zones Authority, and 
representatives of the Prime Minister's Office, the Qatar Financial Centre, and the Qatar Science and 
Technology Park.29  
2.52.   Other reform measures include the following:  
a. The amendment of the Investment Free Zone Law No. 34 of 2005 by Decree Law No.  21 
of 2017, which aims at attracting investment into free zones by providing investors with a 
number of incentives, such as exemption from  import duties and the freedom to set 
 
29 Marhaba, New Qatar Investment Promotion Agency to Attract More Foreign Investment . Viewed at: 
https://www.marhaba.qa . WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 product prices and profits in cases where the Government decides to introduce domestic 
price controls. The amendments also incorporate additional incentives and benefits to 
enterprises located in free zones that invest  in activities considered strategic, or increase 
the proportion of local components. The authorities state that no such additional incentives 
have been provided so far.  
b. The promulgation of a new Arbitration Law in Civil and Commercial Matters (Law No.  2 of 
2017), which is largely based on the model law of the United Nations Commission on 
International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). This law changed the framework for arbitration, and 
repealed articles dealing with arbitration in the Civil Procedure Code.  
c. The promulg ation of Law No. 16 of 2018 on Regulating Non -Qatari Ownership and Use of 
Properties, which allows foreign individuals, companies, and real estate developers 
(Section 4.2.1.3)  freehold ownership of real estate in designated zones and usufructuary 
rights up  to 99 years in other zones.  
2.53.   In addition, a Qatar National Master Plan (QNMP) was adopted in 2018 as the "spatial 
representation" of Qatar National Vision 2030, and a Qatar National Development Framework was 
adopted at the same year as spatial plans for mu nicipalities.30  
2.54.   On the other hand, one of the focuses of Qatar National Vision 2030 is Qatarization, which is 
a government initiative aimed at increasing the ratio of Qataris in the workforce. As part of this 
initiative, all joint venture enterprises, as well as government departments, strive to move Qatari 
nationals into positions of greater authority.  
2.4.2   Business environment  
2.55.   In the past few years, Qatar implemented a number of reforms to improve its business 
regulations, which made it one of the top 20 glo bal business environment improvers according to 
the World Bank's Doing Business 2020 Report.31 Major reforms were carried out in three areas:  
a. Getting electricity: Kahramaa, Qatar's water and electricity utility company, introduced a 
new process to receive  and review applications through its online portal, which reduces 
the time it takes to obtain an electricity connection.  
b. Registering property: Qatar streamlined property registration procedures and improved 
the quality of its land administration system by publishing official service standards on 
property transfers and court statistics on land disputes for the previous calendar year.  
c. Getting credit: Qatar improved information on access to credit by reporting credit data 
from a telecommunications company.  
2.56.   According to the World Bank, Qatar performs well in registering property, paying taxes, and 
dealing with construction permits, and relatively well in getting electricity, but it needs significant 
improvement in protecting minority investors, resolving inso lvency, and getting credit.32  
2.57.   In July 2020, Law No.  12 of 2020 Organizing the Partnership between Public and Private 
Sectors (PPP Law) entered into force. The authorities state that this Law seeks to encourage 
competition, increase the private sector's pa rticipation in major infrastructure projects, and 
encourage the public sector to adopt strategies that can reduce public expenditure while increasing 
efficiency in project delivery and management.  
2.58.   The authorities indicate that other reform measures adopte d during the review period include: 
reducing the minimum capital requirement to set up a company, although details were not provided 
 
30 QNMP, About Qatar National Master Plan . Viewed at: 
http://www.mme.gov.qa/QatarMasterPlan/English/About -QNMP.aspx .  
31 World Bank, " Doing Business 2020: Qatar's Ambitious Reforms Improve Its Ranking ", 
24 October  2019. Viewed at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press -release/2019/10/24/doing -business -
2020-qatars -ambitious -reforms -improve -its-ranking . 
32 World Bank, Doing Business 2020, Economy Profile, Qatar . Viewed at: 
https://www.doingbusiness.org/content/dam/doingBusiness/country/q/qatar/QAT.pdf . WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 to the Secretariat; shifting a number of company registration processes to online platforms; and 
speeding up turnaround tim es for company registration applications.  
2.4.3   Bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and double taxation agreements (DTAs)  
2.59.   Qatar has 60 BITs, among which 1 was terminated and 26 entered into force. According to 
the authorities, during the review period, Qatar si gned BITs with Angola, Argentina, Benin, Ethiopia, 
Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, Paraguay, Rwanda, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, Togo, Uganda, 
and Ukraine. Among these newly signed BITs, one entered into force, the Qatar -Singapore BIT.33  
2.60.   Qatar also s igned 20 DTAs, of which 5 did not enter into force (Table 2.3).  
Table 2.3 Qatar's double taxation agreements  
Country  Date of signature  Date of entry into force  
Argentina  19 April 2018  - 
Bermuda  10 May 2012 10 May 2017  
Brunei  17 January 2012  26 August 2016  
Ecuador  22 October 2014  1 November 2016  
Fiji 17 June 2013  1 January 2014  
Gambia  18 November 2014  - 
Ghana  13 November 2018  - 
Japan  20 February 2015  30 December 2015  
Kazakhstan  19 January 2014  5 April 2015  
Kenya  23 April 2014  25 June 2015  
Kyrgyzstan  1 June 2014  4 May 2015  
Latvia  26 September 2014  1 June 2015  
Nigeria  28 February 2014  8 March 2016  
Paraguay  11 February 2018  - 
Portugal  12 December 2011  4 April 2014  
Somalia  13 December 2018  - 
South Africa  6 March 2015  2 December 2015  
Spain  10 September 2015  6 February 2018  
Turkey  18 December 2016  31 December 2016  
Ukraine  20 March 2018  - 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
2.4.4   E-commerce  
2.61.   The e -commerce market continued to expand: in 2015, the business -to-consumer (B2C) 
market value was USD 1.2 billion, which the Government expected to double to USD  2.4 billion in 
2020.34 Airline tickets and consumer electronics were the dominant B2C segments, accounting for 
about 40% of the B2C market. The business -to-business (B2B) market was valued at 
USD 1.43 billion in 2015, and was expected to grow to USD 2.3 billion in 2020.  
2.62.   The le gislative framework on e -commerce is based mainly on the following:  
a. The Electronic Commerce and Transactions Law No. 16 of 2010, which contains provisions 
on e-signatures, e -documents, and authentication. It specifies the terms and conditions 
for transmiss ion and storage of information and outlines the measures for consumer 
protection against e -commerce -related crimes and associated penalties.  
b. The Anti -Cybercrime Law No. 14 of 2014, which outlines various types of cybercrimes and 
fraud, and the procedures and penalties to deal with cybercrimes.  
c. The Personal Data Privacy Protection Law No. 13 of 2016, which defines personal 
information and examines the rights of individuals with regard to their personal data. It 
contains provisions on the protection of pers onal data, obligations for data controllers and 
 
33 UNCTAD, Investment Policy Hub – Qatar . Viewed at: 
https://investmentpolicy.unctad.org/international -investment -agreements/countries/171/qatar?type= bits. 
34 MOTC, Qatar National E -Commerce Roadmap 2017 . Viewed at: https://ecommerce.gov.qa/wp -
content/uploads/2019/06/ecommerce -2017-en-compressed.pdf . WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 processors, and penalties related to disclosure of financial or non -financial data without 
customers' consent.  
2.63.   Pursuant to the Electronic Commerce and Transactions Law No. 16 of 2010, the MOTC 
regulates the p rovision, use, and development of e -commerce, with its key objectives being reducing 
and eliminating barriers in e -commerce.  
2.64.   In 2015, e -commerce uptake was low: the percentage of people shopping online was 14% of 
the total population, and only 7% of SMEs placed online orders. Against this backdrop, the MOTC 
launched the Qatar National E -Commerce Roadmap, which was updated in 2017 as a policy 
guidance. The Roadmap outlined five steps to accelerate e -commerce adoption by addressing 
e-commerce inhibitors:  
a. strengthen a regulatory framework that is conducive to e -commerce, by improving the 
legal framework, clarifying roles and responsibilities of relevant institutions, and designing 
and defining supporting policies;  
b. enhance delivery, by increasing competition and efficiency in local logistics and domestic 
parcel delivery;  
c. enable e -payments, by providing multiple secure e -payment methods and efficient 
payment processes;  
d. empower e -merchants, by simplifying trading regis tration processes and offering support 
and communication channels; and  
e. stimulate consumer adoption, by creating awareness and fostering a safe, user -friendly 
e-shopping experience.  
2.65.   Following guidelines specified in the Roadmap, the MOTC launched Qatar's E -Commerce 
Information Portal in 2017 ( https://ecommerce.gov.qa/) , aimed at facilitating information flow to 
businesses and consumers. E -commerce guidelines were published in 2018, focusing on technical 
and secur ity aspects.35 In the fourth quarter of 2019, the MOTC launched the E -Commerce Trustmark 
(Theqa) programme, seeking to boost confidence in the local e -commerce ecosystem by certifying 
the legitimacy of websites. By the first quarter of 2020, 141 merchants were certified and could add 
the Theqa Trustmark logo on their sites to increase consumers' awareness and trust when engaging 
in online transactions.  
2.66.   The Government also made efforts to enhance delivery and enable e -payment. For example, 
Qatar Post, Qatar' s exclusive postal service provider, introduced an e -commerce service called 
"Connected", enabling the purchase and delivery of goods globally. The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) 
initiated its e -payment gateway, Q -PAY, to reduce the cost of transactions for busi nesspeople. The 
QCB also introduced the Qatar Mobile Payment Gate in the first quarter of 2020 to handle all mobile 
payment services, and planned to introduce the tokenization of debit cards in the fourth quarter of 
2020, to enhance the security of card da ta and thereby improve consumer confidence in online 
shopping ( Section  4.2.1.1). 
2.67.   The authorities consider that Qatar has a favourable environment for e -commerce 
development, including a population with high levels of disposable income; high Internet 
penetr ation, and mobile and fixed connectivity; and increasing ICT maturity. The e -commence 
penetration rate, i.e. the number of shoppers who purchased products or services online in the past 
12 months, reached 37% in 201936, up from 14% in 2015. Data from the a uthorities suggest that 
compared with the 2017 level, the volume of e -transactions increased 28 times in the first nine 
months of 2020, and the value of these e -transactions increased 15 times.  
 
35 MOTC E -Commerce Portal, E-Commerce Guidelines.  Viewed at: 
https://ecommerce.gov.qa/emerchants/ecommerce -guidelines/ . 
36 Theqa (2019), Impact Survey Report . Viewed at: https://ecommerce.gov.qa/wp -
content/uploads/2019/10/20191010_MoTC_Impact -Survey -Report_Online -Shppers -Preferences_FINAL.pdf . WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 3  TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1  Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.1   Customs procedures, valuation, and requirements  
3.1.  Within the GCC structure of a customs union, the national customs administrations operate 
with a high degree of autonomy. In Qatar, both the entry and exit of goods are supervised by the 
General Authority of Customs (GAC), established by Amiri Decree No. 37 of 2014. The institution is 
affiliated with the Minister of Finance and attached to his ministry's budget.  
3.2.  The GAC is currently implementing a strategic plan for 2018 -2022, which is aligned with Qatar's 
Second National Development Strategy (NDS -2). The main themes of the strategic plan are to build 
and reinforce institutional capacity, particularly in the context of digital transformation and efficient 
logistics services. This includes simplification of proc edures, the elimination of bureaucracy, a review 
of the customs services and related fees, and faster customs clearance.  
3.3.  Qatar established a single window electronic customs clearance system (Al -Nadeeb), accessible 
through a portal on the GAC website.1 It is also accessible via mobile phone, e -mail, the GAC contact 
centre, or in -person visits to the GAC. The Al -Nadeeb system has 24 units dealing with specific 
aspects of the customs process, such as registration, pre -clearance, customs declaration, manifes ts, 
inspection, risk management, express mail, passengers' unaccompanied luggage, vehicle movement 
tracking, movement between ports, temporary entry, duty drawback, and post -clearance audit. The 
system links users (importers, exporters, customs agents, and  transporters) with the 10 concerned 
government ministries (Finance; Interior; Foreign Affairs; Defense; Public Health; Commerce and 
Industry; Transport and Communications; Municipality and Environment; Culture, Arts and Heritage; 
and Endowments and Islami c Affairs) and seven other government authorities and establishments 
(the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, Qatar Airways, the Qatar Ports Management Company, the Qatar 
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI), the Qatar National Committee for the Prohibition  of 
Weapons, the Radio and Television Authority, and the Qatar News Agency). A key objective of the 
single window system and improved risk management is to reduce the percentage of inspections to 
less than 5%.  
3.4.  Qatar ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation Agr eement (TFA) on 12 June 2017. In 2014, Qatar 
notified the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation that it designated all the provisions in 
Section I of the Agreement as Category A commitments, except for Article  7.7 (Trade Facilitation 
Measures for Aut horized Operators).2 According to the authorities, the Authorized Economic Operator 
programme has been in place since 26 January 2019, established in accordance with the provisions 
of the World Customs Organization SAFE Framework of Standards, and complia nt with the provisions 
relating to authorized operators stipulated in Article  7.7 of the TFA. Qatar has accordingly 
implemented all of its obligations under the TFA.  
3.5.  Since its previous Review in 2014, Qatar has concluded bilateral agreements on customs 
cooperation with Algeria (2017) and India (2018), and bilateral agreements to enhance security, 
including combatting smuggling, with Azerbaijan (2015) and Italy (2018). Qatar became a 
contracting party to the Convention on Temporary Admission (Istanbul Conve ntion) and its annexes 
in 2015, and to the Customs Convention on the International Transport of Goods under Cover of TIR 
Carnets ( TIR Convention , 1975 ) in 2018. These accessions were accompanied by new rules and 
procedures laid down in Administrative Circular No. 76 of 2015 (application of the ATA Carnet , i.e. 
temporary entry) and Administrative Circular No. 3 of 2019 (application of the International R oad 
Transport Book). Controls and procedures relating to re -exports of imported goods were updated in the 
Decision of the Authority Chairman No. 1 of 2018.  
3.6.  Qatar does not maintain any laws or regulations that mandate pre -shipment inspection of any 
goods.  
3.7.  Only Qatari businesses and enterprises included in the importers' registry are allowed to 
import. To this end, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) issues a certificate that 
 
1 Al-Nadeeb  expanded gradually between 2008 and 2013, when transactions via land border crossings 
were the last to be included in the system.  
2 WTO document WT/PCTF/N/QAT/1, 25 July 2014.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 commercial registration was completed, indicating the form of activity th at a business is registered 
for. Membership in the QCCI is also required.  
3.8.  The customs declaration is accompanied by the detailed original commercial invoice indicating 
the origin of goods. If the detailed invoice is not available, a certificate of origin must be attached 
to the invoice with the customs declaration. Other documentation requirements vary depending on 
the mode of transport. Pre -approval is needed for certain products, including pharmaceuticals, 
alcoholic beverages (for tourist use), receivers  and transmitters, and certain classes of chemical 
materials.3  
3.1.1.1   Customs valuation  
3.9.  Article  1 of the Executive Regulations to the Customs Law (Law No. 40 of 2002) sets out the 
basic provisions for the determination of customs value. The transaction value is stipulated as the 
principal method of appraisal followed by the hierarchy of alternative valuation methods in sequential 
order as laid down in the Agreement on Implementation of Article  VII of the GATT 1994 (WTO 
Customs Valuation Agree ment). Qatar notified its customs valuation legislation, i.e. the  Common 
Customs Law of the GCC States Rules of Implementation and Explanatory Notes Thereof (2003), to 
the WTO Committee on Customs Valuation in 2005.4 Its responses to the checklist of issu es related 
to the implementation and administration of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement were also 
submitted in 2005.5  
3.10.   Qatar updated certain operational aspects of the valuation process in Chairman's Decision 
No. 12 of 2015. Among the issues addressed were disputes and time limits related to valuation 
decisions. In addition, Administrative Circular No. 75 of 2019 facilitates the acceptance of 
commercial invoices without a need to provide proof of relationship between the seller and producer 
of goods.  
3.1.2   Rules of origin  
3.11.   Qatar notified its legislation governing non -preferential and preferential rules of origin to the 
WTO in 1999.6 The Economic Agreement between the GCC member States, 2001, does not include 
provisions related to rules of origin, nor have any  such rules been incorporated in its Implementation 
Procedures. The GCC member States thus have no unified non -preferential rules of origin.  
3.12.   Preferential rules of origin exist in the free trade agreement the GCC member States 
concluded with third parties. The GCC -Singapore FTA, 2008, considers as originating products those 
that have been wholly obtained or undergone substantial transformation (change of 2 -digit HS 
chapter or 4 -digit HS heading, or minimum 35% value added based on the ex -works price) in eith er 
party. The GCC -European Free Trade Association (EFTA) FTA, which has not yet been notified to the 
WTO, also contains preferential rules of origin.  
3.1.3   Tariffs  
3.13.   As per the GCC Customs Laws7, Qatar has applied the GCC common external tariff (CET) since  
1 January 2003. Under the "single port of entry" principle, items imported into Qatar or other GCC 
member States are subject to customs duty only at the first point of entry into the GCC territory.8 
As noted in the previous Trade Policy Review report (20 14)9, GCC member States can apply country -
 
3 For the products indicated, pre -approvals are issued by the Supreme Council  of Health, Pharmacy and 
Drug Control Department ( for pharmaceuticals), the General Tourism Authority ( for alcohol for consumption by 
tourists), the Communications Regulatory Authority ( for receivers and transmitters), and the Radiation and 
Chemical Protec tion Department of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment ( for chemical materials).  
4 WTO document G/VAL/N/1/QAT/1, 1 June 2005.  
5 WTO document G/VAL/N/2/QAT/1, 24 May 2005.  
6 WTO document G/RO/N/25, 13 April 1999.  
7 Article  1(i) of the Economic Ag reement between the GCC member States and Article  IV.1 of the 
Implementation Procedures.  
8 Article  1(iii) of the Economic Agreement between the GCC member States and Article  III of the 
Implementation Procedures.  
9 WTO, Trade Policy Review of Qatar , WT/TPR/S/296/Rev.1, 18 June 2014.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 specific rates or prohibitions for some tariff lines. Qatar grants the CET on an MFN basis to all 
countries, regardless of whether they are WTO Members.  
3.14.   The Qatari tariff for 2020 is based on the HS17 version of the Harmonized Commodity 
Description and Coding System and comprises 7,500 tariff lines at th e 8-digit level. The GAC 
maintains a public online portal, containing, inter alia , applied MFN and preferential duties, various 
schemes for customs duty exemptions  and reductions, and a list of prohibited and restricted goods.10 
3.15.   Qatar maintains a simple tariff system. The tariff is set at five bands: duty -free, 5%, 20%, 
100%, and 100% or a specific duty, whichever is higher (i.e. mixed duty); plus, a number of tarif f 
lines are designated as "prohibited" or "special goods". Some 99.3% of tariff lines carry ad valorem  
duties, and the vast majority are at 5%, which is required by the GCC CET for all imported goods 
into the GCC C ustoms Union, with some exceptions (Chart 3.1).11 Duty-free treatment applies to  
11.2% of tariff lines, covering mainly Information Technology Agreement (ITA) products, machinery 
products, pharmaceuticals, fish, and some agricultural products. There are 18 tariff lines on tobacco 
products with mix ed duties. There are no tariff quotas.  
3.16.   Products treated as prohibited or special goods face special provisions for importation, and 
the duty rate is either 5% or 100%, depending on the product.12 Qatar prohibits some products such 
as live swine, asbestos, and used pneumatic tyres of rubber  (Section  3.1.5). Special goods (61 tariff 
codes) are mainly for pork and alcohol products.  
Chart 3.1 Distribution of MFN tariff rates, 2020  
(number of tariff lines)  
 
Note:  Figures in parentheses denote the share of total lines  and may not add up to 100% due to rounding. 
The 2020 tariff schedule consists of 7,570 tariff lines.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.  
3.17.   The simple av erage of the 2020 applied MFN tariff rate is estimated  at 5.1%, slightly up from 
5.0% in 2013 (Table 3.1). This slight rise is mainly due to changes in the tariff nomenclature , as 
well as to increases in customs duty rates for some products such as preserv ed/processed fruit 
products containing alcohol, electronic smoking devices, and electrical appliances. For example, a 
duty rate of 100% is applied to imports of prepared fruits containing alcohol in  2020, instead of 5% 
in 2013. Also, concerning mixed dutie s on 18 tobacco products, Qatar imposes higher specific duty 
rates on most tobacco products in 2020; these specific duties range from QAR 40/kg to QAR 300/kg 
in 2020 compared with QAR 20/kg in 2013, while the part of ad valorem  duty rate of 100% remains 
 
10 Qatar General Customs Authority. Viewed at: 
https://www.customs.gov.qa/english/pages/default.aspx# . 
11 Article  IV.1 of the Implementation Procedures .  
12 According to the authorities, the 5% duty rate applies to pork and pork -related products, and the 
100% duty rate applies to alcoholic beverages and any products containing alcohol.  
WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 37 - 
 
 unchanged. The standard deviation of 7.9 indicates high er tariff dispersion  than the 2013 level , with 
tariff rates ranging from 0% to 100% (Table 3.1).  
Table 3.1 Structure of applied MFN tariffs, 2013 and 2020  
  MFN applied  Bound 
ratea   2013  2020  
Bound tariff lines (% of all tariff lines)  n.a. n.a. 100.0  
Simple average rate (%)  5.0 5.1 15.9 
  WTO agricultural products  7.1 7.7 25.5 
  WTO non -agricultural products  4.6 4.6 14.0 
Duty-free tariff lines (% of all tariff lines)  11.1 11.2 3.1 
Simple average of dutiable lines only  5.6 5.7 16.4 
Tariff quotas (% of all tariff lines)  0.0 0.0 0.0 
Non-ad valorem  tariffs (% of all tariff lines)b 0.3 0.7 0.0 
Domestic tariff "peaks" (% of all tariff lines)c 0.3 0.9 1.0 
International tariff "peaks" (% of all tariff lines)d 0.6 0.9 18.5 
Standard deviation  7.2 7.9 17.5 
Nuisance applied rates (% of all tariff lines)e 0.0 0.0 0.0 
n.a.  Not applicable.   
a Final bound rates are based on the 2020 tariff schedule in HS17 nomenclature.  
b Including prohibited tariff lines in case of the 2020 tariff analysis.  
c Domestic tariff peaks are defined as those exceeding three times the overall simple average applied 
rate. 
d International tariff peaks are defined as those exceeding 15%.  
e Nuisance rates are those greater than zero, but less than or equal to 2%.  
Note:  The 2013 tariff is based on HS12 nomenclature, consisting of 7,300 tariff lines (8 -digit).  
 The 2020 tari ff is based on HS17 nomenclature, consisting of 7,500 tariff lines (8 -digit).  
 Calculations for averages are based on national tariff line level.  
 In case of non -ad valorem  rates, the ad valorem  part is used for mixed rates.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calcula tions, based on data provided by the authorities; and WTO CTS database.  
3.18.   Tariffs applied on agricultural products (WTO definition) remain higher than on non -
agricultural goods. In 2020, the average applied tariff rate on agricultural products is 7.7%, while  
that on non -agricultural products is 4.6% (Table 3.2). Within agriculture, beverages, spirits, and 
tobacco (33.7%) and coffee, tea, and cocoa and cocoa preparations (8.3%) are the product groups 
with higher average import duties. Most non -agriculture prod uct groups are subject to zero or 5% 
tariffs (99.7% of all non -agricultural tariff lines), and the remainder are prohibited items (e.g. 
asbestos, used tyres). Some agricultural product groups – such as coffee, tea, and cocoa and cocoa 
preparations; fruits, vegetables, and plants; sprits, beverages, a nd tobacco; and sugar and 
confectionery – display higher standard deviations, implying a larger tariff range within these product 
groups.  
Table 3.2 Applied MFN tariff summary, 2020  
 
Number 
of lines  Simple 
average 
(%) Tariff 
range  
(%) SDa Share of 
duty-free 
lines  
(%) Share of 
non-ad 
valorem  
tariffs  
(%) 
Total  7,570  5.1 0-100 7.9 11.2 0.7 
HS 01 -24 1,477  7.0 0-100 17.6 24.2 2.4 
HS 25 -97 6,093  4.6 0-20 1.6 8.0 0.3 
By WTO category        
WTO agricultural products  1,260  7.7 0-100 19.0 21.3 2.9 
Animals and products thereof  157 3.0 0-5 2.5 40.1 1.9 
Dairy products  44 5.0 5 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Fruit, vegetables, and plants  364 6.4 0-100 16.0 25.5 1.6 
Coffee, tea, and cocoa and cocoa 
preparations  43 8.3 0-100 20.4 23.3 0.0 
Cereals and preparations  191 3.6 0-5 2.3 28.8 0.0 
Oils seeds, fats, oil and their 
products  101 4.8 0-5 1.0 4.0 3.0 
Sugars and confectionery  40 5.8 0-100 15.3 32.5 0.0 
Beverages, spirits and tobacco  122 33.7 0-100 43.7 0.8 17.2 
Cotton  5 5.0 5 0.0 0.0 0.0 WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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Number 
of lines  Simple 
average 
(%) Tariff 
range  
(%) SDa Share of 
duty-free 
lines  
(%) Share of 
non-ad 
valorem  
tariffs  
(%) 
Other agricultural products, n.e.s.  193 4.7 0-100 7.2 15.5 1.6 
WTO non -agricultural products  6,310  4.6 0-20 1.6 9.1 0.3 
Fish and fishery products  303 3.5 0-5 2.3 29.0 0.0 
Minerals and metals  1,219  5.0 0-20 1.7 2.1 0.8 
Chemicals and photographic 
supplies  1,326  4.5 0-5 1.5 9.7 0.1 
Wood, pulp, paper and furniture  469 4.6 0-5 1.4 8.7 0.0 
Textiles  724 5.0 0-5 0.4 0.6 0.0 
Clothing  254 5.0 5 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Leather, rubber, footwear and 
travel goods  207 5.0 5 0.0 0.0 2.4 
Non-electric machinery  652 4.2 0-5 1.8 15.6 0.0 
Electric machinery  328 3.4 0-20 2.9 34.5 0.0 
Transport equipment  248 4.5 0-5 1.5 10.5 0.0 
Non-agricultural products, n.e.s.  545 4.6 0-5 1.4 8.6 0.0 
Petroleum  35 5.0 5 0.0 0.0 0.0 
By ISIC sectorb       
ISIC 1 – Agriculture, hunting and 
fishing  539 3.0 0-100 8.8 52.7 3.2 
ISIC 2 – Mining and quarrying  127 4.9 0-5 0.8 2.4 4.7 
ISIC 3 – Manufacturing  6,903  5.3 0-100 7.9 8.1 0.4 
By stage of processing        
First stage of processing  984 3.9 0-100 6.6 29.5 2.5 
Semi-processed products  2,253  4.8 0-20 1.5 4.6 0.0 
Fully processed products  4,333  5.5 0-100 9.9 10.4 0.6 
a Standard deviation.  
b International Standard Industrial Classification (Rev.2). Electricity, gas, and water are excluded 
(1 tariff line).  
Note:  Calculations for averages are based on the national tariff line level (8 -digit). Tariff schedule is based 
on HS17. In case of non -ad valorem  rates, the ad valorem  part is used for mixed rates.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.  
3.1.3.1   WTO bindings  
3.19.   Qatar's latest certified schedule of tariff concessions is in HS12.13  
3.20.   Upon its accession to the WTO, Qatar bound all tariffs and other duties and charges. 
Ad valorem  tariff rates apply to all bound tariff lines, ranging from zero to 200%. About 58% of tariff 
lines are at a bound rate of 15%. The highest rate of 200% (about 0 .8% of all tariff lines) applies 
to pork, tobacco, and alcohol.  
3.21.   The gap between the bound and applied rates remain s large (Chart 3.2). The simple average 
bound tariff is estimated at 15.9%, which is more than three times higher than the simple average 
applied MFN rate of 5.1 % (Table 3.1 and Chart 3.2).  A similar pattern is observed for most product 
groups by HS section; for example, the simple average bound rate on prepared food (HS  Section 4) 
is 35.3%, whereas the simple average applied MFN rate is 15.1%.   
 
13 The certification is contained in WTO document WT/Let/1388, 19 Sept ember 2018.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 39 - 
 
 Chart 3.2 Average applied MFN tariff and bound rates, by HS section, 2020  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.  
3.22.   Although applied rates are in most cases considera bly lower than bound rates (Table 3.1 and 
Chart 3.2), it appears that the applied MFN rates exceed the corresponding bound rates for 38  bound 
lines (Table 3.3). The authorities note that most products are related to items containing alcohol, 
which is sold at a single store under a licence regime.  
Table 3.3 Tariff line where applied rate exceeds bound tariff rate  
HS code  Product description  2020 
applied 
tariff  Bound 
tariff  
17049080  White chocolate containing alcohol  100a 20 
18063110       Blocks, slabs or bars containing alcohol  (filled)  100a 20 
18063210       Blocks, slabs or bars containing alcohol  (excluding filled)  100a 20 
20082010       Pineapples, containing alcohol  100a 15 
20083010       Citrus fruits, containing alcohol  100a 15 
20084010       Pears, containing alcohol  100a 15 
20085010       Apricots, containing alcohol  100a 15 
20086010       Cherries, containing alcohol  100a 15 
20087010       Peaches, containing alcohol  100a 15 
20088010       Strawberries, containing alcohol  100a 15 
20089310       Cranberries, containing alcohol  100a 15 
20089710       Mixtures, containing alcohol  100a 15 
20089910       Other, containing alcohol  100a 15 
22060000       Other fermented beverages (e.g. cider, perry, mead, saké)  100a 15 
22072090  Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of 
80% volume or higher  100a 15 
22086000  Vodka  100a 15 
22087000  Liqueurs and cordials  100a 15 
22089090  Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less 
than 80% volume  100a 15 
7214b Other bars and rods of iron or non -alloy steel, not further worked 
than forged, hot -rolled, hot -drawn or hot -extruded, but including 
those twisted after rolling     
72141040       Forged  20 15 
72142040       Containing indentations, ribs, grooves or other deformations  20 15 
72143040       Other, of free -cutting steel  20 15 
7215b Other bars and rods of iron or non -alloy steel     
72151040  Of free -cutting steel, not further worked than cold -formed or 
cold-finished  20 15 
72155040       Other, not further worked than cold -formed or cold -finished  20 15 
WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 HS code  Product description  2020 
applied 
tariff  Bound 
tariff  
72159040       Other  20 15 
7228b Other bars and rods of other alloy steel; angles, shapes  and 
sections, of other alloy steel; hollow drill bars and rods, of alloy or 
non-alloy steel     
72281020       Bars and rods, of high -speed steel  20 15 
72282020       Bars and rods, of silico -manganese steel  20 15 
72283020  Other bars and rods, not further worked than hot -rolled, hot -
drawn or extruded  20 15 
72284020       Other bars and rods, not further worked than forged  20 15 
72285020  Other bars and rods, not further worked than cold -formed or 
cold-finished  20 15 
72286020       Other bars and rods  20 15 
84282000b Pneumatic elevators and conveyors  5 0 or 15  
84283300b Other continuous -action elevators and conveyors, for goods or 
materials: Other, belt type  5 0 or 15  
84734000b Parts and accessories (other than covers, carrying cases, etc.)  5 0 or 15  
85049000b Electrical transformers, static converters and inductors; parts  5 0 or 20  
85229000b Parts and accessories  5 0 or 15  
85286900b Monitors and projectors  5 0 or 15  
85389000b Parts suitable for electrical apparatus  5 0 or 20  
85489000b Waste and scrap  5 0 or 20  
a Tariff codes are designated as "special goods". Customs duties were provided by the authorities.  
b An applied customs duty is partially higher than its cor responding bound duties.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities and CTS database.  
3.23.   Qatar bound "other duties and charges" for a stamp duty at 3% , which applies mainly to  
machinery and mechanical appliances (HS 84), organic chemicals (HS 29), electrical machinery 
(HS 85), fish (HS 03), inorganic chemicals (HS 28), and paper and paperboard (HS 48).  
3.1.3.2   Preferential tariffs  
3.24.   All imports from GCC and PAFTA members are duty free i f they meet the origin criteria.14  
3.25.   As a member of the GCC, Qatar grants preferences on a reciprocal basis to EFTA States and 
Singapore (Section  2.3.2).  These two FTAs  led to a substantial liberalization of Qatar's tariff regime. 
Under the m, over 80% of al l tariff lines (excluding applied MFN duty -free) are eligible for duty-free 
treatment ; as a result, duty -free treatment covers over 95% of tariff lines (Chart 3.3). The main 
exceptions from preferen tial tariffs  are meat (HS 02), dairy (HS 04), and tobacco (HS 24) in both 
FTAs; organic chemicals (HS 29) in the FTA with the EFTA; and fish (HS 03) and preparations of 
meat and fish (HS 16) in the FTA with Singapore. The simple average tariff rate for FTA partners is 
less than 1%. At a disaggregated level, the a verage rates for agricultural products (WTO definition) 
under FTAs are lower than the average MFN tariff rates. On the other hand, tariffs on non -agricultural 
products (WTO definition) are nearly all zero.  
 
14 WTO, Trade Policy Review of Qatar , WT/TPR/S/296/Rev.1, 18 June 2014.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 41 - 
 
 Chart 3.3 Tariffs under preferential agreements, 2020  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.  
3.1.3.3   Tariff exemptions and reductions  
3.26.   Qatar implemented a temporary exemption of customs duties on food and medical goods for 
nine months  in 2020  in response to the COVID -19 pandemic.15  
3.27.   Besides the temporary tariff suspension, Qatar's Customs Law (No. 40/2002) and the GAC's 
Unified Guide for Customs Procedure  provide for several duty exemptions in the form of different 
schem es such as temporary admission, diplomatic and military exemptions, and returned goods 
(Table 3.4). Customs duty exemptions may apply to machinery, equipment, and raw materials used 
for industrial projects in line with Qatar's strategic development goals, with the authorization from 
the Ministry of Energy and Industry.16 Also, the Qatar Financial Centre, the Qatar Science and 
Technology Park (QSTP), and the Qatar Foundation may also benefit from duty -free imports 
(Section  3.4.1). Foreign investment projects  can be granted a customs duty waiver for the import 
of machinery and equipment required for a project, in addition to raw materials and semi -
manufactured products for production that are not available in the domestic market ( Section 2.4.1).  
During the rev iew period, there were no major changes to procedures or policies, but some minor 
changes did take place; for example, Decree Law No. 21 of 2017 amended Law No. 34 of 2005 to, 
inter alia , reinstate customs duty exemptions for companies operating in free zo nes (Section 3. 4.1). 
 
15 WTO document WT/TPR/OV/23, 30 November 2020.  
16 WTO document G/SCM/Q2/QAT/5, 27 January 2016.  
WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 Table 3.4 Key features of customs duty exemptions and reductions  
Schemes  Overview  
Temporary admission  
(Customs Law, Part 7, 
Chapter 5)  The following items may be temporarily admitted without collection of customs 
duties:  
• Heavy machinery and equipment, which are not available in the local 
markets, for completion of projects or to conduct related experiments and 
tests. Temporary admission may be granted for a period of six months, 
renewable for similar periods not to exceed three years in total; if needed, 
it can be renewed throughout the project period until the project is 
completed.  
• Foreign goods imported for completion of manufacturing/p rocessing for a 
period not to exceed one year in aggregate, from the date of temporary 
admission.  
 
Period of temporary admission shall not exceed six months, renewable for 
similar periods, but not to exceed one year in total:  
• items imported for events suc h as theatres and exhibitions;  
• containers and packing imported for refiling;  
• animals admitted in for grazing;  
• commercial samples for exhibition; and  
• foreign vehicles used for tourist purposes or students granted scholarships 
to study at a university.  
 
The temporary admission procedure is terminated by re -exporting goods 
outside of the GCC member States, depositing them at the free zones/customs 
warehouse, or selling them for local consumption upon payment of customs 
duties (along with the certificate of  origin).  
Temporary admission 
under ATA Carneta Temporary admission is allowed for re -exportation of goods for six months and 
for goods in transit within the authorized transit period.  
Deposit/placement of 
goods in customs 
warehousesa Goods may be depos ited in the customs warehouses (designated as such and 
notified to all GCC member States) without payment of due customs 
taxes/duties. Goods shall be allowed to stay in customs warehouses for one 
year, renewable for similar periods, but not exceed three ye ars in total.  
Deposit/placement of 
goods in free zones and 
duty-free shopsa Goods may be deposited in the free zones and duty -free shops (designated as 
such and notified to all GCC member States) without payment of customs 
taxes/duties.  
Drawback  
(Customs Law, Part 7, 
Chapter 7)  Customs duties imposed on foreign goods shall be t otally or partially refunded at 
re-exportation. Foreign goods shall be re -exported within one year of the date of 
payment of the customs taxes/duties collected on them at the first point of 
entry into the GCC territory. Other conditions include, inter alia , that foreign 
goods are not used inside the country, and the value of the foreign goods is no 
less than USD 5,000.   
Diplomatic exemptions  
(Customs Law, Part 8, 
Chapter 2)  Imports by the diplomatic corps, consulates, and international organizations and 
their members accredited by the Government, on a reciprocal basis.  
Military exemptions 
(Customs Law, Part 8, 
Chapter 3)  Imports for all sectors of the military forces and internal security forces, such as 
ammunitions, arms, equipment, military transports, and any other materials.  
Industrial exemptionsa 
 Tariff exemptions on industry inputs imported by licensed industrial installations 
as per GCC Unified Industrial Regulatory Law  and its Implementing Rules . 
Exemption shall be granted to the equipment and machinery, parts, raw 
materials, semi -manufactured materials, and immediately required packing 
materials throughout the operation of the enterprise.  
Personal effects and 
household items  
(Customs Law, Part 8, 
Chapter 4)  Personal effects and used household items of nationals residing abroad or 
foreigners arriving for the first time.  
Imports of philanthropic 
societies "charities"   
(Customs Law, Part 8, 
Chapter 5)  A charity registered with the competent government benefits from exemption 
from customs duties for goods needed to provide services in the human, social, 
cultural, scientific, and religious areas, and not involved in political activity.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 Schemes  Overview  
Returned goods  
(Customs Law, Part 8, 
Chapter 6)  Duty exemptions may be applied to the following goods:  
• returned goods of national origin previously exported;  
• returned foreign goods that are proven to have been re -exported, if 
returned within one year of the date of re -exportation; and  
• returned goods that were exported for repair, restoratio n, or completion of 
manufacture; machinery and equipment that are used in projects abroad; 
and goods temporarily exported to stadiums, theatres, exhibitions, etc.  
a Based on GAC, Unified Guide for Customs Procedures .  
Source:  Information compiled by the W TO Secretariat, based on the Customs Law (Law No. 40, 200 2); GAC, 
Unified Guide for Customs Procedures . Viewed at: 
https://www.customs.gov.qa/English/Procedures/U nifiedGuide/Pages/default.aspx ; information 
provided by the authorities; and WTO, Trade Policy Review of Qatar , WT/TPR/S/296/Rev.1, 
18 June 2014.  
3.1.4   Other charges affecting imports  
3.28.   Section 9, Article  107, of the Customs Law stipulates that service charges app ly to goods for 
storage, handling, insurance, and other services required for the storage and inspection of goods. 
Goods may also be subject to charges for impacting, sealing, analysing, and performing other 
services. The applicable rates for such fees and  charges are determined by a resolution issued by 
the responsible authority. The current charges for customs services provided by the GAC are 
annexed to the Minister of Finance's Decision No. 9 of 2017. The fees enumerated in that Decision 
include a custom s declaration fee of QAR 150.  
3.29.   Qatar does not have a general sales tax or value added tax at present. GCC member States 
concluded a Unified Agreement for Value Added Tax that foresees value added tax to be applied to 
goods and services at a standard rate o f 5% in their territories. However, the authority to introduce 
implementing legislation and detailed procedures necessary for the operation of a VAT system 
remains with each GCC member State. Qatar has so far postponed the introduction of the new tax 
frame work, as it is studying the effect such a tax has in other countries in the region.  
3.30.   Qatar began to impose excise tax on specific goods considered harmful to human health on 
1 January 2019.17 The tax applies to raw tobacco and tobacco products (cigars, cig arettes, cigarillos, 
water pipe tobacco, and other tobacco goods), energy drinks, carbonated drinks (other than non -
flavoured aerated water), and special purpose goods, i.e. alcoholic beverages and pork.18 The tax 
rate was set at 100%, except for carbonate d drinks that are subject to the tax (the rate was set at 
50%).19 Revenues from the excise tax are earmarked for improvements in public services, including 
hospitals, education, and infrastructure. In 2019, the new excise tax regime raised approximately 
QAR 1.2 billion.20  
3.31.   The excise tax on imports is collected by the GAC. Taxable persons must register at least 30 
days prior to the commencement of operations that include importation or domestic production of 
excisable goods. Excise tax returns are filed on a quarterly basis.  Exported or re -exported goods are 
not subject to the excise tax, and the tax may be refunded if the goods are incorporated in the 
production of other excisable goods or released for consumption in Qatar to another GCC member 
State implementing the excise tax.  
3.1.5   Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
3.32.   The Qatari authorities repeatedly stated to the WTO Committee on Import Licensing that 
Qatar has no import licensing procedures.21 However, the importation of certain goods is either 
prohibited or restricted for reasons of security, health, or religion. While the list of prohibited goods 
 
17 Excise Tax Law (Law No. 25 of 2018).  
18 Energy drinks contain substances th at provide mental and physical stimulation, for example, because 
they include caffeine, taurine, ginseng, guarana, or similar ingredients. Coffee and tea are not defined as 
energy drinks.  
19 The tax base is the standard price listed in a schedule issued by  the General Tax Authority or, if 
higher, the declared retail sales price inclusive of excise tax.   
20 The corresponding figure for the first nine months of 2020 was QAR 826.6 million.  
21 WTO documents G/LIC/N/3/QAT/11, 8 May 2015; G/LIC/N/3/QAT/12, 15 Feb ruary 2017; and 
G/LIC/N/3/QAT/13, 1 February 2018.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 is relatively short, covering 27 tariff line items at the HS eight -digit level (Table A3.1), some  1,240 
tariff line items are currently identified as restricted (Table A3.2).  
3.33.   Import prohibitions are limited to live swine, ivory, nutmeg, narcotic substances, retreaded 
tyres, and asbestos and goods containing asbestos.22 The GAC controls the importation  of pork 
products, kola nuts, alcoholic beverages, and food items containing alcohol.23 Most other imports 
subject to control fall under the authority of the Ports Health and Food Control Section of the Ministry 
of Public Health (MOPH), and sometimes the m easures are administered jointly with the Department 
of Agriculture Affairs and Fisheries of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME). According 
to the authorities, most of these goods are not imported except as approved by the General 
Secretaria t of the Council of Ministers in coordination with the GAC.  
3.34.   Qatar is party to certain international environmental conventions, notably the Montreal 
Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (since 1996), the Basel Convention on the 
Control of Tr ansboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (since 1995), the 
Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals 
and Pesticides in International Trade (since 2005), the Stockholm Convention on Pers istent Organic 
Pollutants (since 2005), and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild 
Fauna and Flora (CITES) (since 2001), under which trade restrictions may be imposed on goods 
considered harmful or dangerous, or for environment al protection purposes.  
3.1.6   Anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures  
3.35.   According to Article 8 of the Economic Agreement between the GCC member States, the 
member States are obliged to "unify their industrial legislation and regulations, including r ules 
related to precautionary safeguards". The GCC Supreme Council adopted a Common Law of Anti -
Dumping and Countervailing Measures and Safeguards in 2003, and GCC Ministers adopted the 
regulations to implement the Common Law in February 2004.24 The Common  Law was amended in 
December 2010 and approved by the GCC Supreme Council at its 31st session. Anti -dumping and 
countervailing measures are not permitted in intra -GCC trade.  
3.36.   The 2010 amendments created common institutions to deal with trade remedy issues 
including a Ministerial Committee, a Permanent Committee, and the Office of the Technical 
Secretariat to combat harmful practices in international trade (GCC -TSAIP). The Permanent 
Committee decides whether an investigation should be initiated based on a pr eliminary report from 
the GCC -TSAIP. Should a formal investigation be warranted, the GCC -TSAIP will conduct it and 
present its findings, including recommendations on measures that could be taken, to the Permanent 
Committee, which takes the final decision.  
3.37.   The GCC -TSAIP carried out a number of investigations during the review period, and imports 
of certain products (ceramic tiles from China and India, uncoated paper and paperboard (from Poland 
and Spain), and electric lead -acid accumulators manufactured in the Republic of Korea) are currently 
subject to anti -dumping duties in GCC member States (Table 3.5). An anti -dumping investigation 
concerning certain aluminium products originating in China has been ongoing since 29  April 2020. 
An investigation launched i n February 2019 into allegedly dumped imports of super -absorbent 
polymer from Japan and Chinese Taipei was terminated in November 2019 with no measures taken 
because the complaint was withdrawn.25 Qatar has not introduced legislation to implement GCC 
contingency measures in its territory.  
 
22 According to the authorities, imports of nutmeg are permitted  in Qatar .  
23 Kola nuts are prohibited according to Circular No. 7182/2016, which is based on letters from the 
Public Security Department and  the MOPH.  
24 WTO document WT/COMTD/RTA/9/1, WT/REG276/1, 21 March 2018.  
25 WTO document G/ADP/N/335/ARE, G/ADP/N/335/BHR, G/ADP/N/335/KWT, G/ADP/N/335/OMN, 
G/ADP/N/335/QAT, G/ADP/N/335/SAU, 18 May 2020.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 Table 3.5 GCC anti -dumping measures in force, 30 June 2020  
Country  Product; investigation ID number  Measure  Date of original 
imposition; publication 
reference  
China  Ceramic flags and paving, hearth, floor, or wall 
tiles; whether or not on a backing; finishing 
ceramics (ceramic tiles)  (HS 6907 except items 
under subheading 69073000)  
ID: AD -4-9/CH  Duties  6 June 2020  
Official Gazette , Vol. 27  
India Ceramic flags and paving, hearth, floor, or wall 
tiles; whether or not on a backing; finishing 
ceramics (ceramic tiles)  (HS 6907 except items 
under subheading 69073000)  
ID: AD -4-9/IND  Duties  6 June 2020  
Official Gazette , Vol. 27 
Korea, 
Rep. of  Electric lead -acid accumulators of capacity of 35 
up to 115 Amp -hour 
ID: AD -15-5 Duties  25 June 2017  
Official Gazette , Vol. 10 
Poland  Uncoated paper and paperboard (Kraft liner of 
fluting or test liner), in rolls or sheets 
(containerboard)  
ID: AD -3-8/POL  Duties  1 May 2019  
Official Gazette , Vol. 20 
Spain  Uncoated paper and paperboard (Kraft liner of 
fluting or test liner), in rolls or sheets 
(containerboard)  
ID: AD -3-8/ESP  Duties  1 May 2019  
Official Gazette , Vol. 20 
Source:  WTO document G/ADP/N/342/ARE, G/ADP/N/342/BHR, G/ADP/N/342/KWT, G/ADP/N/342/OMN, 
G/ADP/N/342/QAT, G/ADP/N/342/SAU, 5 October 2020.  
3.38.   Regarding the possible imposition of safeguard measures, the WTO Committee on Safeguards 
received notifications in respect of investigatio ns covering certain flat -rolled products of iron or non -
alloy steel (HS 721070 and HS 721090), chemical plasticizers (HS 38244000), and certain steel 
products. Although the GCC -TSAIP made preliminary determinations in all three cases that surging 
imports a re causing serious injury or the threat of serious injury to GCC industries, the investigations 
are continuing without the imposition of provisional measures.26  
3.2  Measures Directly Affecting Exports  
3.2.1   Customs procedures and requirements  
3.39.   Al-Nadeeb, the single window electronic clearance system, is also used to process exports. 
When certificates of origin are required, they are issued by the QCCI. According to the QCCI, it 
requires a letter from the Industrial Development Department of the Ministry of Ene rgy and Industry, 
identifying the product and the local value added for the issuance of certificates. For exports of fresh 
fish, an exporting card from the Fish Resources Department of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and 
Agriculture and a copy of the lic ence of the fishing vessel are also necessary. Exports and re -exports 
of livestock must be accompanied by veterinary health certificates issued by the Animal Health 
Department of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture. Supporting documents provi ng the 
country of origin must be attached for all re -exported goods.27  
3.2.2   Taxes, charges, and levies  
3.40.   Qatar does not levy taxes or other types of fiscal charges on exported goods.  
3.2.3   Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
3.41.   Qatar does not have an export  licensing system. However, some goods may be subject to 
controls due to Qatar's participation in international environmental conventions. Exports require the 
 
26 WTO documents G/SG/N/8/ARE/1, G/SG/N/8/BHR/1, G/SG/ N/8/KWT/1, G/SG/N/8/OMN/1, 
G/SG/N/8/QAT/1, G/SG/N/8/SAU/1, 17 January 2017; G/SG/N/8/ARE/2, G/SG/N/8/BHR/2, G/SG/N/8/KWT/2, 
G/SG/N/8/OMN/2, G/SG/N/8/QAT/2, G/SG/N/8/SAU/2, 17 May 2018; and G/SG/N/8/ARE/3, G/SG/N/8/BHR/3, 
G/SG/N/8/KWT/3, G/SG/N/8/OMN/3, G/S G/N/8/QAT/3, G/SG/N/8/SAU/3, 23 July 2020.  
27 QCCI, Certificate of Origin . Viewed at: https://www.qatarchamber.com/certificate -of-origin/ .  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 issuance of a certificate of origin from the QCCI in coordination with the MOCI. Exports of scrap  iron 
must be approved by the Qatar Steel Company.28  
3.2.4   Export support and promotion  
3.42.   In 2011, Qatar launched Tasdeer, an export development agency, to help boost non -
hydrocarbon exports. Tasdeer operates within the Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and is finance d 
through its budget. Although Tasdeer can assist all Qatari exporters regardless of size, its 
programmes primarily target SMEs. Tasdeer Development, a recent addition, provides Qatari 
businesses with access to a database of potential partners and a range of trade reports and market 
studies, including a trade secrets export guide (in English and Arabic), an FTA guide developed in 
cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, and product and country reports based 
on the ITC's Trade Map, Market Acces s Map, and other relevant information.29 Tasdeer also organizes 
seminars and workshops and export readiness and matchmaking programmes. Tasdeer  joined the 
Enterprise Europe Network, a portal launched in 2008 to support SMEs with international ambitions, 
currently co -funded under the European Union's Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and 
Medium -sized Enterprises  and Horizon 2020 programmes.   
3.43.   Qatar does not have any specific export processing zones. It has some free zones pursuant 
to the Decree Law No. 21 of 2017 (Section 3.3.1), while the development of further special economic 
zones is foreseen according to the Qatar National Vision 2030.  
3.2.5   Export finance, insurance, and guarantees  
3.44.   The QDB offers SMEs the possibility of financing export transactions before or after shipment. 
For pre -export financing, up to 80% of the contract value may be covered for up to one year 
(renewable); the percentage rises to 90% for post -export financing.  
3.45.   The QDB also offers export insurance for products made in Qatar, either in the form of pre -
shipment insurance against the loss of products or cancellation of the order, or post -shipment 
insurance against buyers' non -payment. Up to 90% of the value of the payable may be insured, and 
the insurance extends to all political and commercial risks. LL 
3.3  Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.3.1   Incentives  
3.46.   Qatar offers various incentives both to foreign and national businesses.  During the review 
period, Qatar amended several laws on,  inter alia,  free zones (Law No. 34 of 2005 and Decree Law 
No. 21 of 2017) and the income tax (Income Tax Law (Law No. 24 of 2018)), covering specific 
chapters and provisions on incentives.  
3.47.   Qatari fr ee zones offer a variety of incentives to attract foreign investment. The main 
legislation includes Law No. 34 of 2005, as amended by Decree Law No. 21 of 2017, and the 2018 
Free Zones Authority Licensing Regulations. In 2018, the Qatar Free Zones Authorit y (QFZA) was 
established as an independent entity to develop and regulate free zones.30 The QFZA provides a 
one-stop shop for the entire set -up process; it offers services (e.g. infrastructure, offices, and 
facilities), as well as issues licences and appro vals for entities that wish to carry out economic 
activities in and from the free zone.31  
3.48.   The QFZA currently oversees two free zones, namely Umm Al houl (adjacent to Hamad Port) 
and Ras Bufontas (close to Hamad Airport). The Ras Bufontas zone aims at attra cting businesses 
engaged in logistics, consumer products, light manufacturing, services, technology and applications, 
and pharmaceuticals, whereas the Umm Alhoul zone focuses on maritime industries, polymers and 
plastics, advanced manufacturing, and logist ics. Benefits to enterprises located in the zones include 
 
28 QCCI, Certificate of Origin . Viewed at: https://www.qatarchamber.com/certificate -of-origin/ . 
29 A separate database was set up to provide information on international tenders in key markets. QDB. 
Viewed at: www.qdb.qa/en .  
30 Article  17 of Law No. 34 of 2005, as amended by Decree Law No. 21 of 2017.  
31 QFZA, Licensing Regulations – 2018, 4 June 2018. Viewed at: https://qfz.gov.qa/wp -
content/uploads/2019/08/FZA -Licensing -Regulations.pdf .  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 20-year corporate tax holidays, no customs duty on imports, potential access to an investment fund 
dedicated to promoting growth, quality infrastructure, and 100% ownership and full capital 
repatria tion for foreign investors. According to the authorities, around 150 projects were approved 
for investment in free zones, and about 80% of those companies completed the registration and 
licensing requirements as at November 2020. The authorities also note that companies licensed for 
manufacturing activities in free zones would be expected to begin operations before the end of 2020.  
3.49.   In addition to free zones overseen by the QFZA, there are also special free zones such as the 
QSTP and the Qatar Financial Centre32 (Section 4.2.1).  The State provides certain support to them 
to attract technology institutes and international financial business.33  
3.50.   The QSTP, part of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, 
is Qatar's premier hub for a pplied research, technology development, innovation, and 
entrepreneurship.34 The QSTP operates a free zone that allows for up to 100% foreign ownership, 
and offers incentives including exemptions from all taxes including corporate income tax, 
unrestricted movement of capital and profits, and no import duties.35 Additionally, the QSTP offers 
support programmes for SMEs and start -ups including capacity -building programmes and funding 
programmes such as the Product Development Fund (PDF). The PDF is a cost -sharing fund where 
the QSTP provides up to 50% of the total budget as a grant to facilitate local start -ups and SMEs to 
develop products and services relevant to local market needs.36 The programme has awarded grants 
to 28 SMEs since its launch in 2016.37 In this regard, Qatar stated  that the Qatar Foundation and 
the QSTP were not government entities and any support they offer was not a subsidy within the 
meaning of Article  1 of the SCM  Agreement.38  
3.51.   Qatar issued the new Income Tax Law (Law No. 24 of 2018)39 on 13 December 2018, as well 
as its Executive Regulations (Decision No. 39 of 2019) on 11 December 2019. The Law generally 
applies a 10% flat rate of tax on net income of businesses, but a minimum of 35% applies to income 
derived from entities in t he oil and gas sector.40 Tax exemptions apply to, inter alia , dividends, 
interest on bonds, and income of companies from certain sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, air 
or sea transport, and small handcraft businesses, as well as income on foreign capi tal.41 Also, 
companies may be eligible for a tax exemption under the State of Qatar tax regime: the Minister of 
Finance may issue exemptions for a period of up to five years; longer exemptions are agreed to by 
the Council of Ministers.42 The 2018 law also introduced a single withholding tax rate of 5%.43 The 
Law requires entities registered in, or with a permanent establishment in, Qatar to withhold 5% of 
their payments made to non -residents for royalties or services that are performed in Qatar without 
a permanent establishment.44 The rate may be reduced or exempted under a tax treaty. As noted 
in the previous Trade Policy Review report (2014), QFC and QSTP companies are not subject to the 
withholding tax.45  
 
32 The free zones overseen by the QFZA aim to attract industrial, logistical, and emergin g-technology 
entrepreneurs that transport goods they produce via either ship or air cargo to their final destinations. 
Meanwhile, the QSTP is dedicated to education, science, and community development projects that concentrate 
on furthering the knowledge e conomy. The QFC is an onshore business platform that hosts financial 
institutions, professional services, and strategic economic actors that can do business in and outside Qatar with 
the protection of its own courts practicing English Common Law and its ow n regulatory authority.  
33 WTO, Trade Policy Review of Qatar , WT/TPR/S/296/Rev.1, 18 June 2014.  
34 QSTP, About Qatar Science and Technology Park . Viewed at: https://qstp.org.qa/about/ .  
35 QSTP, Park & Free Zone , Viewed at: https://qstp.org.qa/free -zone.  
36 QSTP, Product Development Fund , Viewed at: https://qstp.org.qa/product -development -fund/ .  
37 Information p rovided by the authorities.  
38 WTO document G/SCM/Q2/QAT/6, 24 October 2016.  
39 Replaced Law No. 21 of 2009.  
40 General Tax Authority, Income Tax .  
41 MOCI , Single Window Initiative . Viewed at: https://investor.sw.gov.qa/wps/portal/investors/explore/ . 
42 According to the authorities, a request for an exemption or reduction must first be presented to the 
competent authorities. T he Ministry of Finance and the Council of Ministers evaluate these requests on a case -
by-case basis.  
43 The 7% withholding tax rate (Law No. 21 of 2009) was removed under the new law.  
44 General Tax Authority, Withholding Tax . 
45 Qatar Financial Centre, Tax. Viewed at: https://www.qfc.qa/en/operating/tax ; and QSTP, Park & Free 
Zone. Viewed at: https://qstp.org.qa/free -zone.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 3.52.   In addition to various incentives for foreign investors, the QDB, which is a 100% state -owned 
bank, provides Qatari SMEs and start -ups with a wide range of supports.46 Joint-venture (including 
foreign invested) companies can benefit from the QDB's support as long as they are Qatari -based. 
The QDB's financial support programmes include Al -Dhameen (credi t guarantee), Istithmar (SME 
equity), Ithmar (seed funding), green house financing, export finance, export insurance, and direct 
lending (Table 3.6). For example, companies in high export -oriented sectors may be eligible for 
loans under direct lending prog rammes. The QDB also provides SMEs and start -ups with several 
types of non -financial support programmes, including accounting services, legal advisory services, 
and marketing services. For some of these support programmes, 50% of the services cost may be 
subsidized by the QDB.47  
Table 3.6 Main financial support programmes provided by the QDB  
Programme  Summary  
Al-Dhameen  
(credit guarantee)  The Al -Dhameen programme does not offer direct financing to SMEs, but i t 
encourages banks to offer financing to start -ups and SMEs. For this purpose, the 
programme issues a letter of guarantee to a financing bank, promising to repay up 
to 85% of the allocated funds (not exceeding QAR  15 million per project). A SME 
can obtain up to two separate guarantee letters, if the total amount of the 
guarantees does not exceed QAR 20 million.  
 
All sectors, except agriculture, fishing and livestock, non -oil mining and quarrying, 
wholesale and retail, financial, insurance, and real estate, are eligible for the 
programme. Any Qatari SME or joint venture (including foreign investors) with 
annual tur nover not exceeding QAR 30 million can apply for the programme.  
Istithmar  
(SME equity)  The SME equity programme provides capital to Qatari -owned/managed SMEs, 
aiming to encourage new and innovate projects. The programme includes 
investment in projects wi th QAR 365 million that follow a sector -agnostic approach 
with a focus on innovative, sustainable, and scalable businesses (except trading, 
real estate, and contracting). The investment size for each enterprise is QAR 1.5 -
QAR 7 million for small enterprise s and QAR 3.5 -QAR 18 million for medium -sized 
enterprises.  
Ithmar  
(seed funding)  Ithmar is a Shariah -compliant equity product programme. The QDB finances up to 
90% of the project (10% financed by the entrepreneur), with a maximum 
investment limit of QAR  900,000 per start -up. The funding is provided through a 
convertible Musharaka contract that can later be converted into shares.  The 
programme includes all sectors, except trade, real estate, and contracting.  
Green house 
financing  The programme offers fun ding for building greenhouses to promote agriculture and 
self-sufficiency in agricultural products. It finances 100% of the project's value with 
a maximum of QAR 70,000.  
Export finance  The programme aims to not only promote Qatari exports but also provide financial 
solutions designated to provide for cash flow needed.  
Export insurance  Two types of export credit insurance are provided to protect exporters against 
commercial and political risks: (i) pre -shipment risk cover for "Made in Qatar" 
product s in case of loss or cancellation before the goods are shipped; and (ii) post -
shipment risk cover for when an overseas buyer fails to pay for goods. The 
guarantee covers 90% of the value of goods.  
Direct lending  The QDB provides loans to start -ups and exi sting companies in the manufacturing, 
education, healthcare, services, agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors.  
Benefits of direct lending include: (i ) financing up to 60% of the total value of the 
project; (ii)  financing up to 80% of the value of equipment and machinery 
(excluding buildings); (iii)  the maximum tenor period is 15 years, with a maximum 
grace period of 3 years; (iv)  "profit rate" up to 5%  maximum; and (v)  the QDB 
finances 100% of the salaries and rents value for the first six months. In addition, 
for agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors, there are benefits according to 
specific needs (e.g. fishing boats for the fisheries sector, o r irrigation equipment 
and greenhouses for agriculture).  
 
46 As per Ministerial Decision No. 250 of 2018, SMEs are defined as companies established in accordance 
with Qatari law with not more than 250 employees, and with annual turnover not exceeding QAR 100 million. 
SMEs are classified into three categories: micro (no. of staff: 1 -10; turnover: less than QAR 1 million); small 
(no. of staff: 11 -50; turnover: QAR 1 million to less than QAR 20 million); and medium (no. of staff: 51 -250; 
turnover: QAR 20 million to QAR 100 million). Hukoomi, MCI Highlights Unified Definition of SMEs , 
21 November 2018. Vie wed at: https://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/porta l/media -center/news/news -
details/mcihighlightsunifieddefinitionofsmes#:~:text=SMEs%20are%20defined%20as%20companies,exceed%
20100%20million%20Qatari%20riyals . 
47 QDB, Advisory Products . Viewed at: https://www.qdb.qa/en/products -services . WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 49 - 
 
 Programme  Summary  
The QDB also provides funding for the development of the technology sector, 
sectors that extensively use available raw materials, sectors that are highly 
environment friendly and use only renewable energy sources, high export -oriented 
sectors, and projects for reducing Qatari reliance on imports for a particular 
product.  
Note:  Contracting is a subset of construction but focuses mostly on "outsourcing" activities of particular 
projects, such as con tracting supply of labour or raw materials.  
Source:  Information compiled by the WTO Secretariat, based on QDB, Financial Products . Viewed at: 
https://www.qdb.qa/en/products -services .  
3.53.   As mentioned in the previous Trade Policy Review report (2014), the State subsidizes both 
electricity and water for locally owned companies, but the authorities note that these subsidies 
decreased significantly during the review period and are expected to continue to decline. According 
to the authorities, Kahramaa48, the sole supplier for the electricity and water sector, continues its 
strategy of achieving full market rates. Also, land is subsidized for agriculture and some 
manufacturing activities, subjec t to official approval from the authorities. According to the 
authorities, Qatar still supports agricultural activities but less than before, and its aim is to eventually 
stop this support around the mid -2020s.  
3.54.   In 2015, Qatar notified the WTO that it did n ot grant or maintain any subsidy within the 
meaning of Article  1:1 of the SCM Agreement, which is specific in terms of Article  2, or operate 
directly or indirectly to increase exports or reduce imports within the meaning of Article  XVI:1 of 
GATT 1994.49  
3.3.2   Standards and other technical requirements  
3.55.   The legal and institutional framework for standards has remained largely unchanged since the 
previous Review.50 Qatar's relevant regulations include Law No. 4 of 1990 and its amendment, Law 
No. 2 of 1992, which pro vide the basics for technical regulations for all products, including imports.  
3.56.   The General Organization for Standardization (QS)51, under the MOCI, is the competent body 
responsible for standards and technical regulations in Qatar.52 The QS prepares and i ssues standard 
specifications, technical regulations, rules, and internationally recognized practices, e.g. through the 
application of international and regional guides and regulations, based on ISO/IEC Guide  21, Parts  1 
and 2 (i.e. regional or national ad option of international standards and other international 
deliverables).  
3.57.   At the GCC level, Qatar is a member of the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO), which 
aims to harmonize and promote coherence among members for standardization and related matters 
such as conformity assessment procedures.53 The GSO prepares, approves, and publishes GCC 
product standards; GCC -wide standards are formulated by the Working Group of the technical 
committee or subcommittee (following a proposal from a member State). Once approved, GSO 
standards and technical regulations eventually replace those of individual member States.54 Any 
existing national standards that conflict with the GSO standards must be withdrawn. According to 
the GSO online information, 80% of GSO standards are international standards.55 
 
48 Kahramaa Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation. Viewed at: 
https://km.qa/Pages/default.aspx .  
49 WTO do cuments G/SCM/N/253/QAT and G/SCM/N/284/QAT, 18 September 2015.  
50 WTO, Trade Policy Review of Qatar , WT/TPR/S/296/Rev.1, 18 June 2014.  
51 Amiri Decision No. 44 of 2014, which replaced Law No. 16 of 2002, concerns the establishment of 
the QS.  
52 During the review period, the responsible/affiliated Ministry for  the QS was changed from the MME to 
the MOCI . Al-Meezan, Amiri Decision No. 6 of 2020 . Viewed at: 
https://almeezan.qa/LawView. aspx?opt&LawID=8258&language=ar .  
53 GCC, Article  5.4 of the Economic Agreement between the GCC member States.  
54 GSO, Standards . Viewed at: https://www.gso.org.sa/en/standards/ .  
55 GSO, Standards . Viewed  at: https://www.gso.org.sa/en/standards/ .  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 3.58.   Generally, the Qatari regulations on standards and technical regulations are based on GSO or 
international standards. Qatar may also initiate its own processes for national standards. As at 
November 2020, Qatar had 22,240 sta ndards in place, of which 1,130 were mandat ory standards, 
and 29 standards and technical regulations were national standards.56 According to the authorities, 
96% of the total national approved standards are based on international standards.  
3.59.   The QS also fu nctions as Qatar's WTO TBT Enquiry Point for technical regulations, standards, 
and conformity assessments.57 Qatar made 267 notifications to the WTO TBT Committee under 
Article  10.6 of the TBT Agreement from 1 January 2014 to 31 November 2020.58 The notifi cations 
cover, inter alia , animal and food products, tyres, cosmetics, tobacco, and electric and electronic 
equipment. Of these, 184 were joint notifications made with the other GCC member States plus 
Yemen. The notifications by Qatar (including the joint notifications) were mostly related to the 
protection of human health or safety (over 60% of total regular notifications).59 During the review 
period, some WTO Members in the TBT Committee expressed their specific trade concerns (STCs) 
about Qatar's technic al regulations on animal products, energy drinks, halal feedstuff, motor 
vehicles, restrictions on hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment,  and shelf -life 
requirements for cheese.60 However, the QS confirms adherence to the normal comm enting period 
of 60 days, during which all comments and enquiries from WTO Members are received, answered, 
and taken into account.  
3.60.   All of Qatar's technical regulations apply equally to locally produced and imported products. 
All regulated products require a certificate of conformity issued by an accredited laboratory for 
customs clearance. In Qatar, Customs takes random samples from imported consignments to verify 
compliance at the border, when compliance checks are needed within narrow limits. It seems tha t 
there are regulated (or "restricted") and non -regulated products, although the classification criteria 
are not clear to the Secretariat. Non -regulated imported products are treated according to the 
procedures of the GAC. For restricted products, includin g toys, plastics, cosmetic products, 
construction products, vehicle spare parts, and some electrical products, certain rules apply. 
(Table  3.7).  
Table 3.7 List of restricted products by QS according to technical regulations  
Item  Regulation no.  
Children toys  EN 71 -1, EN 71 -2, EN 71 -3 / BD -131704 -01 
(EN Toys Directive)  
Tableware made of melamine plastics  QS 142 (adopted from EN Directive)  
Tyres  QS 51, QS 52, QS 53, QS 645, QS 646, QS 647, 
QS 1783, QS 1784 (adopted from ISO standards)  
Cosmetic products  
   Hair shampoo  
   Hair products containing keratin  
   Eyebrows / eyelashes dye  
   Black henna  QS 1943  
(adopted from EN Directive)  
Construction products  
   Concrete block masonry units  
   Non-wieldable steel reinforcing bars used in concrete  
   Precast concrete paving blocks  
   Bitumen 60/70 used in roads  
   Aggregates and limestone  QCS 2014  
Amended by a joint committee of the MME, 
Ashghal, and the QS to en able importation of 
materials conforming with international standards.  
 
(Note: The Public Works Authority Ashghal is 
responsible for the planning, design, procurement, 
construction, delivery, and asset management of 
all infrastructure projects and public b uildings.)  
 
56 Information provided by the authorities.  
57 WTO document G/TBT/2/Add.87, 27 February 2006.  
58 WTO TBT information management system. Viewed at: http://tbtims.wto.org/ . Of 263 notifications, 
2 were addenda, 2 were corrigenda, and 3 were revisions.  
59 WTO Secretariat calculations,  based on WTO TBT information management system. Viewed at: 
http://tbtims.wto.org/ . 
60 WTO documents G/TBT/M/67, 3 February 2016; G/TBT/M/68, 12 May 2016; G/TBT/M/69, 
22 September 2016; G/TBT/M/70, 17 February 2017; G/TBT/M/71, 2 June 2017; G/TBT/M/72, 
25 September  2017; G/TBT/M/73, 6 March 2018; G/TBT/M/74, 22 May 2018; G/TBT/M/75, 
14 September  2018; G/TBT/M/76, 7 February 2019; G/TBT/M/77, 15 May 2019; G/TBT/M/79, 
30 January  2020; G/TBT/M/80, 2020; and G/TBT/M/81, 26 June 2020 ; and WTO TBT information management 
system. Viewed at: http://tbtims.wto.or g/. WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 Item  Regulation no.  
Vehicles, motorcycles  QS standards adopted from international standards 
in compliance with the Qatari Environment  
Spare parts of vehicles   
   Brake linings  QS ECE 90  
   Wheel rims  QS 1712, QS ISO 7141  
QS ISO 3006, QS ISO 4000 -2 
   Safety belts  QS 97  
Electrical appliances   
   Fans/exhaust fans  IEC 60335 -1, IEC 60335 -2-80 
   Electric iron  IEC 60335 -1, IEC 60335 -2-3 
   Hair dryer, straightener & similar  IEC 60335 -1, IEC 60335 -2-23 
Food and drinks packages & cups made of plastic, 
paper and foam  QS 1863 – ECE/10/2011  
Colonia  QS 1046: 2001  
Split &  window AC  QS 2663, ISO 5151   
Note:  ECE: Economic Commission for Europe; EN: European Standard; IEC: International Electrotechnical 
Commission;  ISO: International Organization for Standardization; QCS: Qatar Construction 
Specification; QS: Qatar Standard.  
Source:  Information provided by the QS.  
3.61.   Qatar notified its acceptance of the WTO TBT Code of Good Practice in 2006.61 The QS 
represents Qatar in standardization activities at the International Organization for Standardization 
(ISO), the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries, the International Electrotechnical 
Commission (IEC), the International O rganization of Legal Metrology (OIML), the International 
Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), the Codex Alimentarius, the Arab Industrial Development 
and Mining Organization, and the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO).  
Marking and labelling rules  
3.62.   Marking and labelling is required on all products placed on the Qatari market. All labels must 
be either only in Arabic or in Arabic and another language. The authorities note that English is 
commonly used as the second language, but other languages can be us ed according to the applicable 
technical regulation.  
3.63.   In August 2020, Qatar launched the Qatari Quality Mark.62 Pursuant to the implementation of 
the Qatari Quality Mark regulation (No. 60 of 2018), the QS grants a licence to use the Qatari Quality 
Mark fo r products that comply with the approved standard specifications. The licence to use the 
mark is valid for two years (renewable). The scheme is voluntary and is available for local and 
imported goods as long as they meet the requirements.  
3.64.   Specific marking and labelling rules apply to certain products. At the regional level, the Gulf 
Conformity Mark (G -Mark) is a GCC conformity mark that is compulsory for products subject to GCC 
technical regulations and that is affixed on the product or/and package. The mar king signifies that 
G-Mark products, such as toys, electric fans, hair dryers, and irons, comply with GCC regulatory 
requirements.63 These products are registered in the GSO's product tracking system and must 
display the Gulf Conformity Tracking Symbol (GC TS), which is composed of three elements: the 
G-Mark logo, the certificate tracking number, and the QR code for traceability.64 Qatar had not 
started implementing the G -Mark and the GCTS as at November 2020.  
3.65.   In addition, labels are required on products suc h as cosmetics and motor vehicles (Table 3.8). 
For example, Qatar (in a joint notification) notified the WTO TBT Committee of labelling requirements 
on cosmetic and personal care products by reason of safety and consumer protection.65 Also, vehicle 
 
61 WTO document s G/TBT/CS/N/163, 1 March 2006 ; and G/TBT/CS/N/163/Rev.1, 25 November 2020.  
62 Hukoom i, "Prime Minister Launches Qatari Quality Mark ", 24 August 2020 Viewed at: 
https://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/portal/media -center/news/news -
details/primeministerlaunchesqatariqualitymark .    
63 GSO, Conformity Tracking System . Viewed at: https://www.gso.org.sa/en/conformity/conformity -
tracking -system/ .  
64 GSO, Rules for the Use of the GSO Conformity Tracking System (GCTS), Rev.  2.0, 21 May 2019. 
Viewed at: https://www.gso.org.sa/wp -content/uploads/2017/11/%E2%80%9CGulf -Conformity -Tracking -
Symbol%E2%80%9D -GCTS.pdf .  
65 WTO document G/TBT/N/QAT/549, 25 September 2018.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 agents and dealers are required to display fuel efficiency labels on motor vehicles (starting from 
2017 model years), in line with a GSO technical regulation   (No. 42 of 2015); the initiative aims to 
raise consumer awareness about energy efficiency and to ensure safety and environmental 
protection.66 
3.66.   With respect to food products, Qatar follows the technical regulation (No. QS  9) on general 
labelling requirements for all types of food.67 Food labels must include, inter alia , product and brand 
names, the name and address of the manufacturer, the country of origin, and a list of the ingredients. 
As noted earlier, this also applies to locally produced food. Qatari Standards (GSO 150/2007) are 
adopted for shelf -life requirement, specifying products required for pe rishable foods (Part 1) and 
products with recommended expiry periods for non -perishable food products (Part 2).68 The 
manufacturer must print the production and expiry dates on the original label or container. Adding 
stickers for production and expiry date s is not permissible.  
3.67.   In May 2017, the MOPH announced that nutrition information labels must be provided for food 
products in line with GSO 9/2013 and GSO 2233 (Requirements of Nutritional Labelling).69 Nutritional 
facts must appear in both Arabic and Eng lish on product packaging. Any products that do not comply 
with the requirement are rejected or re -exported, except for non -packaged products such as fresh 
vegetables, fruit, and meat and fish; pre -packaged food items that are small (not exceeding 
20 squar e cm); water in any kind of packaging; and food items imported for non -commercial use.70  
3.68.   Qatar allows imports of GMO food or feed upon authorization.71 The country follows a 
mandatory and positive labelling regulation on GM food (i.e. containing GMO). The  authorities noted 
that Qatar accepts all GM food products as long as they meet the requirements specified in GSO 
standards.  
Table 3.8 Labelling requirements for selected product groups  
Product  Regulations  Content  
Food Technical Regulation No. QS GSO 
9/2013: "Labelling of pre -packaged 
food items"  The regulation is concerned with labels of pre -
packaged food products, as well as the 
related requirements for how they are 
presented.  
Cosmetic products  Technical  Regulation No. QS GSO 
1934/2016: "Safety requirements 
in cosmetics and personal care 
products"  The regulation is concerned with general 
safety requirements and standards in addition 
to the requirements for packaging and 
explanatory data that must be avail able in all 
cosmetic and personal care products.  
Technical Regulation No. QS GSO 
2528/2016: "Cosmetics – A list of 
claims for cosmetics and personal 
care products"  The regulation is concerned with standards for 
cosmetic claims and clarifies the basic criteria 
for permissible claims in cosmetics. Products 
containing claims contrary to this regulation 
may fall outside the scope of cosmetic 
products.  
 
66 MOCI, "Ministry of Econ omy and Commerce Compels Vehicle Agents and Dealers across Qatar to 
Clearly Display Fuel Efficiency Labels on Models from 2017 Onwards" , 15 March 2017. Viewed at: 
https://www.moci.gov.qa/en/mec_news/ministry -of-econom y-and-commerce -compels -vehicle -agents -and-
dealers -across -qatar -to-clearly -display -fuel-efficiency -labels -on-models -from-2017-onwards/ . 
67 Document QS/GSO 9/2013, Labeling of Pre -packaged Food Stuffs . 
68 Documents GSO/150 -1/2013 (Expiry periods of food produc ts – Part 1: Mandatory expiry periods) 
and GSO/150 -2/2013 (E) (Expiration dates for food products – Part 2: Voluntary expiration dates).  
69 Gulf Times , "Nutritional Labels Must for Food Products" , 3 January 2017. Viewed at: 
https://www.gulf -times.com/story/526759/Nutritional -labels -must-for-food-products ; and USDA Foreign 
Agricultural Service, Gain Report, Qatar Implementation of GSO Regulation on Nutritional La belling , 
7 June 2017.  
70 Gulf Times , "Nutritional Labels Must for Food Products" , 3 January 2017. Viewed at: 
https://www.gulf -times.com/story/526759/Nutrition al-labels -must-for-food-products . 
71 FAO, FAO GM Foods Platform . Viewed at: http://www.fao.org/food/food -safety -quality/gm -foods -
platform/browse -information -by/country/country -page/en/?cty=QAT .  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 Product  Regulations  Content  
Medicines  No regulation  Within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of 
Health.  
GMO  
 Technical Regulation No. GSO 
2142/2011: "General requirements 
for genetically modified processed 
food and feed"  The standard is concerned with general 
requirements for processed food  
and feed obtained through certain techniques 
of genetic modification.  
Vehicles  
 Technical Regulation GSO 42:2015: 
"Motor vehicles – general 
requirements"  The standard is concerned with the general 
requirements for motor vehicles, ensuring 
high levels of safety, environmental 
protection, energy efficiency, and antitheft 
perform ance. It covers fuel consumption 
labelling.  
Source:  Information compiled by the WTO Secretariat, based on information provided by the authorities; and 
information from FAO, FAO GM Foods Platform . Viewed at: http://www.fao.org/food/food -safety -
quality/gm -foods -platform/browse -information -by/country/country -page/en/?cty=QAT ; and the 
MOCI.  
3.3.3   Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements  
3.69.   Qatar's SPS regime has remain ed largely unchanged s ince the previous Review in 2014. The 
main legislation on sanitary and phytosanitary requirements is the Regulation of Human Food Control 
(Law No. 8 of 1990) and its amendments (Law No. 4 of 2014 and Law No. 20 of 2017). The Law 
regulates food control to e nsure food safety and suitability including trade, packaging/labelling, and 
transport of both imported and locally produced food. According to the Law, food should comply with 
approved technical regulations' requirements before handling or consumption. The  Law includes 
penalties and fines for noncompliance. Other relevant laws include those on veterinary quarantine 
(Law No. 14 of 2003, as amended by Law No. 9 of 2008), agricultural quarantine (Law No. 24 of 
2005), and consumer protection (Law No. 8 of 2008) .  
3.70.   The Food Safety Department of the MOPH performs most functions related to food safety 
requirements, including food safety and control policy, and ensures compliance with related technical 
regulations. The MOPH coordinates with the competent authorities including the MME, the MOCI, 
and the QS.72  
3.71.   The Ports Health and Food Control Section of the MOPH's Food Safety Department has the 
authority to inspect, monitor, and control imported food.73 The Section is responsible for: 
(i) checking required documents, such as health and Halal certificates issued by the competent and 
approved authority in the country of origin; (ii)  preventing entry of contaminated food; (iii)  dealing 
with rejected consignments (i.e. destruction or re -export); (iv) performing physical in spection and 
sampling of imported foods; and (v)  providing food importers with guidance on procedures, 
specifications, and standards.74 The Livestock Department of the MME is responsible for issuing a 
veterinary health certificate for animals75 and inspecting live animals and plants, animal feed, and 
horticultural products at the entry port.  
3.72.   The Central Food Lab Section, which is also part of the Food Safety Department, is responsible 
for analysing samples of imported and locally produced food,  as well as meeting the requirements 
of Qatari, Gulf, and international standard specifications.76 Laboratory analysis is not required for all 
 
72 MOPH , Food Safety Department . Viewed at: 
https://www.moph.gov.qa/english/derpartments/healthaffairs/foodsafety/Pages/default.aspx .  
73 MOPH, Ports Health an d Food Control Section . Viewed at: 
https://www.moph.gov.qa/english/derpartments/healthaffairs/foodsafety/portshealthnfoodcontro l/Pages/defaul
t.aspx .  
74 MOPH, Ports Health and Food Control Section . Viewed at: 
https://www.moph.gov.qa/english/derpartments/h ealthaffairs/foodsafety/portshealthnfoodcontrol/Pages/defaul
t.aspx ; and Food Importers Guide . Viewed at: 
https://www.moph.gov.qa/english/derpartme nts/healthaffairs/foodsafety/Pages/Publications.aspx . 
75 MME, Livestock Department . Viewed at: 
http://www.mme.gov.qa/cui/view.dox?id=1460&contentID=3843&siteID=2 .  
76 MOPH, Central Food Lab Section . Viewed at: 
https://www.moph.gov.qa/english/derpartments/healthaffairs/foodsafety/centralfoodlabsdepar tment/Pages/de
fault.aspx .  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 food products. Sample testing is done according to a risk -based approach, taking into consideration 
new-to-market  products or products that failed a previous inspection.  The test results normally take 
1 to 10 days, according to the type of analysis required (e.g. microbiological tests need more time). 
For the laboratory analysis of food samples, applicants pay a fee of 0.5% of the value of the sampled 
items.77 Random sampling from local markets (such as restaurants and markets) for laboratory 
analysis is also carried out. There is no fee for testing local food samples collected by competent 
authorities as part of the food control procedures.  
3.73.   The MOPH does not require prior approval for food importation, but it mandates that imported 
products comply with Qatari standards and requirements. All food, including imported products, 
must comply with: (i)  the general requirem ents outlined in labelling requirements (QS No. 9); (ii)  the 
list of permitted additives (QS No. 2500); (iii)  mandatory expiration dates for food products 
(QS No. 150-1); and (iv)  specific requirements depending on type of food. A health certificate is 
required for each imported consignment regardless of whether it is from GCC member States, thus 
ensuring food safety by the competent authority of the country of origin. All meat, meat products, 
or food containing animal origin ingredients such as gelatine mu st be accompanied by an Islamic 
(Halal) slaughter certificate issued by an approved Islamic Centre in the country of origin.  
3.74.   The MOPH periodically issues a list of prohibited food products importing into Qatar with 
justification.78 There are three types o f banned items relating to: (i) requirements of technical 
regulations or standards such as unsafe or non -Halal food (on a permanent basis); (ii) the reports 
of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) on the epidemiological situation of a specific 
disease in a country (on a temporary basis); and (iii) special cases such as the lack of information 
about a country's epidemiological situation in which the risk may transmitted to imported food (on 
a temporary basis). Such precautionary measures (on a temp orary basis) are in accord with the 
SPS Agreement.   
3.75.   During the review period, the MOPH implemented several initiatives to ensure a balance 
between food safety and trade facilitation. According to the authorities, the Ministry developed an 
electronic manage ment food control system (EMS) that contains the registration of food and food 
premises, the electronic control system that controls local food and imported and exported food, and 
the electronic Laboratory Information Management System. The EMS was expecte d to be integrated 
with the customs for border and local control by January 2021.  
3.76.   The food registration system has been active since April 2018.79 The system allows companies 
to register imported/exported food products electronically before importing/expo rting, and a 
registration notice is given for each food product. The system is intended to facilitate monitoring and 
tracking, and linking products to specific risks. Also, the system contributes to reducing the number 
of infringing foods, or rejected or d estroyed foods.80 The authorities note that 19,000 products were 
registered as at November  2020, and it will be mandatory to register each item after the system 
becomes part of the EMS.  
3.77.   In January 2020, the MOPH also launched the Global Partners System (E -Certificate Exchange 
Program) with the countries that export food to Qatar. According to the authorities, the System is 
used by Halal authorities in the country of origin. The System is an exchange for certificates of 
various food shipments and consignmen ts, including health and phytosanitary certificates and Halal 
and Halal Slaughtering certificates in an electronic form. With required certificates, the System aims 
 
77 MOPH, Update of the Procedure for Paying the Fees of the Laboratory Analysis of Food Samples , 
3 February 2020. Viewed at:  
https://www.moph.gov.qa/english/derpartments/healthaffairs/foodsafety/Pages/MemosDetails.aspx?ItemId=2
5. 
78 MOPH, Food Safety Department . Viewed at: 
https://www.moph.gov.qa/english/derpartments/healthaffairs/foodsafety/Pages/default.aspx . 
79 Hukoomi, "MOPH Launches Website for Food Registration" , 10 April 2020. Viewed at: 
https://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/portal/media -center/news/news -
details/mophlauncheswebsiteforfoodregistration .  
80 Hukoomi, "MOPH Launches Website for Food Registration", 10 April 2020. Viewed at: 
https://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/portal/media -center /news/news -details/mophlauncheswebsite 
forfoodregistration . WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 to ensure the accuracy and the authenticity of documents and to facilitate inspection proce dures. 
There is no requirement to use the System.81  
3.78.   The authorities note that Qatar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on food safety 
with Turkey in November 2017. The MOU ensures that Turkey complies with Qatari food regulations; 
it aims to facilitate measures of releasing food products into the ma rket.  
3.79.   At the GCC level, the Economic Agreement between the GCC member States contains no 
specific provisions on SPS measures, but the Agreement and the Implementation Procedures 
maintain veterinary and agricultural quarantine regulations.82 In 2007, the G CC Food Safety 
Committee initiated work on a guide for food import procedures for the GCC member States to unify 
the applied procedures for clearing food consignments, as well as to unify the required import 
certificates for different types of foods. In July 2017, at the WTO SPS Committee , the United States 
raised one STC concerning the proposed GCC Guide for Control on Imported Foods . Brazil shared 
this concern. Bahrain, on behalf of the GCC, announced that the GCC would notify its suspension of 
the implem entation of the Guide .83  
3.80.   The MOCI functions as Qatar's national notification authority.84 Qatar made 93 notifications 
under the WTO SPS Agreement from 1 January 2014 to 31 November 2020.85 The notifications 
cover, inter alia , food products including fruit s and vegetables, meat, cereals and pulses, and dairy 
products. Of these, 74 were joint notifications made with the other GCC member States plus Yemen. 
The MOPH is the WTO SPS Enquiry Point.86  
3.81.   Qatar is a member of the OIE and the Codex Alimentarius Commis sion (Codex), as well as a 
contracting party to the International Plant Protection Convention.  
3.3.4   Competition policy and price controls  
3.3.4.1   Competition policy  
3.82.   Since the previous Review, there has been no change to the legislative or institutional 
framework on co mpetition, although the authorities indicate they are preparing an amendment to 
the current competition legislation: Law No. 19 of 2006 concerning Protection of Competition and 
Prevention of Monopolistic Practices.87  
3.83.   According to the MOCI, the Law is appl icable to all activities in violation of competition 
regulations that influence the domestic market, across all economic sectors, with some exceptions.88 
The authorities indicate that these exceptions include state sovereign acts or acts of institutions, 
authorities, companies, and entities directed or supervised by the State; thus SOEs are excluded if 
they are directed or supervised by the State. According to the authorities, those SOEs not directed 
or supervised by the State are covered by the competition  law. Competition in the 
telecommunications services sector is regulated by its sectoral regulator – the Communications 
Regulatory Authority (CRA). According to the authorities, there are no other examples where 
competition in specific sectors is regulated  by sectoral regulators.  
3.84.   The Law defines forbidden actions including: (i)  manipulating the prices of products; 
(ii) limiting the free flow of products; (iii)  deliberately provoking a sudden abundance of products, 
or causing them to circulate at a price af fecting the economies of other competitors; (iv)  preventing 
 
81 Ministry of Health, E-Certificate Exchange System Guide, Global Partners System , 1st ed., 2019. 
Viewed at: https://www.moph.gov.qa/english/derpartments/healthaffairs/foodsafety/Pages/Publications.aspx.  
82 WTO documents WT/COMTD/RTA/9/1 and WT/REG276/1, 21 March 2018.  
83 WTO SPS information management system. Viewed at:  http://spsims.wto.org/ . Kuwait and Bahrain 
already notified their non -implementation of the Guide . 
84 WTO document G/SPS/NNA/16, 11 March 2011.  
85 WTO SPS information management system. Viewed at: http://spsims.wto.org/ . Of 93 notifications, 
8 were addenda, and 11 were corrigenda.  
86 WTO document G/SPS/ENQ/26, 11 March 2011.  
87 Al-Meezan, Law No. 19 of 2006 Conc erning Protection of Competition and Prevention of Monopolistic 
Practices . Viewed at: https://almeezan.qa/LawPage.aspx?id=2528&language=en . 
88 MOCI, Protect Competition and Prevent Monopolistic Practices' Committee – Frequently Asked 
Questions. Viewed at: https://www.moci.gov.qa/en/about -the-ministry/national -committees/protect -
competition -and-prevent -monopolistic -practices -committee/frequently -asked -questions/ . WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 or impeding people from practicing their economic or commercial activity in the market; (v)  dividing 
or allocating product markets on the basis of geographical areas, distribution centres, type of  
customers, seasonal basis, time -periods, or goods; and (vi)  knowingly spreading false information 
about products or their prices.  
3.85.   The Law allows institutions to have a dominant position, but prohibits them from abusing that 
position through actions that l ead to the imposition of artificial prices, the artificial lack or glut of the 
product, the limitations on people's freedom to enter or exit markets at any time, the conclusion of 
a contract conditional on the acceptance of obligations unrelated to the ori ginal transaction, the 
differentiation of competitors, or selling products below their marginal cost or average variable cost.  
3.86.   The Law also covers the notification of mergers or acquisitions that control or dominate the 
marketplace. Institutions that plan  to acquire assets or shares, or undergo mergers or acquisitions 
that result in a dominant market position, must notify the competent committee of their plan in 
writing. Upon receipt of such a notification, the competent committee processes applications wi thin 
90 days; if it fails to do so, the application is deemed approved. The authorities indicate that, 
between 2014 and 2020, the MOCI's Competition Protection Department dealt with seven 
applications related to economic concentration (e.g. mergers and acq uisitions, and owning assets), 
of which one was rejected.  
3.87.   The Committee on the Protection of Competition and the Prevention of Monopolistic Practices, 
under the MOCI, is responsible for enforcing the Law. The Committee comprises representatives 
from, inter alia, the private sector, the MOCI, the Ministry of Energy and Industry, the Ministry of 
Finance, the Ministry of Justice, the Qatar Central Bank, and the General Authority of Customs. The 
Committee, facilitated by the Competition Protection Department89, is in charge of, inter alia , 
receiving complaints regarding violations of the Law, verifying their authenticity, and taking 
appropriate measures.   
3.88.   Any person or entity violating the provisions of this Law is fined between QAR 100,000 and 
QAR 5 million. A ll profits generated from such activities are confiscated. When a violation is proven, 
the Committee issues a warning to the person/entity responsible for committing the violation, 
requiring them to comply with the Law. If the person/entity fails to comply , the Committee refers 
the case to the Minister of the MOCI, who refers the case to the judiciary. From 2014 to 2020, three 
cases were referred by the MOCI to the judiciary.  
3.89.   The Committee is a member of the International Competition Network (ICN). As Qatar  is a 
member of the GCC, the League of Arab States, and the Economic and Social Commission for 
Western Asia, it participates in regional meetings and seminars on competition, including those 
organized under the Arab Competition Guidance Law and by the Comm ercial Laws Committee to 
study and draft competition legislation in GCC member States.  
3.3.4.2   Price controls  
3.90.   The legal framework for price regulation includes Law No. 12 of 1972 regarding Mandatory 
Pricing and Fixing Profits. The authorities indicate that this Law is expected to be replaced by new 
legislation in the very near future. The bill states that prices are determined according to market 
mechanisms, except in emergencies, crises, and disasters such as wars and pandemics. Other 
relevant ministerial d ecisions include:  
a. MOCI Decision No. 9 of 2020 to nominate a chairman, vice chairman, and members of a 
committee in charge of setting the maximum prices and profit ratios for certain goods and 
services;  
b. Minister of Business and Trade Decision No. 8 of 2013 regarding the principles and controls 
for increasing the prices of certain goods and services; and  
 
89 MOCI, Protect Competition and Prevent Monopolistic Practices' Commit tee. Viewed at: 
https://www.moci.gov.qa/en/about -the-ministry/national -committees/protect -competition -and-prevent -
monopolistic -practices -committee/ . WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 c. Minister of Business and Trade Decision No. 169 of 2011 to form a committee to set the 
maximum prices and profit ratios.  
3.91.   In accordance with the relevant ministerial decisions, a Committee was established in 2011 
and is affiliated with the Minister of the MOCI. Currently, its members include representatives from 
the MOCI, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, the Mini stry of Finance, and the QCCI. The 
authorities state that this committee is in charge of determining the essential goods and services for 
which the maximum price and the profit ratios are to be set, and then setting them (Table 3.9).  
Table 3.9 Commodities and services subject to price controls  
Goods  Services  
Food commodities  Non-food commodities  • Restaurants, cafeterias, and 
cafés 
• Automobile agencies or 
dealers  
• Electrical and electronic 
agencies or dealers  
• Women's beauty centres and 
salons  
• Men's salons  
• Men's and women's sewing 
stores  
• Car wash services  
• Laundries  
• Parking lots  
• Tyres and their services  
• Prices of services and goods 
in cinemas  
• Fees for e -marketing services 
and products delivery  Milk and dairy products:  
• Powdered milk  
• Baby milk  
• Evaporated milk  
Red meat and meat products:  
• Live sheep  
• Slaughtered sheep (local and 
imported)  
White meat and their products 
(poultry):  
• Live poultry  
• Refrigerated poultry  
• Frozen poultry  
Vegetables and fruits  
Fish and seafood  
Cooking oils  
Ghee (vegetable and animal)  
Rice 
Sugar  
Tea 
Coffee and its products  
Table eggs  
Canned and frozen foods  
Flour • Transportation vehicles, and 
their spare parts  
• Baby suppli es 
• Personal supplies  
• Building materials  
• Men's and women's clothing 
and fabrics  
• Stationery  
• Air conditioners  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.92.   Prices charged by enterprises engaging in natural monopoly sectors are not regulated by the 
Committee.90  
3.3.5   State trading, state -owned enterprises, and privatization  
3.3.5.1   State trading  
3.93.   In 2017, Qatar notified the WTO that it did not maintain any state -trading enterprises that 
meet the definition in paragraph 1 of the Understanding on the Interpretation of Article  XVII of GATT 
1994.91 
3.94.   However, the State grants exclusive rights to some enterprises to import or export certain 
products. For example:  
a. Qatar Chemical and Petrochemical Marketing and Distribution Company (Muntajat), a 
100% state -owned company est ablished in 2012, has exclusive rights to purchase, 
 
90 Natural monopoly sectors include: (i)  the transportation of oil and oil products by trunk pipelines; 
(ii) the purchase and transmission of natural gas by (trunk or distribution) pipelines, or the operation of gas 
distribution plants and associated gas distribution pipelines; (iii)  the production, transmission, or distribution of 
electrical or thermal energy; (iv)  transport terminal, airport, and air navigation services; (v)  postal and 
electronic communication servi ces, and local fixed -line network communications; (vi)  water and sewerage 
services; and (vii) domestic route air transportation.  
91 WTO document G/STR/N/16/QAT, 13 February 2017.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 market, distribute, and sell certain chemical and petrochemical products to global 
markets.92 
b. Qatar Fuel, a 100% state -owned company formed in 2002, has exclusive rights to market, 
sell, transport, and distribute gas and petrochemicals within Qatar for a period of 
15 years.93 
c. Qatar Distribution Company, a state -owned company (apparently 100% owned by the 
State, and the authorities indicate that it is a subsidiary of Qatar Airways), has exc lusive 
rights to import and distribute alcohol and pork products.  
d. Qatar Petroleum for the Sale of Petroleum Products Company (QPSPP), 100% state -
owned, holds exclusive rights to sell certain petroleum products on behalf of the producing 
entities to custome rs outside Qatar (Section 4.1).  
3.3.5.2   State -owned enterprises (SOEs) and privatization  
3.95.   SOEs still play a major role in the economy, and dominate sectors such as oil and gas, 
telecommunications, postal services, civil aviation and transportation, minerals, manuf acturing, and 
public utilities, including water and electricity distribution (Table 3.10).  
Table 3.10 Certain SOEs, 2020  
Enterprise  Sector  State ownership  
Al Jazeera  Broadcasting/media  100%  
Diar Real Estate Development  Real estate  100%  
Hassad Food  Foodstuffs  100%  
Mowasalat  Taxis and buses  100%  
Ooredoo  Telecommunications  70.5%  
Qatar Airways  Commercial air services  100%  
Qatar Aluminium  Aluminium  100%  
Qatar Central Deposit of Paper Money  Currency  100%  
Qatar Chemical and Petrochemical Marketing 
and Distribution Co. (Muntajat)  Chemicals/petrochemicals  100%  
Qatar Distribution Company  Alcohol and pork products  100%  
Qatar Fertilizer Company  Fertilizer  100%  
Qatar Fuel  Fuel and petroleum products  100%  
Qatar General Electricity & Water 
Corporation (Kahramaa)  Water and electricity  90%  
Qatar Hospitality  Hospitality services  100%  
Qatar Melamine Company  Melamine production  100%  
Qatar Metallurgy  Metallurgy  100%  
Qatar National Broadband Network Company  Broadband services  100%  
Qatar Petroleum  Oil and gas  100%  
Qatar Petrol Global Marketing Company  Petroleum products  100%  
Qatar Ports Management Company  Port services  100%  
Qatar Postal Services Company  Postal services  100%  
Qatar Primary Material Co.  Primary materials  100%  
Qatar Satellite Company  Satellites  100%  
Qatar Solar Technologies  Solar energy  100%  
Qatar Steel Company  Steel 100%  
Wadi Al Asil Trading Company  Trading activities  100%  
Source:  WTO, Trade Policy Review of Qatar , WT/TPR/S/296/Rev.1, 18 June  2014; and information provided 
by the authorities.  
3.96.   According to the authorities, SOEs are defined as  those  enterprises owned or controlled by 
the State, either by being the ultimate be neficiary owner of the  majority  voting  shares  or through 
other means. It is not clear to the Secretariat if the SOEs are generally making profits or losses, and 
if they have losses, whether they can obtain support from the Government.  
 
92 Decree Law No. 11 of 2012;  and Muntajat, Product Range.  Viewed at: 
http://muntajat.qa/index.php?page=company -profile . 
93 It is not clear to the Secretariat if these exclusive rights have been terminated or extended.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 3.97.   Qatar's NDS -2 mentioned that the Government was developing Qatar's privatization roadmap 
between 2018 and 2019, to increase the private sector's contribution to GDP.94 Details of the 
roadmap and the implementing results were not available to the Secretariat. In 2020, th e Public -
Private Partnership Law (PPP Law) No. 12 of 2020 entered into force, partly to deepen Qatar's 
economic diversification and to increase the private sector's participation in major infrastructure 
projects ( Section 2.4 .2).  
3.3.6   Government procurement  
3.98.   Qatar is neither a party nor an observer to the plurilateral Agreement on Government 
Procurement under the WTO.  
3.99.   The government procurement regime changed significantly during the review period. In 2015, 
Qatar issued its new public procurement law, Law No. 24  of 2015 on Regulation of Tenders and 
Auctions, which took effect on 13 June 2016 and superseded Law No. 26 of 2005. The new Law was 
amended in 2018, and it made major changes in the following areas:  
a. abolished the Central Tenders Committee (CTC) and decent ralized the tendering process;  
b. established committees for dispute resolution, to streamline disputes over tenders;  
c. permitted the use of two -stage tenders; and  
d. exempted SMEs from being required to provide performance bonds and payment 
guarantees.  
3.100.   Under th e previous procurement legislation, the CTC was responsible for processing public -
sector tenders above QAR 5 million. The new Law disbanded the CTC, and allows each government 
entity to create its own tender committee, whose members must include representa tives from the 
Ministry of Finance and the Diwan Audit Bureau. The Government Procurement Department, within 
the Ministry of Finance, was established to oversee government tenders.95 The new Department also 
set up a website to consolidate all tenders and p rovide relevant information to interested bodies.96  
3.101.   With a view to resolving procurement disputes in an effective manner, the new Law allows 
the Ministry of Finance to set up committees for dispute resolution, with each committee presided 
over by a judge.  Unless otherwise stated in the contract, disputes arising from government contracts 
are subject to settlement by Qatari courts. The previous procurement legislation contains no such 
provisions, and there was no quick way to resolve disputes arising from t he application of the law.  
3.102.   Article 2 of the Law introduced the following tendering methods: two -stage tender, limited 
tender practice, competition, and direct contract. The two -stage approach involves a procuring entity 
seeking tenders from contractors/su ppliers based on an initial scope of work97; according to the 
authorities, this allows closer collaboration with the contractor or supplier. Other changes include 
expanding the list of reasons for conducting direct agreement in public procurement, and remo ving 
the ceiling in amending procurement contracts.  
 
94 Planning and Statistics Authority, Qatar  Second  National Development Strategy , 2018-2022. Viewed 
at: https://www.psa.gov.qa/en/knowledge/Documents/NDS2Final.pdf . 
95 The CTC was the sole procurement agency in the past with operational, execution, and regulatory 
authority over any purchase above QAR 5 million, whereas the Government Procu rement Department has 
partial oversight, in that it participates in each agency's procurement committees along with other members, 
e.g. the state audit bureau and agency personnel.  
96 Hukoomi, Search Tenders on Government Procurement Portal . Viewed at: 
https://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/portal/services/inviduallandingpages/other%20services/searchfortendersonthe
governmentprocurementregulatorydepartmentportal/!ut/p/a1/jY_NDoIwEIRfRR_AdAUx9YhEEQVN_InYi2lwBYy2
ZKkk-vRW49WfPe1mv8nMMMFSJpRsylyaUit5ft6ivx8seNDlHMJFPHIhW vnRcJ6Mu7B2LbCzAHwYH37pp38YOJQESc
5EJU3RKdVRs1SbAqlVIzVlhjVLa5SUFUdNBtUBqdbKArlukNQFlalIZ1fC50qYX8_SaLodsJJkXm -rs2W3TLzS9GHg -
AnvbZbxkEM0m3jePHRcCL038KXuShKrLuk9nsCp57fbD8LYLaY!/dl5/d5/L0lHSkovd0RNQU5rQUVnQSEhLzRKU0U
vZW4!/?changeLanguage=en . 
97 Once the procu ring entity receives initial tenders, it selects a preferred bidder that begins performing 
certain pre -commencement services. The bidder then works out the full tender.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 3.103.   The new Law does not cover procurement conducted by SOEs. The authorities state that in 
2019 public procurement expenditure accounted for 6.1% of GDP, and about 5.5% of government 
procurement was provided  by foreign suppliers.  
3.104.   Bid and performance bonds are required in the form of unconditional guarantees with a local 
bank. The standard bid bond is 5%, and the performance bond is 10% of the contract value. These 
rates can be higher for certain projects. Un der the new Law, SMEs may seek an exemption (either 
full or partial) from submitting performance bonds if they provide financial assurances from the QDB.  
3.105.   Foreign architectural, contracting, and engineering firms are not required to have a local 
presence f or the bid process. However, by the time a contract is signed, participating foreign firms 
must have satisfied the local establishment requirements. Bids are in Arabic unless the tender 
document specifically indicates that English is required.  
3.106.   Under the n ew Law, preferences may be given to domestically produced products upon the 
recommendation of the Minister of Finance and the approval by the Council of Ministers. Domestically 
produced products are granted a 10% price preference over their foreign counter parts.  
3.3.7   Intellectual property rights (IPRs)  
3.3.7.1   Overview  
3.107.   During the review period, Qatar adopted various reforms in its intellectual property (IP) 
system, aimed at promoting the development of a knowledge economy. Domestically, since the 
restructuring of the M inistry of Economy and Commerce, which was later reorganized into the MOCI, 
the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department (IPRPD) has been responsible for IP matters. 
Its main functions include: (i)  educating and supporting IPR holders; (ii)  settling IP disputes; 
(iii) combatting IP infringement; and (iv)  protecting IPRs, including patents, integrated circuit 
designs, trademarks, trade names, industrial designs, geographical indications (GIs), and copyright 
and neighbouring rights.  
3.108.   Qatar also made  legislative changes to laws on IPR protection. In 2020, Law No. 10 on the 
Protection of Industrial Designs and Models (the Design Law) came into force (see below).  Other 
main legislation on IPRs protection includes:  
a. Law No. 7 of 2014 on Approval of the T rademarks Law of the Gulf Cooperation Council 
States;  
b. Law No. 17 of 2011 on Border Measures for the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights;  
c. Decree Law No. 30 of 2006 (Patent Law);  
d. Law No. 5 of 2005 on Protection of Trade Secrets;  
e. Law No. 6 of 2005 on Protection of Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits;  
f. Law No. 7 of 2002 on the Protection of Copyright and Related Rights; and  
g. Law No. 9 of 2002 on Trademarks, Trade Names, Geographical Indications and Industrial 
Designs.98 
3.109.   Internationally, Qatar is a member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty, the WIPO Copyright 
Treaty, the WIPO Performance and Phonograms Treaty, the Berne Convention for the Protection of 
Literary and Artistic Works, the Pa ris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, the Nairobi 
Treaty on the Protection of the Olympic Symbol, the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual 
Property Organization, and the WTO TRIPS Agreement. In April 2016, Qatar deposited its instrument 
of acceptance of the 2005 protocol amending the TRIPS Agreement.  
 
98 WIPO, IP Portal, Qatar.  Viewed at: https://wipolex.wipo.int/en/legislation/profile/QA .  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 3.110.   During the review period, Qatar joined several international agreements and treaties:  
a. the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for 
the Purposes of Patent Producers, by Amiri Decree No. 21 of 2015;  
b. the Rome Convention on the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and 
Broadcasting Organizations, on 23 September 2017;  
c. the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Accessibility of Works for V isually Impaired and Persons 
with Disabilities in Facilitated Format, on 24 October 2018; and  
d. the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Works, effective 28 April 2020.  
3.111.   In addition, Qatar launched its online trademark registration service in 201799, and revised 
its fee collection structure for copyright and related rights registration. Fees for various IPR 
registration, certification, and publication are the same for foreigners and Qataris (Table 3.11).  
Table 3.11 Fees for IPR registration and certification  
(QAR)  
IPRs  Students  Individuals  Educational 
and research 
institutions  Companies and 
commercial 
establishments  
Copyrights and neighbouring rights  
 Request  Exemption  100 200 300 
 Certificate  50 100 400 500 
Patents  
 Request  Exemption  1,000  2,000  2,000  
 Request for technical examination  100 2,500  5,000  5,000  
Publication request for grant of a 
patent  50 200 400 400 
 Request to issue a patent certificate  100 1,000  2,000  2,000  
Trademarks  Trademark  Group of 
marks  Collective mark  
 Request  1,000  1,500  3,000  
 Publicity of a mark if accepted  325 325 325 
 Registration of the mark  2,000  3,000  5,000  
Request to renew the mark during 
the last year of the protection 
period  2,000  4,000  5,000  
Request to renew the mark within 
the next six months of the 
protection period  5,000  6,000  8,000  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.3.7.2   Economic policy context  
3.112.   In 2019, Qatar ranked 65th out of 129 economies in the Global Innovation Index, compared 
with 50th out of 141 economies in 2015.100 Its strengths lie in, inter alia,  university and industry 
research collaboration, ICT services imports, computer software spending, and high - and mediu m-
high-tech manufacturing. Its weaknesses are reflected in the low number of patents and trademark 
applications filed by Qatari residents. For example, according to WIPO online information and data 
from the authorities, over the review period, of around 60 0 patent applications (Table 3.12), 10% 
were made by residents, and the rest by non -residents.101 
 
99 Marcaria.com, Qatar Trademark Registration . Viewed at: 
https://www.marcaria.com/ws/en/register/trademarks/trademark -registration -
qatar?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzOm -sdKp6wIVA -R3Ch26BgriEAAYASAAEgLiefD_BwE .  
100 WIPO, Global Innovation Index (GII), Economy Profiles & Data Tables , 2019. Viewed  at: 
https://www.wipo.int/edocs/pubdocs/en/wipo_pub_gii_2019 -appendix2.pdf ; and Country/Economy Profiles , 
2015.  Viewed at: https://www.wipo.int/edocs/pubdocs/en/wipo_pub_gii_2015 -appendix1.pdf . 
101 WIPO, Statistical Country Profiles , Qatar . Viewed at: 
https://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/country_profile/profile.jsp?code=QA .  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 Table 3.12 IP rights applied and registered, 2015 -19 
 2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  
Patent applications 560 564 593 581 699 
Patents granted  0 14 1 5 33 
Trademark applications  8,188  8,200  5,677  8,653  8,372  
Trademarks registered  10,950  9,810  8,426  9,217  7,561  
Copyright and related rights certificates  201 163 61 316 213 
Note:  Qatar is a member of the Patent Office of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf 
(GCC Patent Office). Patent filings by Qatari residents at the GCC Patent Office are considered both 
resident and foreign filings via regional office.  
Source : Data provided by the authorities.  
3.113.   The authorities stated that Qatar's national IP laws do not have any provisions explicitly 
regulating parallel imports or exhaustion of rights regarding patents or trademarks. It is not clear to 
the Secretariat if parall el importation is allowed in practice. With regards to compulsory licensing, a 
grievance committee was set up in 2018 under Minister of Economy and Commerce Decree No. 154 
of 2018; since then, no request has been submitted to this committee to obtain a com pulsory licence.  
3.3.7.3   Industrial property rights  
3.114.   According to Qatar's Patent Law, patents are for any inventions that are new, involve an 
inventive step, and are capable of industrial application. They must not contradict the provisions of 
Shariah law, or viol ate public order, ethics, or national security. Patentability does not include 
scientific theories, computer programmes, plant and animal research, or diagnostic or surgical 
methods. Patents are protected for 20 years from the filing date.  
3.115.   Under Law No. 9  of 2002 on Trademarks, Trade Indications, Trade Names, Geographical 
Indications and Industrial Designs, trademarks are protected for 10 years from the date of filing, 
renewable for 10 -year periods thereafter. Foreigners have the same rights as Qatari nati onals, 
provided that they are nationals of, or residents in, states that grant reciprocal treatment to Qatar. 
On 11 November 2017, Qatar launched its online trademark registration service as the first step of 
the gradual implementation of the online IP sys tem.102  
3.116.   In accordance with this Law, trade names and GIs are protected, even if they are not 
registered. Persons residing in a place particularly renowned for the production of certain goods may 
prevent those trading in similar goods from another place, or  from placing their mark on them, to 
prevent confusion. Natural or legal persons concerned may apply for the registration of a GI to 
protect the origin of a particular commodity. Acceptance of the registration will not result in any 
exclusive right to the applicant, as any person engaging in related activities in that geographical 
origin may use the GI.  
3.117.   Previously, industrial designs were protected under the same law, which provided that they 
had the same protection as trademarks. However, the law was annu lled and replaced in 2020 by 
Law No. 10 on the Protection of Industrial Designs and Models (the Design Law). Under the Design 
Law, designs or models with the following characteristics cannot be registered:  
a. those serving the technical and functional features of a product;  
b. those comprising religious symbols and logos, or seals, emblems, symbols or flags relating 
to any country or international organization or contrary to public order; or  
c. those identical or s imilar to a registered or famous trademark.  
3.118.   Protection for designs is for five years starting from the date of submission of the application, 
renewable for two further five -year periods.  
 
102 Marcaria.com, Qatar Trademark Registration . Viewed at: 
https://www.marcaria.com/ws/en/register/trademarks/trademark -registration -
qatar?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzOm -sdKp6wIVA -R3Ch26BgriE AAYASAAEgLiefD_BwE .  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 3.3.7.4   Copyright and related rights  
3.119.   Law No. 7 of 2002 on the Protection of Copyright and Related Rights (the Copyright Law) 
gives protection for the lifetime of the author plus 50 years. Protection is conferred on authors of 
original literary and artistic works, regardless of the value, quality, purpose, or mode of expression 
of these works.  
3.120.   However, the implementing regulations of the Copyright Law have not been issued, resulting 
in the delayed implementation of the Law. Against this backdrop, the Minister of Economy and 
Commerce issued Decision No. 410 of 2014, with a view to e ncouraging copyright owners to register 
their rights. Pursuant to this Decision, applicants may obtain a copyright certificate once they pay a 
copyright filing fee. According to the authorities, this may empower copyright owners to legally 
enforce their ri ghts against third -party infringement attempts, and commercialize their copyright in 
the Qatari market. Infringers face statutory penalties of fines up to QAR 100,000 (USD 27,500) 
and/or imprisonment for up to one year.  
3.121.   The Minister of Economy and Commerc e issued Decision No. 344 in 2017 to amend service 
fees for the protection and deposit of copyright and related rights. The new fee structure, in force 
since 10 January 2018, added filing fees of QAR 300 for companies and individual entities, QAR 200 
for educational and research institutions, and QAR 100 for individuals, and it exempted students 
from paying such fees (Table 3.11).  
3.3.7.5   Enforcement  
3.122.   IPR protection at the border is the responsibility of the General Authority of Customs. In 
accordance with Law No. 17 of 2011 on Border Measures for the Protection of Intellectual Property 
Rights, the GAC is in charge of seizing products that violate the rights of IP owners, or that represent 
an infringement of a well -known trademark. The GAC may take ex officio action  on IPR -infringing 
products, or take action after receiving a complaint from the right owner.  
3.123.   According to information provided by the IPRPD, since 2014, there have been 200 complaints 
related to IPR infringements, and 32 seizures for copyright infringeme nts and 18 for trademarks, 
among others. From 2014 to 2020, the IPRPD issued 34 warnings, and transmitted 125 lawsuits to 
courts. The General Administration of Criminal Investigation for the Jurisdiction, in the Department 
of Economic and Electronic Crime Prevention, under the Ministry of Interior, is in charge of 
conducting investigations. Investigation reports are then transmitted to the Public Prosecutor, who 
refers the complainant to trial. The authorities  state that in 2019, 436 inspection campaigns we re 
organized (429 on trademarks and 7  on copyrights), and irregularities were found in 190 trademarks 
and 7 copyrights.  
  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 4  TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1  Mining and Energy  
4.1.  Qatar left the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on 1 January 2019, 
having joined the organization in 1961. According to the Minister of Energy and Industry, the decision 
was based on Qatar's determination to concentrate on the conti nued development of its natural gas 
resources. Qatar accounted for less than 2% of OPEC members' production of crude oil at the time 
of its departure.  
4.2.  The wholly state -owned Qatar Petroleum (QP) is the Government's vehicle to develop Qatar's 
abundant reso urces of oil and gas sustainably and ensure the continued growth of the national 
industry. Domestically, QP is engaged in a range of downstream activities through its subsidiaries 
and joint ventures, including the production of petrochemicals, refined prod ucts, liquefied natural 
gas (LNG), gas -to-liquid (GTL) products, helium, fertilizer, steel, and aluminium. QP also undertakes 
the marketing of various petroleum products, having been appointed marketing agent for Qatar 
Petroleum for the Sale of Petroleum P roducts Company Ltd. (QPSPP) in 2016.  
4.3.  In addition to its domestic activities, QP has built a portfolio of international oil and gas assets 
and is currently involved in exploration and production activities in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, 
Mozambique, and Sou th Africa. It also owns stakes in foreign LNG terminals, refineries, 
petrochemical plants, and companies providing services to the oil and gas industry.1  
4.4.  QPSPP, which is wholly state -owned, holds exclusive rights to sell certain petroleum products 
on behalf of the producing entities to customers outside Qatar. The regulated products include 
condensates, naphtha, liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) (i.e. propane and butane), refined petroleum 
products (e.g. petrol, gasoil, and jet fuel), and GTL  products such as GTL naphtha and GTL jet fuel. 
Crude petroleum was added to the list of designated regulated products in 2017, with effect from 
1 January 2018.2  
4.1.1   Natural gas  
4.5.  Qatar holds the world's third largest reserves of natural gas (after the Russian  Federation and 
Iran). This is due to the discovery offshore, in 1971, of the North Field, which stretches over an area 
exceeding 6,000 square kilometres and is estimated to contain more than 900 trillion cubic feet of 
recoverable natural gas (about 10% of  the world's known reserves). Commercial exploitation of the 
North Field began in 1991.  
4.6.  Qatargas, a daughter company of QP that includes joint ventures between QP and foreign 
partners, is the world's largest LNG -producing company.3 The corporate structur e of Qatargas is 
detailed in Table 4.1. In 2018, the North Field Bravo complex produced gas amounting to 1.6 billion 
standard cubic feet per day (bscfd) from 26 wells, while output from the RasGas Al pha complex 
reached 1.2  bscfd from 15 wells. Qatargas als o operates Al Khaleej Gas (AKG), whose AKG -1 and 
AKG-2 phases jointly produce about 2  bscfd. This gas is sold locally and used as feedstock for the 
Oryx GTL plant, power plants, and petrochemical plants.  
4.7.  The daily production from the North Field Alpha complex, which is operated by QP, averaged 
786 million standard cubic feet of gas and 29,000 barrels of condensate in 2018. Gas is transported 
by pipeline to the Mesaieed NGL complex, where it is refrigerated . Liquefied propane and butane are 
subsequently shipped on specialized carriers to clients around the world. A separate pipeline delivers 
condensate from the North Field to the QP refinery in Mesaieed Industrial City.  
 
1 An overview of Qatar Petroleum's investment portfolio as at December 2017 is available at: 
https://qp.com.qa/en/QPActivities/Pages/QPActivities.aspx .  
2 Minist erial Directive of the Minister of Energy and Industry of 8 October 2017. The regulated products 
are presented at: https://www.qp.com.qa/en/marketing/Pages/RegulatedProducts.as px.  
3 Qatargas was established in 1984 and made its first sales in 1992. The RasGas ventures have been 
fully integrated into the Qatargas portfolio since 4 January 2018.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 Table 4.1 Corporate structure of Qatargas  
Entity  Activity  Production 
capacity  Year 
established  Shareholders  
Qatar Liquefied Gas Company 
Limited (Qatargas 1)  LNG and related 
products  9.9 mtpa  1984 QP 65%, ExxonMobil 
10%, Total 10%, 
Mitsui 7.5%, 
Marubeni 7.5%  
Qatar Liquefied Gas Company 
Limited 2 (Qatargas 2)  LNG and related 
products  7.8 mtpa  2004 Train 4: QP 70%, 
ExxonMobil 30%; 
Train 5: QP 65%, 
ExxonMobil 18.3%, 
Total 16.7%  
Qatar Liquefied Gas Company 
Limited 3 (Qatargas 3)  LNG and related 
products  7.8 mtpa  2005 QP 68.5%, 
ConocoPhillips 30%, 
Mitsui 1.5%  
Qatar Liquefied Gas Company 
Limited 4 (Qatargas 4)  LNG and related 
products  7.8 mtpa  2007 QP 70%, Royal Dutch 
Shell 30%  
Laffan Refinery Company 
Limited (LR1)  Refined products 
(production, sale 
marketing)   2006 QP 51%, ExxonMobil 
10%, Total 10%, 
Cosmo 10%, 
Idemitsu 10%, Mitsui 
4.5%, Marubeni 4.5%  
Laffan Refinery Company 
Limited 2 (LR2)  Refined products 
(production, sale 
marketing)   2014 QP 84%, Total 10%, 
Cosmo 2%, Idemitsu 
2%, Mitsui 1%, 
Marubeni 1%  
Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural 
Gas Company Limited (RL)  LNG and related 
products  6.6 mtpa  1993 QP 63%, ExxonMobil 
25%, Koras 5%, 
Itochu 4%, LNG 
Japan Corp. 3%  
Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural 
Gas C ompany Limited II (RLII)  LNG and related 
products  14.1 mtpa  2001 QP 67%, ExxonMobil 
31%, OPIC 2%  
Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural 
Gas Company Limited 3 (RL3)  LNG and related 
products  15.6 mtpa  2005 QP 70%, ExxonMobil 
30% 
Al Khaleej Gas (AKG)  Sales gas and 
related products  2 bscfd  2000 AKG-1: ExxonMobil 
100%; AKG -2: 
ExxonMobil 80%, QP 
20% 
Qatargas Operating Company 
Limited  Operates all 
LNG, gas and 
refining entities 
under Qatargas  n.a. 2005 QP 70%, ExxonMobil 
Qatargas (II) Limited 
18.97%, Total E&P 
Golfe Li mited 
2.792%, 
ConocoPhillips Qatar 
Ltd. 2.29%, Shell Gas 
BV 2.29%, other 
shareholders (and 
unassigned) 3.658%  
Barzan Gas Company Ltd  Sales gas and 
related products  1.4 bscfd  2011 QP 93%, ExxonMobil 
7% 
n.a. Not applicable.  
Note:  Mtpa = million tonnes per annum. For Qatargas 2, 3, and 4, 7.8 mtpa is the original design capacity 
per mega train, but these trains are currently capable of producing 8.0 mtpa. The original design 
capacity for RLII is 14.1 mtpa, but it is capable of produ cing 14.4 mtpa.  
Source:  Qatargas, Corporate Structure . Viewed at: https://www.qatargas.com/english/aboutus/corporate -
structure .  
4.8.  A substantial amount of North Field gas is also p ipelined to a processing and compression plant 
at Ras Laffan, where other components (condensate, ethane, LPG, and sulphur) are stripped out. 
The resulting lean gas is delivered to the United Arab Emirates via a subsea pipeline (the Dolphin 
project). The p ipeline is operating at full capacity, i.e. 2 bscfd.  
4.9.  Qatar initiated a moratorium on the further development of the North Field in 2005 and 
subsequently extended the moratorium. However, in September 2018, QP announced plans to 
expand the production of LN G by 60%. The North Field Expansion Project involves the construction 
of six new LNG trains producing 6.4 bscfd. As a result, Qatar's capacity to produce LNG will increase WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 from 77 million tonnes per year to 126 million tonnes by 2025, when the project is c ompleted. The 
expansion will reinforce Qatar's position as the world's leading producer of LNG.  
4.1.2   Crude petroleum  
4.10.   Qatar has been an oil exporter since the end of 1949, when the first shipment was made from 
the onshore Dukhan field, which was discovered in 1 939. Major deposits of oil (and gas) were 
subsequently discovered offshore in the 1960s. At present, the Al -Shaheen offshore field is Qatar's 
largest, with a potential to produce up to 300,000 barrels per day (b/d) of crude oil. In 2018, the 
production of crude oil from Qatar's oil fields averaged nearly 612,000 b/d, of which more than 70% 
came from the Al -Shaheen (262,620 b/d) and Dukhan (174,300 b/d) fields. Crude oil from some of 
the smaller offshore fields is transported by pipeline to a terminal on Hal ul Island, where the oil is 
blended, processed, and exported. Mesaieed is the main export terminal for land crude oil (and other 
products).  
4.11.   Some foreign companies are engaged in exploration and production activities in Qatar's oil 
sector. Their participat ion takes the form of joint ventures or time -limited concession agreements 
or production sharing agreements with QP (Table 4.2).  
Table 4.2 Rights and licence holders in the crude oil sector  
Name of 
field Licence holder/ 
operator  Licence type  Duration 
(years)  Starting date  Notes/comments  
A-Structure  Qatar Petroleum 
Development Co., 
Ltd. (Japan)  Production 
sharing 
agreement  25 23/12/1997  Owned by Cosmo Oil 
Co., Ltd (75%) and 
Sojitz Corporation 
(25%)  
Al-Karkara Qatar Petroleum 
Development Co., 
Ltd. (Japan)  Production 
sharing 
agreement  25 23/12/1997  Owned by Cosmo Oil 
Co., Ltd (75%) and 
Sojitz Corporation 
(25%)  
Al-Khalij  Total E&P Qatar  Concession 
agreement  25 01/02/2014  An affiliate/ 
subsidiary of Total 
S.A. 
Al-Shaheen  North Oil Company  Concession 
agreement  25 14/07/2017  Owned by QP Oil and 
Gas Limited (70%) 
and Total E&P Golfe 
Limited (30%)  
El-Bunduq  Bunduq Company 
Limited  Concession 
agreement  20 20/03/2018  Owned by United 
Petroleum 
Development Co., 
Ltd. 
Idd-El Shargi 
North Dome  Qatar Petroleum  Production 
sharing 
agreement  25 06/10/1995   
Idd-El Shargi 
South Dome  Occidental 
Petroleum of Qatar 
Ltd. Production 
sharing 
agreement  25 27/12/1997  An affiliate/ 
subsidiary of 
Occidental Petroleum 
Corporation  
Note:  QP took over the operatorship of the Idd -El Shargi North Dome block from Occidental Petroleum of 
Qatar Ltd. on 7  October  2019. QP is the sole right holder/current operator of the Al -Rayyan, Bul -
Hanine, Dukhan, Maydan  Mahzam, and Najwat Najem fields.  
Source:  QP, Cadaster of Rights and License Holders . Viewed at: 
https://qp.com.qa/en/QPActivities/Pages/CadasterOfRightsAndLicen seHolders.aspx . 
4.2  Services  
4.12.   The services sector accounted for 42.0% of GDP in 20194, similar to the 2015 level (42.2%)  
(Table 1.2) . According to the authorities, this sector employed 43.9% of the total workforce in 2019. 
Qatar has a deficit in trade in services; during the review period, the export value was around half 
of the import value (Chart  4.1). In terms of export value, the m ain services subsectors are transport 
 
4 This share excludes electricity, gas, water, and construction services.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 (in particular, passenger transport) and travel ( Section 1.3.1).  In terms of import value, the main 
services subsectors are travel, transport, and insurance and pension services.  
4.13.   Qatar made sector -specific GATS commitm ents in six services categories: business, 
communication, construction and related engineering, environmental, financial, and tourism and 
travel -related.5 Qatar does not maintain MFN exemptions under Article  II of the GATS. It made no 
commitment regarding  the movement of natural persons, except for entry and temporary stay of 
managers, specialists, and skilled technicians. The presence of foreign natural persons as self -
employers is not allowed.  
Chart 4.1 Total services exports and imports, 2015 -19 
(USD billion)  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on the WTO Data Portal. Viewed at: https://data.wto.org . 
4.14.   The Qatar National Vision 2030, which is aimed at sustaining economic prosperity, outlines 
the long -term economic goals of the country. To achieve these goals, the Second National 
Development Strategy (NDS -2) 2018 -2022 identified national priorities based on detailed sectoral 
strategies. In particular, the authorities state that the Smart Qatar Program (TASMU) focuses on 
five priority sectors (transport, logistics, environment, healthcare, and sports), and aims to drive 
economic diversification through a na tional digital transformation. Efforts made during the review 
period include the development of e -commerce (Section 2.4.4) and the accompanying e -payment 
system (Section  4.2.1), and courier services (Section 4.2.2.2).   
4.15.   The State continues to play an import ant role in the services sectors. State -owned companies, 
such as Ooredoo, Qatar Airways, Qatar Ports Management Company, and Qatar Postal Services 
Company,  dominate a number of services subsectors. With the amendment to the foreign investment 
legislation, private and foreign participation might increase in the near future (Section 2.4.1).  
4.2.1   Financial services  
4.16.   The financial services sector remains sound, supported by strong profitability and capital.6 
The sector is regulated by three institutions: the Qatar C entral Bank (QCB), the Qatar Financial 
Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA), and the Qatar Financial Market Authority (QFMA). They 
regulate different banking and non -banking financial institutions:  
 
5 WTO docu ment S/DCS/W/QAT, 24 January 2003.  
6 IMF (2019), Qatar:  Article  IV Consultation –Press Release; Staff Report , IMF Country Report 
No. 19/146. Viewed at: https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/CR/Issues/2019/06/02/Qatar -2019-Article -IV-
Consultation -Press -Release -Staff-Report -46956 . 
15.0 15.217.718.319.130.831.5 31.432.535.4
0510152025303540
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019Exports ImportsChart 4.[QAT]  Total services exports and imports, 2015 -19
(USD billion)
Source: WTO calculations, based on the WTO Data Portal. Viewed at: https://data.wto.org/.WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 68 - 
 
 a. The QCB regulates banks and non -bank financial institutions , including insurance firms, 
finance companies, investment companies, and exchange houses.  
b. The QFCRA regulates Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) institutions. The QFC aims to attract 
international banking companies, insurance businesses, and related financial s ervices to 
Qatar. It operates under free trade zone provisions, and offers certain incentives to 
businesses that establish in the QFC. Qatar also allows these companies to offer retail 
services to the domestic market for insurance services.7  
c. The QFMA reg ulates the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which is Qatar's capital market 
(Table 4.3).  
Table 4.3 Financial system, 2015 -19 
(QAR million)  
 2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  
Financial system assets  1,165,789  1,322,340  1,430,911  1,492,488  1,625,623  
Banks  1,120,739  1,271,766  1,373,886  1,428,977  1,561,472  
 Qatar Development Bank 
(QDB)  8,010  9,030  10,246  11,021  11,918  
Non-bank financial and credit 
institutions (NBFCIs)  45,050  50,734  57,025  63,511  64,151  
Insurance firms  37,274  44,511  50,613  56,981  57,300  
Other       
 Finance companies  3,830  3,958  3,968  4,049  3,995  
 Investment companies  650 645 668 622 586 
 Exchange houses  1,296  1,460  1,776  1,858  2,270  
Source:  QCB, Financial Stability Review 2019 ; and information provided by the authorities.  
4.17.   Main legislation regulating the financial services sector includes:  
a. Qatar Central Bank and Regulation of Financial Institutions Law (No. 13 of 2012);  
b. Qatar Financial Centre Law (No. 7 of 2005);  
c. Qatar Financial Markets Authority Law (No. 8 of 2012);  
d. Commercial Companies Law (No. 11 of 2015);  
e. Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Terrorism Financing Law (No. 20 of 2019);  
f. Law Regulatin g the Investment of  Non-Qatari Capital in Economic Activities (Law No. 1  of 
2019); and  
g. Regulation of Auditing Accounts (Law No. 8 of 2020).  
4.18.   Within the framework of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the NDS -2, all three regulators 
continue their implementation of the Second Strategic Plan for the Financial Sector 2017 -22, aime d 
at promoting growth and achieving the financial sector's stability.  
4.2.1.1   Banking  
4.19.   The banking sector comprises six Qatari traditional banks  (i.e. non-Islamic commercial 
banks ), seven foreign bank branches, four Islamic banks, and one representative office. In  terms of 
total assets, Qatari banks account for 98% (comprising traditional banks (71%), and Islamic banks 
 
7 These benefits include: (i)  an operating environment based on English Common Law, with its o wn 
legal, regulatory, tax, and business environment; (ii) independent employment standards ; (iii) up to 100% 
foreign ownership ; (iv) 100% repatriation of profits with no withholding tax; and ( v) one entry point for 
licensing, commercial registration, immig ration, and related services.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 (27%))8, and foreign banks (2%) (Table  4.4). The three largest banks  (the Qatar National Bank, the 
Qatar Islamic Bank, and the Commercial Bank ) account for 69% of the total banking sector assets. 
In 2019, the average assets of the Islamic bank group went up by 9.4%, mainly reflecting the 
acquisition of a conventional bank (International Bank of Qatar) by an Islamic bank (Barwa Bank). 
Also in 2019, as sets of traditional banks increased by 4.7%, while those of foreign banks contracted 
by 6.9%.9  
Table 4.4 Registered banks, December 2019  
 Total assets  
(QAR million)  Ownership  Branches or subsidiaries  
In Qatar  Outside Qatar  
Traditional banks  1,110,788     
Qatar National Bank  764,141  Listed  71 10 
Commercial Bank  133,546  Listed  29 6 
Doha Bank  103,755  Listed  39 3 
Al Khaliji Bank  52,950  Listed  4 5 
Al Ahli Bank  44,477  Listed  15 1 
Qatar Development Bank  11,917  100% state  4 3 
Foreign banks  34,933     
HSBC Bank Middle East  14,942  100% foreign  4 n.a. 
Arab Bank  6,601  100% foreign  4 n.a. 
Standard Chartered Bank  4,904  100% foreign  1 n.a. 
Mashreq Bank  3,683  100% foreign  4 n.a. 
Banque Paribas  3,120  100% foreign  1 n.a. 
United Bank Limited  1,014  100% foreign  2 n.a. 
Bank Saderat Iran  667 100% foreign  2 n.a. 
Islamic national banks      
Qatar Islamic Bank  169,259  Listed  32 5 
Masraf Al Rayan  103,339  Listed  17 5 
Barwa Bank  83,824  Private  10 8 
Qatar International Islamic Bank  59,325  Listed  19 0 
Representative offices      
Banque Centrale Populaire   100% foreign  n.a. n.a. 
n.a. Not applicable.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
4.20.   The banking sector is regulated by the QCB, i n accordance with the Qatar Central Bank and 
the Regulation of Financial Institutions Law (No. 13 of 2012). Pursuant to Law No. 1 of 2019, foreign 
investors are prohibited from investing in banks and insurance companies, unless otherwise 
permitte d by a decision of the Council of Ministers ( Section 2.4.1).  However, in practice, all seven 
foreign banks operat e in Qatar through branches, and they were established under Law No. 13 of 
2012 with their licences issued by the QCB .  
4.21.   For a foreign bank branch to operate in Qatar, its paid -up capital must be no less than 
QAR 1 billion. All banks operating in Qatar face the same prudential requirements; for foreign bank 
branches, the authorities i ndicate that additional requirements may apply to the parent company.  
4.22.   In 2017 and 2018, the banking sector demonstrated its resilience to difficulties caused by the 
disruption of economic relations with some neighbouring countries, and continued its growt h in 2019. 
Banks have high capitalization, with their capital adequacy ratio reaching 18% in 2019, much higher 
 
8 Islamic banking entails a financial system that is consistent with Shariah  (Islamic Law). Under Shariah , 
the collection and payment of interest are prohibited, as are trading in financial risk (perceived as a form of 
gambling) and investment in businesses considered as haram  (forbidden), such as those involving alcohol and 
pork. Islamic banking allows gains  on capital, and financial instruments take the form of contracts between the 
providers and users of funds to manage risk. WTO, Trade Policy Review of Malaysia , WT/TPR/S/366/Rev.1, 
25 May 2018. 
9 QCB, Financial Stability Review 2019 . Viewed at: 
http://www.qcb.gov.qa/English/Publications/ReportsAndStatements/Documents/QCB%20Financial%20Stability
%20Report%202019f.pdf . WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 than the 12.5% prudential requirement (Tables 4.5 and 4.6). Non -performing loans (NPLs) to capital 
ratio, which measures the extent of stress on capital from credit risk, reached its highest point in 
2018 (3.0%), but lowered to 2.2% in 2019. The NPL ratio (non -performing loans to total loans) also 
declined from its 2018 level of 1.88% to 1.8% in 2019. In accordance with the QCB's Financial 
Stabilit y Review, this reflected improvements in the timely and proper recognition of problem loans, 
with the introduction of IFR -9 standards. Banks are also comfortably liquid, with a liquid asset to 
total asset ratio of 30.2% in 2019. The liquidity available to contain the withdrawal risk from short -
term liability also improved.  
Table 4.5 Banking sector financial soundness indicators, 2015 -19  
(%) 
  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  
Capital adequacy       
Capital adequacy ratio  14.99  15.76  16.23  17.60  18.04  
Regulatory Tier I capital to risk -weighted assets 14.73  15.57  16.11  16.83  17.21  
Common equity Tier I capital to risk -weighted 
assets  13.62  12.48  13.12  12.66  13.14  
Capital to assets  11.27  10.69  10.70  10.11  9.88 
Asset quality       
Non-performing loans (NPLs) to capital  1.87 1.67 1.65 3.0 2.2 
NPLs to loans  1.55 1.33 1.57 1.88 1.8 
NPL provisions to NPLs  79.83  79.88  83.23  75.77  81.94  
Earnings and profitability       
Return on average assets (ROAA)  1.96 1.67 1.54 1.60 1.64 
Return on equity (ROE)  16.15  14.49  13.87  15.30  15.76  
Interest margin to gross income  74.61  75.13  78.12  76.97  77.01  
Non-interest expenses to gross income  28.00  28.78  26.76  25.88  24.44  
Liquidity       
Liquid assets to total assets  28.49  29.57  28.18  29.11  30.2 
Liquid assets to short -term liabilities  47.11  54.69  54.23  62.65  69.73  
Source:  QCB, Financial Stability Review 2017 . Viewed at: 
http://www.qcb.gov.qa/Arabic/Publications/ReportsAndStatements/Documents/Finan.%20Stability%
202017%20for%20web.pdf ; QCB, Financ ial Stability Review 2019 . Viewed at: 
http://www.qcb.gov.qa/English/Publications/ReportsAndStatements/Documents/QCB%2 0Financial%
20Stability%20Report%202019f.pdf ; and IMF (2019), Qatar:  Article  IV Consultation –Press Release; 
Staff Report , IMF Country Report No.  19/146 . Viewed at: 
https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/CR/Issues/2019/06/02/Qatar -2019-Article -IV-Consultation -
Press -Release -Staff-Report -46956 . 
Table 4.6 Selected prudential requirements  
Prudential requirements  Max./min. ratio 
requirement  
Common equity ratio (CET1) (Common equity Tier I capital to risk -weighted 
assets)  Min. 8.5%  
Tier 1 capital ratio (Regulatory Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets)  Min 10.5%  
Capital adequacy ratio (CAR)  Min 12.5%  
Total credit/total deposits (i.e. loan -to-deposit ratio)  Max. 100%  
Foreign currency assets to foreign currency liabilities  Min. 100%  
Overdrafts to credit facilities  Max. 30%  
Banks fixed assets to capital and reserves  Max. 20%  
Liquidity coverage ratio  Min. 100%  
Leverage ratio  Min. 3%  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
4.23.   Banks maintained their profitability, with the return on average assets (ROAA) ratio reaching 
1.6% in 2019, and the return on equity (ROE) ratio reaching 15.8% (they became 1.04% and 
13.1%, respectively, in September 2020). These returns come mainly from i nterest income, which WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 71 - 
 
 accounts for 86% of banks' total income.10 The interest margin to gross income generally increased, 
while the non -interest expense to gross income generally declined. During the review period, the 
interest rate spread (i.e. the spread between average lending and deposit rates) fell from 2015 to 
2016, and then rose again slightly from 2016 to 2019 (Chart 4.2). This change in spread contributed 
to an increase in interest income and profitability of banks.  
Chart 4.2 Interest rate spread, 2015 -19 
 
Source : WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data from QCB, Financial Stability Reviews , 2017 and 2019.  
4.24.   Nonetheless, strong credit growth outpaced deposit growth, resulting in an increased loan -
to-deposit ratio (122% in 2019), higher than the QCB's guidance of  100% (Chart 4.3).  
Chart 4.3 Bank credits and deposits, and loan -to-deposit ratios, 2015 -19 
(QAR billion)  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on information provided by the authorities.  
 
10 QCB, Financial Stability Review 2019 . Viewed at: 
http://www.qcb.gov.qa/English/Publications/ReportsAndStatements/Docume nts/QCB%20Financial%20Stability
%20Report%202019f.pdf . Interest income is used in a broader sense to include Islamic banks' returns.   
1.1%1.5%1.8%2.3%2.4%3.8% 3.8%4.1%4.6%4.9%
2.7%
2.3%2.3% 2.4%2.4%
0.0%1.0%2.0%3.0%4.0%5.0%6.0%
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019Cost of deposits (%) Return on credit (%) Spread (percentage points)Chart 4.[QAT]  Interest rate spread, 2015 -19
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data from QCB, Financial Stability Reviews , 2017 and 2019.
100105110115120125
02004006008001,0001,200
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019Banks' credits Banks' deposits Loan/deposit ratio (%)Chart 4.[QAT]  Bank credits and deposits, and loan -to-deposit ratios, 2015 -19
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on information provided by the authorities. (QAR billion) (%)WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 4.25.   The COVID -19 pandemic is having a profound influence on the world economy, including 
Qatar's financial services sector. Qatar is also suffering from a fall in oil prices. The spread of the 
pandemic tends to keep oil prices low, as demand for oil declines globa lly. Against this backdrop, 
the QCB adopted a series of measures  to mitigate the impact of the pandemic . For example, it 
announced the allocation of a repo window of QAR 50 billion at a zero -interest rate for banks.11 Thus 
banks may postpone the repayment of loan instalments due, and interest or returns on those loans 
to the affected sectors12, for six months for customers including SMEs and individuals  (Section 1.2).   
4.26.   In addition, the QDB implemented a "national guarantee programme" of QAR 3 billion, aimed  
at diminishing the impact associated with the pandemic on affected sectors, by providing loans to 
cover salary and rental payments for three months.13 
4.27.   During the review period, the QCB upgraded Qatar's payment and settlement systems, with 
a view to moving  towards a secure cashless society. In particular, the QCB initiated its e -payment 
gateway (Q -PAY), to help reduce the cost of transactions for business, and to facilitate payments at 
e-commerce portals (Section 2.4.4 ). It also focuses on building a paymen t infrastructure that allows 
banks and financial technology (FinTech) companies to create innovative payment systems, such as 
the Qatar Mobile Payment System. This System facilitates interoperable mobile -based e -wallets and 
QR-code-based low -cost payment o ptions. Other efforts made to promote e -payment include the 
extension of the real -time gross settlement system (RTGS) from 1 July 2019 (e.g. the timing of the 
RTGS was extended to facilitate better liquidity management), and disincentivizing the use of 
cheques.14  
4.2.1.2   Insurance  
4.28.   In accordance with Article 95 of the Qatar Central Bank Law, money and property in Qatar 
cannot be insured outside the country. Thus, insurance providers should be local companies or 
foreign companies that have established a branch in Qa tar. Article 103 of the Law also stipulates 
that insurance policies and models must be approved by the QCB before they are sold on the market. 
Foreign insurers may provide services through a branch, and domestic firms are to be established 
through a joint -stock company (Table 4.7). Representative offices of foreign insurers are allowed, 
but they are prohibited from carrying out any business or commercial activities in Qatar. In 2019, 
the insurance sector comprised 14 firms: 10 domestic and 4 foreign branche s. Of the 14, 9 are 
conventional firms and 5 are takaful  (Islamic insurance) firms. In addition, there were also 
32 insurance brokers and 4 insurance representatives licensed by the QCB.  
Table 4.7 Insurance a nd reinsurance companies, as at December 2019  
Company  Nationality  Ownership  Public/private  
National insurance companies  
Al Koot Insurance and Reinsurance  
Company  Qatari  Subsidiary of Gulf 
International Services  Private joint -stock 
company  
Doha Insurance Group  Qatari   Public joint -stock 
company  
Qatar Insurance Company (QIC)  Qatari   Public joint -stock 
company  
Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance  
Company  Qatari   Public joint -stock 
company  
QLM Life and Medical Insurance Company  Qatari  Subsidiary of the QIC  Limited liability 
company  
National takaful  
Al Khaleej Insurance Company  Qatari   Public joint -stock 
company  
 
11 Repo (repurchased obligation) is collateralised (with government securities as the collateral) lending 
by the QCB to bank s, the transaction of which will be reversed at maturity. In contrast to the normal repo at 
1% interest rate, this repo window was at zero -interest rate.  
12 According to the authorities, the affected sectors include hospitality, tourism, retail, commercial 
complexes, and logistics services.  
13 QCB, Financial Stability Review 2019 . Viewed at: 
http://www.qcb.gov.qa/English/ Publications/ReportsAndStatements/Documents/QCB%20Financial%20Stability
%20Report%202019f.pdf . 
14 QCB, Financial Stability Review 2019 . Viewed at: 
http://www.qcb.gov.qa/English/Publications/ReportsAndStatements/Documents/QCB%20Financial%20Stability
%20Report%202019f. pdf. WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 73 - 
 
 Company  Nationality  Ownership  Public/private  
Damaan Islamic Insurance Company 
(Beema)  Qatari   Private joint -stock 
company  
Doha Takaful Company  Qatari  100% owned by the 
Doha Insurance Group  Limited liability 
company  
General Takaful Company  Qatari  Subsidiary of the 
Qatar General 
Insurance and 
Reinsurance Company  Private joint -stock 
company  
Qatar Islamic Insurance Company  Qatari   Public joint -stock 
company  
Foreign insurance branches  
American Life Insurance Company  United States  100% foreign  Branch of public 
joint-stock company  
Arabia Insurance Company Ltd.  Arab 100% foreign  Branch of private 
joint-stock company  
Libano -Swiss Insurance Company  Arab 100% foreign  Branch of private 
joint-stock company  
Misr Insurance Company  Arab 100% foreign  Branch of private 
joint-stock company  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
4.29.   To support the development of the insurance sector, the QCB set up the Ins urance Supervision 
Department in 2016, and issued Decision No. 1 of 2016 on governance principles of insurance 
companies, and Decision No. 7 of 2019 on instructions for licensing, organization, and supervision 
of auxiliary insurance service providers. Acco rding to Decision No.  7 of 2019, the minimum capital 
requirement for local insurers is QAR 100 million, while that for a foreign insurer is QAR 35 million. 
The authorities indicate that banks are allowed to acquire  up to 5% of  shares in insurance companies .  
4.30.   In the non -life insurance subsector, medical and motor insurance were the largest market 
segments in terms of premiums in 2019 (Chart 4.4), followed by fire and engineering, and energy.  
Chart 4.4 Insurance ma rket by type (domestic gross written premiums), 2019  
 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
4.31.   Both gross written and net written insurance premiums continued to grow during the review 
period, contributing to increased income (Table 4.8). However, net profit declined due to 
underwriting losses and lower investment income. Thus, ROE decreased from 16 % in 2015 to 3% in 
Motor insurance
19.0%
Marine cargo
3.0%
Fire and engineering
14.0%
Marine hull and aviation
5.0%Energy
13.0%Medical
29.0%Life
10.0%Other
7.0%Chart 4. Insurance market by type (Domestic Gross Written Premiums), 2019 Chart 4. Insurance market by type (Domestic Gross Written Premiums), 2019 
Source: Information provided by the authorties.(% of total premiums)WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 2019. The solvency ratio, which measures the extent to which assets cover commitments for future 
payments, remained well above the regulatory requirement.15 Liquidity remained comfortable too.  
Table 4.8 Selected insurance indicators, 2015 -19 
 2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  
Gross written premium (QAR million)  11,278  12,610  14,440  15,516  16,494  
Net written premium (QAR million)  8,708  10,027  11,099  12,277  12,907  
Total income (QAR million)  13,621  14,349  15,262  17,210  17,844  
Net profit (QAR million)  2,451  1,692  1,020  1,244  510 
Return on equity (ROE) (%)  16.4 9.2 5.3 6 3 
Investment income to total income ratio (%)  16.5 10.7 10.9 11.72  7.13 
Leverage ratio (%)  49.2 54.4 55.4 68.06  62.27  
Average solvency ratio – solo basis (%)  .. 228 271  247.7  244.9  
Average solvency ratio – consolidated basis (%)  .. 237 270.9  231.4  223 
Liquidity ratio (%)  126.6  132.5  130.9  122 116 
.. Not available.  
Source:  QCB, Financial Stability Review (various issues).  
4.2.1.3   Capital markets  
4.32.   In accordance with Law No. 33 of 2005, amended by Amiri Decree Law No. 14 of 2007 and 
Law No. 10 of 2009, the QFMA was established to supervise and regulate the capital market. Law 
No. 8 of 2012 regarding the QFMA, amended by Decree Law No. 22 of 2018, confirms the QFMA's 
independent supervisory and regulatory role. In line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the 
NDS-2, the QFMA set out its second strategic plan for 2017 -22, aimed at further d eveloping the 
capital market. The authorities state that initiatives taken during the review period include: 
(i) marketing strategies to attract investors from the Belt and Road initiatives countries; 
(ii) promotional activities and partnerships with other  finance -related institutions; and 
(iii) marketing efforts to attract investment from FinTech, asset management, capital markets, and 
Islamic finance.  
4.33.   The QSE is licensed by the QFMA as a regulated financial market dealing in securities in the 
following f inancial markets: main market, venture market (for SMEs), exchange -traded fund (ETF) 
market, sukuk16 and bond market (government bonds and treasury bills), and real -estate funds 
market. The authorities highlighted that the move to allow real estate investm ent trusts to operate 
from the QFC was another significant step in the development of Qatar's capital markets. The Qatar 
Central Securities Depository, licensed by the QFMA, is responsible for providing depositary services, 
securities custody, transfer of ownership, registration, and securities -clearing operations.  
4.34.   By the end of 2019, 47 companies were listed on the QSE, including 13 in banking and 
financial services, 10 in consumer goods and services, 10 in industry, 5  in insurance, 4 in real estate, 
2 in telecoms, and 3 in transport (Table 4.9). Market capitalization was at QAR  583 billion in 2019, 
equivalent to 87.4% of GDP (Table 4.9). The general index, market capitalization, and trading value 
all fell in 2017, reflecting diplomatic difficulties at tha t time , before they went up again in 2019 .  
Table 4.9 Capital markets overview, 2015 -19 
 2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  
Number of listed companies  43 44 45 46 47 
General index (point)  10,429.36  10,436.76  8,523.38  10,299.01  10,425.51  
Market capitalization  
(QAR billion)  553.18  563.47  472.02  588.72  582.74  
Trading value  
(QAR billion)  93.72  68.99  66.25  68.50  67.70  
2019 performance  No. of listed 
companies  Market capitalization  
(QAR billion)  Traded value  
Banking and financial services  13 311.85  28.20  
Consumer goods and services  10 36.80  8.53 
Industrial  10 132.18  15.5 
 
15 The authorities state that Qatar's solvency ratio requirement is that an insurer's eligible capital shall 
not be less than 150% of its minimum capital requirement.  
16 A sukuk  is a Shariah -compliant bond -like instruments used in Islamic finance.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  
Insurance  5 14.59  2.17 
Real estate  4 36.30  7.01 
Telecommunications  2 27.58  3.25 
Transportation  3 23.44  3.04 
Total  47 582.74  67.7 
Source:  QCB, Quarterly Statistical Bulletin, December 2020 . Viewed at: 
http://www.qcb.gov.qa/English/Publications/Statistics/Pages/Statisticalbulletins.aspx ; and QSE, 
Annual Report 2019 , viewed at: https://www.qe.com.qa/documents/20181/ e43fb342 -dc02-e7c6-
4db8-006e268abef1 .  
4.35.   ETFs began trading on the QSE in 2018. Currently, two ETFs are listed on the QSE: the QE 
Index ETF, and the Al Rayan Qatar ETF. Their traded value reached QAR  61.12  million in 2019, falling 
significantly from the 2018  level of QAR 362.37 million.  
4.2.2   Communications  
4.2.2.1   Telecommunications  
4.2.2.1.1   Overview  
4.36.   In Qatar, the fixed -line network covers almost the entire country, and the fibre -optic network 
covers 99% of households. Almost 100% (99.7%) of the population uses the Internet. The mobile 
penetration (subscriptions per 100 inhabitants) rate stabilized at around 140%, and mobile 
broadband penetration reached 129% in 2019. All of these indicators are signs of a maturing 
market17 (Table 4.10).  
Table 4.10 Selected telecommunications indicators, 2015 –19 
 
2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  
Telecom sector revenue (QAR million)  10,157  10,151  10,105  10,171  9,741  
  Ooredoo  7,897  8,006  7,791  7,742  7,301  
  Vodafone Qatar  2,174  2,057  1,998  2,101  2,125  
  Other licensed operators  86 88 316 328 315 
Fixed -telephone telephone penetration  (%) 17.92  17.60  16.94  16.25  17 
Mobile -cellular telephone penetration (%)  145.79  137.61  146.38  141.86  143 
Mobile broadband penetration (%)  110.42  135.46  123.25  125.94  129 
Fixed (wired) -broadband penetration) (%)  9.27 9.56 9.42 9.63 10 
Percentage of households with a computer (%)  88.33  88.06  87.58  87.58  87.43  
Percentage of the population using the Internet (%)  92.88  95.12  97.39  99.65  99.65  
Source:  ITU, ICTEye, ICT Data Portal . Viewed at: https://www.itu.int/net4/ITU -D/icteye/#/query ; 
Communications Regulatory Authority, Telecommunications Market – Qatar, No. 2/2020 ; and 
information provid ed by the authorities.  
4.37.   Major players in the telecommunications market include Ooredoo18 and Vodafone Qatar. Both 
companies have fixed and mobile telecommunications licences. By the end of 2019, Ooredoo 
accounted for 90% of the fixed -telephone market and 72 % of the mobile phone market, while 
Vodafone took the remainder  in each category .19 Both offer 4G LTE Advanced (4G+) mobile Internet 
services, and Ooredoo announced in May 2018 that it was the first operator in the world to launch 
a live 5G network on the 3.5 GHz spectrum band. Vodafone is also demonstrating significant progress 
towards 5G by deploying networks on the 3.5  GHz frequency, primarily around Doha. Mobile Internet 
data use dominates the mobile telecoms market.  
4.38.   Ooredoo is 70.5% owned by the State  (Section 3.3 .5). While Ooredoo owns the copper duct 
network already in place and is using it to install fibre networks, Vodafone continues to work with 
the Qatar National Broadband Network (QNBN), which is 100% owned by the State, to bring its own 
fibre s ervices to the market. The QNBN was granted a 25 -year licence in 2012 to drive nationwide 
 
17 Communications Regulatory Authority, Annual Report 2018 . Viewed at: 
https://www.cra.gov.qa/Market -Insights/Annual -Reports . 
18 Previously Qtel, the former national telecom service provider.  
19 Data here relate to the retail market.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 fibre-optic broadband infrastructure roll -out, by offering passive fixed services on a wholesale 
basis.20 It provides fibre -optic broadband throughout Qatar.  
4.39.   Vodafon e Qatar's licence, originally granted for 20 years, was extended for an additional 
40 years until 2068. In March 2018, the Qatar Foundation acquired 23% of Vodafone Europe's stake 
in Vodafone Qatar, and owns 50% of the company. The authorities stated that the Government owns 
12% of the company, so that the total state ownership of Vodafone Qatar is 62%.  
4.40.   In addition  to these two major players , Harris Salam, QSAT Communications, and RigNet offer 
very small aperture terminal (VSAT) (a satellite communications  system)  services, and Es'hailSat 
offers public satellite services.   
4.2.2.1.2   Regulatory framework  
4.41.   The telecommunication services sector is regulated under the Telecommunications Law 
(No. 34 of 2006), which stipulates issues related to telecom licences, terms of interconnection, and 
competition in the telecom sector, among others. It was amended in 2017  (Law No. 17 of 2017), 
mainly to strengthen the executive powers of the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA). The 
CRA regulates the telecommunications and information technology sector, and access to digital 
media.  
4.42.   In accordance with the amendments, Decree Law No. 36 of 2004 Establishing the Supreme 
Council for Information and Communications Technology (ICT Qatar) was repealed. Responsibilities 
of the Board of Directors of ICT Qatar were transferred to the Minister of Transport and 
Communications  (MOT C), while those of the General Secretariat of ICT Qatar were transferred to 
the CRA, which issues the regulations, decisions, and technical orders necessary to implement the 
Telecommunications Law. The MOTC  is responsible for setting ICT policy and strateg y to support the 
Qatar National Vision 2030 of a highly developed ICT sector and a knowledge -based economy.21 
4.43.   In 2020, the Financial Penalties Committee was established in the CRA, in accordance with 
Cabinet Resolution No. 14 of 2020, and is in charge of i mposing financial penalties in cases of 
violations of the Telecommunications Law.  
4.44.   In accordance with the Law No. 1 of 2019 Regulating  the Investment of  Non-Qatari Capital in 
Economic Activit ies, foreign investment of up to 100% is allowed in telecommunication services.  
4.45.   The Telecommunications Law stipulates two types of telecommunications licences: individual 
licences and class licences. An individual licence is issued by the Minister of Transpo rt and 
Communications to a particular company for a limited period, and it applies only to that company. 
A class licence is issued by the CRA and applies to a class of companies of a certain type, authorizing 
them to provide the specific telecommunications  services as long as they adhere to the terms and 
conditions of the licence. Class licences can be amended or revoked at any time at the sole discretion 
of the CRA. To date, 10 individual licences and 3 class licences have been issued, and no new licences 
have been issued since 2013. In 2018, t he CRA approved the provision of Internet services on -board 
aircraft at all altitudes, through an amendment to the class licence for the provision of public 
telecommunications services on -board aircraft.  
4.46.   The Telecommu nications  Law also regulates the distribution of frequency spectrum, which is 
considered as a limited natural resource owned by the State. The CRA is in charge of organizing and 
managing its use. According to the CRA's Annual Report, the expansion to the " automated spectrum 
monitoring system" and the "automated frequency management system" began in 2019. The 
authorities consider the two systems key to managing and monitoring the use of radio spectrum, 
especially for sectors such as oil and gas, aviation, ma ritime, and infrastructure development.  
4.47.   The authorities indicate that major s ervices providers own telecommunication infrastructure 
in Qatar. A small portion of civil passive infrastructure (e.g. ducts and buildings) is owned by entities 
 
20 Passive infrastructure -sharing is the sharing of non -electronic infrastructure at cell sites, such as 
antennas, masts, cables, ducts, filters, power sources, and shelters. Active infrastructure -sharing is sharing  
electronic infrastructure.  
21 ITU, Measuring the Information Society Report , Vol. 2, 2018 . Viewed at: https://www.itu.int/en/ITU -
D/Statistics/Doc uments/publications/misr2018/MISR -2018-Vol-2-E.pdf. WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 such as developer s of residential areas, landlords, the Hamad International Airport, and QP, among 
others. These entities must grant access to their civil passive infrastructure to service providers, 
pursuant to a CRA regulation.22 Interconnection and access conditions are  regulated by the CRA, 
which sets wholesale services charges if the service provider is designated as dominant, or if the 
service provider is engaged in those services where a wholesale reference offer to the CRA is 
required.23 In this regard, Ooredoo is c onsidered as the dominant service provider. According to the 
Telecommunications Law, the dominant player must respond to any reasonable request for 
interconnection and access to its telecommunications network, whenever technically feasible, and it 
must app ly the same terms, and provide the same conditions and quality, to all service providers. 
With a view to ensuring a competitive sector, on 8 May 2018, the CRA issued an order to Ooredoo 
and Vodafone Qatar, requiring them to revisit their wholesale service charges, which are regulated 
by the Access and Interconnection Framework. After consultations with service providers, the CRA 
set wholesale charges for access to network interconnections for 2018 -20.  
4.48.   The CRA is also in charge of regulating retail tariffs for the telecom sector. For fixed -line 
services, non -dominant service providers, such as Vodafone Qatar and the QNBN, have fewer 
obligations than the dominant service provider – Ooredoo; according to the CRA, this is to encourage 
competition. Ooredoo is re quired to file its proposed tariffs for pre -approval in the form of a tariff 
filing including a tariff document and a cost justification, demonstrating the absence of anti -
competitive conduct, which includes pricing below cost or excessive pricing. The CRA  has 10 working 
days to approve or object to the tariff proposal, or extend the period for review. The CRA's decision 
must be notified to Ooredoo with reasons for its decision.  
4.49.   For mobile services, and for fixed -line services provided by Vodafone Qatar an d the QNBN (as 
non-dominant service providers), service providers are required to submit their tariffs for review by 
the CRA to ensure that tariffs are clear and understandable to customers. In November 2018, the 
CRA published its most recent retail tariff  instruction,  aiming to provide all mobile service providers 
with more flexibility. Thus, when service providers introduce new tariffs and promotion packages 
targeting specific sectors or customer segments, they do not need to obtain justification from the  
CRA. For example, teachers or retired customers may be offered cheaper tariffs or promotion 
packages; the relevant information is published on the respective service providers' websites.  
4.50.   The CRA developed a competition policy in 2015, stipulating under w hich circumstances the 
CRA is to undertake ex post  investigations in relation to potential anti -competitive behaviours and 
the main criteria guiding its decisions. It is not clear if the CRA has investigated any anti -competitive 
behaviours since 2015.  In 2013, Qatar approved its first mobile number portability policy and, in 
2018, the CRA allowed fixed -number portability, which was an important step in supporting 
competition by encouraging consumers making choices among service providers.  
4.51.   Qatar's high leve l of telecoms maturity and its substantial telecoms infrastructure have 
enabled it to stay in a good position during the COVID -19 pandemic, which created a surge in 
Internet usage. In March 2020, the CRA cooperated with Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar, as well as 
with Microsoft, to take measures to help people easily and securely work remotely. The 
Government's priorities included ensuring telecom network continuity and readiness to handle 
additional traffic without affecting the quality of services, and facilit ating the remote operation of 
SMEs by enabling them to access collaboration tools for free through Microsoft's cloud -computing 
platform.  
4.2.2.2   Postal services  
4.52.   The Qatar Postal Services Company (Qatar Post or Q -Post), under the M OTC, is the national 
exclusive po stal service provider.24 Qatar Post is 100% owned by the State ( Section 3.3 .5). It 
handles all incoming and outgoing local and international letter and parcel mail services.25 It is a 
 
22 CRA, Passive Civil Infrastructure Access Regulation . Viewed at: https://cra.gov.qa/document/passive -
civil-infrastructure -access -regulation --30-june-2016.  
23 The authorities state that the CRA approved a set of wholesa le reference offers, comprising both 
charges and non -economic conditions. These are the Reference Interconnection Offers for Ooredoo and 
Vodafone Qatar, the Reference Transmission Offer for Ooredoo, and the Reference Infrastructure Access Offer 
for ducts o f Ooredoo. These offers are published on the CRA's, Ooredoo's, and Vodafone Qatar's websites.  
24 Qatar Post, History of Qatar Post.  Viewed at: https://qatarpost.qa/history .  
25 Hukoomi, Parcel Posting Service . Viewed at: https://portal.www.gov.qa .  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 member of the Universal Postal Union. The authorities indicate that duri ng the review period, Qatar 
Post introduced an e -commerce service called "Connected", enabling the purchase and delivery of 
goods globally. Before the introduction of the Connected service, sometimes consumers in Qatar 
could not shop online as sellers' web sites did not give a delivery option for addresses in Qatar.26 
4.53.   Currently, four international operators provide courier services, although no speci fic rules 
apply to these services. To provide courier services, they must register with the MOCI, and obtain 
approval from the Ministry of Transport and Communications. No local courier is licensed, because 
the delivery of postal services is reserved for Qatar Post. The authorities indicate  that they are 
preparing a new postal law, according to which the CRA is to be the sectoral regulator.  
4.54.   Prices for postal services are set by Qatar Post, and prices for courier services are currently 
not regulated. Once the new Postal Law enters into force , prices for postal and courier services are 
to be regulated by the CRA. It is not clear to the Secretariat when the new Postal Law is to enter 
into force.  
4.2.3   Transportation  
4.2.3.1   Civil aviation  
4.55.   The main legislation concerning the civil aviation sector is the Civi l Aviation Law No. 15 of 
2002, which was most recently amended in 2018. The authorities indicate that the amendments 
were mainly targeted at, inter alia , enhancing the capacity of the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure 
compliance with the International Civ il Aviation Organization's (ICAO) requirements. Other relevant 
legislation includes the Law Organizing Air Travel Agencies (No. 26 of 2006), the Law Organizing Air 
Cargo Agencies (No. 6 of 2010), the Civil Aviation Security Regulations, 2019, and the Hamad  
International Airport User Regulations (No. 6 of 2015).  
4.56.   The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) is in charge of implementing the Civil Aviation Law 
and regulating aviation transport services. Its main functions include: (i)  developing regulations and 
policies related to civil aviation and meteorological services; (ii)  implementing Qatar's civil aviation 
safety plan; (iii)  establishing and strengthening relations with international organizations, and 
modernizing Qatar's bilateral air transport agreements ; and (iv)  managing air navigation, aircraft 
registration, and technical inspection, and issuing licences for air transport service providers.  
4.57.   The robust development of Qatar's economy and the country's diversification efforts indicate 
that the civil avia tion sector developed quickly during the review period. Compared with the 2015 
level, passengers and freight carried by aviation went up by 25% and 50%, respectively, in 2019. 
Mail transported by civil aviation almost quadrupled, perhaps reflecting the fas t growth of online 
cross-border shopping.  
Table 4.11 Selected indicators of a ir transport, 2015 -19 
 2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  
International scheduled flights  
Aircraft movements   212,252   245,793   222,318   220,629   232,917  
Passengers (million)   31.0   37.3   35.3   34.5   38.8  
 In  15.6   18.7   17.6   17.3   19.4  
 Out  15.4   18.6   17.6   17.2   19.4  
Freight ('000 tonnes)   1,443.5   1,741.6   1,994.5   2,163.5   2,173.4  
Mail (tonnes)   11,420.4   16,488.3   26,485.4   34,764.5   42,433.7  
Source:  QCAA, Air Transport Data . Viewed at: https://www.caa.gov.qa/en -us/Open%20Data/Pages/Air -
Transport -Data-2019.aspx ; and information provided by the authorities.  
4.58.   As in other parts of the world, the civil av iation sector in Qatar suffered in 2020 due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic. The authorities state that the volume of air traffic in 2020 was around half of 
that in 2019, and they expect a return to normal levels in 2024.  
4.59.   According to the authorities, Qatar main tains 169 air services agreements (ASAs) with its 
trading partners. More than half (88 of 169) cover up to the 5th freedom of rights: i.e. the right to 
 
26 Connected, How Connected Works . Viewed at:  https://connected.qa/en/ .  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 fly between two foreign countries on a flight originating or ending in one's own country.27 Forty of 
the 169 cover the 3rd and 4th freedoms, while the other 41 are restricted ASAs.  
4.60.   The authorities indicate that an equity cap of 49% applies for foreign investment in civil 
aviation services, and licensing of airlines is stipulated in the Civil Aviation Law No.  15 of 2002 
(amended in 2018).  
4.61.   Qatar has three national carriers: Qatar Airways, Qatar Executives (private fixed -wing jets), 
and Gulf Helicopters (private jet helicopters). Qatar Airways, the government -owned flag carrier, 
serves over 160 destinations worl dwide. It accounts for 17.8% of international passenger traffic, 
and 7.2% of air cargo capacity in the world.28  
4.62.   Hamad International Airport (HIA) replaced Doha International Airport as Qatar's only 
international airport, serving both passengers and freight. The HIA was inaugurated in 2014, with a 
capacity of receiving 30 million passengers annually. Work is underway  to expand the airport to 
accommodate more than 50 million passengers annually. The HIA is fully owned by the Government, 
and is managed by MATAR, which is also an SOE 100% owned by the Government. MATAR applies 
an automated system called Score for slot ma nagement.  
4.63.   The authorities state that there is no foreign participation in airport operation and 
management in Qatar.  
4.64.   All ground -handling services are under Qatar Aviation Services, which is an SOE fully owned 
by the Government.  
4.65.   Qatar Airways provides ai rcraft maintenance, repair, and engine overhaul services to all 
carriers operating in Doha, including foreign carriers. According to the authorities, there is no 
requirement for national airlines to have their aircraft repaired and maintained in domestic f acilities, 
but they must be maintained by QCAA -approved maintenance organizations.  
4.2.3.2   Maritime transport  
4.66.   In 2019, Qatar had 131 propelled seagoing vessels of 1,000 gross tonnes and above, carrying 
more than 7 million dead -weight tonnage (DWT). Foreign -flagge d vessels play an important role in 
maritime transport, accounting for 52% of vessels, and carrying  about  80% of the total DWT 
(Table  4.12).  
Table 4.12 Number of vessels and dead -weight tonnage, 2015 -19 
 
2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  
Number of vessels       
  National flag  56 53 .. 63 63 
  Foreign flag  70 77 .. 56 68 
  Total 126 130 117 119 131 
Dead -weight tonnage ('000 tonnes)       
  National flag  888 769 826 1,841  1,144  
  Foreign flag  5,472  5,829  5,814  4,977  5,878  
  Total 6,360  6,598  6,640  6,818  7,021  
  Foreign flag as percentage of total (%)  86.0 88.3 87.6 73.0 83.7 
.. Not available.  
Source:  UNCTAD, Review of Maritime Transport , various issues.  
4.67.   In 2019, the total value of all commercial vessels of 1,000 gross tonnes and above reached 
USD 7.9 billion. Among these vessels, gas carriers accounted for the largest share, at 94.1% 
(Chart  4.5). Other vessels include offshore vessels (2.8%), oil tankers (1.3%), bulk carriers (1.2%), 
and others including container ships (0.5%) and chemical tankers (0.1%).  
 
27 ICAO, Freedoms of the Air. Viewed at:  https://www.icao.int/pages/freedomsair.aspx .  
28 QCAA, Qatar Sky , Issue 10 , June 2020. Viewed at: https://www.caa.gov.qa/en -us/Pri ntedPublications 
/Pages/Qatar -sky-10.aspx . WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 Chart 4.5 Value of commercial vessels, 2019  
 
Source:  UNCTAD, Review of Maritime Transport 2019 . Viewed at: 
https://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/rmt2019_en.pdf . 
4.68.   The main laws governing maritime transport are:  
a. Law No. 12 of 2019 on the Maritime Zone s; 
b. Law No. 8 of 2016 Regulating Maritime Vessels;  
c. Law No. 8 of 2017 Regulating Maritime Business in the Water of the State of Qatar;  
d. Law No. 12 of 2012 Regulating the Practice of Services of Maritime Shipping 
Intermediaries; and  
e. Law No. 4 of 2004 Regulatin g the Practice of Navigational Agencies Business.  
4.69.   The Maritime Transport Sector, under the M OTC, supervises all maritime transportation -
related activities.29 Its responsibilities include the following:  
a. Planning and licensing marine transport. It, inter alia,  enforces legislation and regulations 
governing maritime transport; develops policies related to maritime transport; conducts 
studies to plan the construction and development of maritime transport net works in 
coordination with relevant authorities; determines licensing requirements; issues licences, 
including to foreign vessels, to operate in Qatari waters; and identifies maritime transport 
service fees.  
b. Managing marine systems. It registers vessels un der international marine transport 
agreements; issues certificates; supervises adherence to domestic and international laws 
and regulations; inspects both national and foreign vessels; and proposes measures to 
implement the International Ship and Port Faci lity Security Code.  
c. Maintaining performance quality of maritime transport services. It conducts studies for the 
development of maritime safety standards, and proposes safety rules and requirements 
relating to vessels; develops technical performance standar ds of maritime transport 
activities; oversees the general performance of licensed maritime agencies and 
companies; and ensures compliance with general quality standards and examines all types 
of maritime transport to ensure their safety.  
 
29 Ministry of Transport and Communications, Maritime Transport . Viewed at: 
https://www.motc.gov.qa/en/maritime -transport/strategy .  
Gas carriers 94.1%Offshore vessels 2.8%
Oil tankers 1.3%
Bulk carrriers 1.2%
Other 0.6%Chart 4.[QAT]  Value of commercial vessels
Source: UNCTAD, Review of Maritime Transport 2019 . Viewed at: https://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/rmt2019_en.pdf .WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 4.70.   The authorities i ndicate that the requirements for a vessel to be registered as a national -flag 
vessel are stipulated in Law No. 18 of 1980 on Ships' Registration and Safety Conditions. According 
to the authorities, there are no equity requirements for foreign investment, nor nationality 
requirements for crew members boarding Qatari -flagged vessels.  
4.71.   Qatar is a member of the International Maritime Organization, and is a signatory to the United 
Nations Code of Conduct on Liner Conferences Convention.  
4.72.   Hamad Port is  the main commercial seaport. It began operations in December 2016, and is 
expected to become fully operational by 2022. According to the MOTC , once fully operational, the 
Port's general cargo terminal will be able to handle 1.7 million tonnes of general g oods, 1 million 
tonnes of food grains, and 500,000 vehicles. It will also have a livestock terminal, a multi -use 
terminal, an offshore supply base, a coast guard facility, and a port marine unit.  
4.73.   Qatar also has several  other ports: Ras Laffan Port, which is the most extensive LNG -exporting 
facility in the world, specializing in oil and gas shipment; Doha Port, which became a cruise terminal 
in December 2016; Al Ruwais Port, which began its first -stage operation in January 2015, and 
handles main categories of general cargo, livestock, containerized re frigerated  cargo, and vehicles; 
Halul Port, which is a small port exclusive to oil shipments; and Mesaieed Port, which handles oil 
and gas trade and trade of many downstream industrial products.  
4.74.   The M OTC overse es developing the port sector, by maintaining infrastructure, construction, 
and broadening the logistics sector within ports, and preparing for the ports for operations. The 
Qatar Ports Management Company (MWANI Qatar) is the operator of Doha Port and Al R uwais Port. 
MWANI Qatar is a 100% state -owned enterprise established in 2009, and it is responsible for: 
(i) managing the ports, docks, dry ports, and container terminals;  (ii) undertaking guidance work, 
towing, and moorings; and (iii)  operating shipping, discharging, handling, and storage of goods and 
containers. The Hamad Port is operated by QTerminals, a joint venture established in 2016 between 
MWANI Qatar (51% shareholding) and Milaha (49%; Milaha is a public ly listed company). The 
authorities indicate  that QTerminals recently started to handle Al Ruwais Port as well.  
4.2.4   Tourism  
4.75.   The tourism sector account ed for 9.1% of total GDP and 11.8% of total employment in 2019.30 
Qatar welcomed 2.1 million visitors in 2019, proving a slight recovery from a sharp de cline in tourist 
arrivals since mid -2017 due to political developments in the region (Chart 4.6).31 During the review 
period, Qatar continued to diversify visitor source markets; as a result, non -GCC countries became 
the major source of visitors to Qatar. Visitors from Asia accounted for 38.1% of total arrivals in 2019 
(up from 27.6% in 2014), followed by Europe (31.9% in 2019, up from 15.4% in 2014). Indian 
tourists made up the largest portion of non -GCC visitor arrivals (385,148), followed by the 
United  Kingdom (133,418), and the United States (127,271) in 2019.32  
4.76.   Qatar was a net importer of travel services, and its trade deficit increased from USD 3.1 billion 
in 2015 to USD 4.0 billion in 2019, with exports of USD 5.4 billion and imports of USD 9.5 billi on.33 
Travel exports accounted for about 28.5% of total exports of services in 2019 (Section 1.2).  
4.77.   During the review period, the number of hotels increased steadily. There were 130 hotels in 
2019, up from 119 hotels in 2015, providing a total of 27,261 roo m keys in 2019, up from 20,713 
in 201534 (Table 4.13). Qatar was ranked 51st out of 140 countries in the World Economic Forum's 
 
30 World Travel and Tourism Council, 2020 Annual Research: Key Highlights . Viewed at: 
https://wttc.org/Research/Economic -Impact .  
31 National T ourism Council, Annual Tourism Performance Report 2019 . A visitor is a traveller taking a trip 
to a destination outside their usual environment, for less than a year, for any purpose (business, leisure, or 
personal) other than to be employed by a resident entity in the country or place visited. A visitor is classified as 
a tourist if the trip includes an overnight stay, or as a same -day visitor otherwise.  
32 National Tourism Council, Annual Tourism Performance Reports 2016 -2019.  
33 Based on Balance of Payment s. 
34 Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA), Annual Abstract:  Media, Culture and Tourism, Chapter VIII , 
2019. Viewed at: 
https://www.psa.gov.qa/en/statistics/Statistical%20Releases/General/StatisticalAbstract/2019/8_Media_Cultur
e_Tourism_2019_AE.pdf . WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 2019 Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report  and was the second highest ranked economy in the 
Middle East.35  
4.78.   However, the touri sm industry was severely affected by the outbreak of COVID -19. According 
to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Ministry of Interior statistics, visitor 
arrivals declined by 48% year  on year to 548,000 in the first six months of 2020. The authorities 
note that Qatar has closed its borders to international visitors since 17 March 2020 , and the border 
remained closed as at November 2020 . In the meantime, the Ministry of Public Health and th e 
National Tourism Council established the Qatar Clean initiative to ensure the highest levels of 
hygiene and safety in tourist establishments. As such, hotels, restaurants, and other tourist 
attractions were able to open up, on a limited basis, to the dom estic market (i.e. Qatari nationals 
and residents).  
Chart 4.6 International tourist arrivals, 2014 -20 
 
Source:  National Tourism Council, Annual Tourism Performance Reports 2016 -2019; and UNWTO, Internationa l 
Tourism and COVID -19. Viewed at: https://www.unwto.org/international -tourism -and-covid-19.  
Table 4.13 Overview of tourism sector, 2015 -19 
 
2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  
Hotels and similar establishments (no.)  119 117 122 124 130 
 5-star hotels  39 38 41 44 49 
 4-star hotels  23 25 25 29 31 
 3-star hotels  28 27 28 24 22 
 1- and 2 -star hotels  8 8 7 6 7 
 Hotel apartments  21 19 21 21 21 
Rooms (no.)  20,713  22,921  25,167  28,917  27,261  
Occupation rate % (incl. hotel apartments)  70 62 58 61 66 
Travel agencies (inbound and outbound tour operators 
and agencies, locally owned) (no.)  32 70 162 184 232 
Licensed tour guides (no.)a .. .. .. 97 285 
.. Not available.  
a Data are available only from 2018, when the National Tourism Council obtained responsibility for 
tour guide licensing. The figures represent the number of licences issued each year.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on National Tourism Council, Annual Tourism Performance 
Reports 2016 -2019; PSA, Annual Abstract: Media, Culture and Tourism, Chapter VIII , 2019 ; and 
information provided by the authorities.   
 
35 World Economic Forum, The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019 . 
1,1241,3001,411
753
200 2331,7151,6411,528
1,503
1,6201,903
05001,0001,5002,0002,5003,0003,500
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019GCC Non-GCC
050100150200250300
January February March April May June2019 2020January to June, 2019 and 2020 2014 -19Chart 4.[QAT]  International tourism arrivals 
Source: National Tourism Council, Annual Tourism Performance Reports 2016 -2019; and 
UNWTO.  Viewed at: https://www.unwto.org/international -tourism -and-covid-19. ('000) ('000)WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 4.79.   The tourism industry is regulated by the Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), which 
replaced  the Qatar Tourism Authority in 2018.36 The QNTC is the official government body and has 
its own budget attached to the general budget of the State.37 The Council's core functions include 
formulating the tourism industry's planning and policy development, developing and implementing 
a plan to promote investment opportunities in the tourism industry, coordinating and consolidating 
the efforts of officials and the various sector stakeholders, and managing regulatory affairs (e.g. 
licences).38 
4.80.   Qatar has a numb er of laws on tourism. During the review period, Qatar amended the Tourism 
Law (Law No. 6 of 2012, amended by Law No. 20 of 2018) and issued new legislation on business 
events (Law No. 21 of 2018) (Table 4.14). The most prominent changes in the latest tour ism law 
include expanding the organization of new tourism activities, expanding the QNTC's mandate and 
authority over various aspects of tourism activities regardless of overlap in responsibility with other 
public and private -sector agencies, focusing on d eveloping tourist areas and providing incentives 
and benefits for tourism investment, and improving the structure and policies that support tourism 
development to enhance the visitor experience and the competitiveness of Qatar as a destination. 
These laws also set up the administrative rules with respect to, inter alia , licensing conditions and 
procedures, licensee's obligations, classification of establishments (e.g. hotels), tourist activities and 
business events, and penalties in the tourism industry.  
4.81.   The QNTC ensures that the industry's operations comply with the legal and regulatory 
framework by issuing licences, which are required to establish or operate hotels or practice any 
tourism activity (e.g. business events or exhibitions).39 A licensee's obligations are set out in various 
laws (Table 4.14). Under the grading and classification system, all hotels, tourism facilities, business 
events, and exhibitions are evaluated and classified every January, according to the rules and 
procedu res determined by the QNTC. Operators and managers of hotels and tourist establishments 
may, every January, request for a re -classification of their property. The validity of classification is 
linked to the duration of the licences, unless the classificati on is amended. Fees for licences vary 
depending on category; for example, a licence for establishing a hotel is QAR 500, while one for a 
business -events organizing office is QAR 25,000.40  
4.82.   As noted in the previous Review (2014)41, travel agents are regulat ed by either the QNTC or 
the QCAA if they issue air tickets. All travel agencies that issue air tickets require prior authorization 
from the QCAA.42 Moreover, travel agencies that provide other services (e.g. hotel booking, transfer, 
car-hire), either sepa rately or in addition to selling air tickets, must be licensed by the QNTC.43  
 
36 Amiri Decree No. 74 of 2018.  
37 Gulf Tim es, "Amir Establish [es] National Tourism Council" , 4 November 2018. Viewed at: 
https://www.gulf -times.com/story/611822/Amir -establish -National -Tourism -Council .  
38 Visit Qatar, About the Qatar National Tourism Council . Viewed at: 
https://www.visitqatar.qa/en/about -qatar -national -tourism -council . Decision No. 75 of 2018 forms the Board 
of Directors of the QNTC, which is chaired by the Prime Minister. Board members  include high -level 
representation from relevant ministries and stakeholders, namely the QNTC , the Ministry of Culture and Sports, 
the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the MOCI, the Government Communications Office, Katara 
Hospitality, the Supreme  Committee for Delivery and Legacy, and a representative of Qatar Museums.  
39 An applicant must generally be a company (except for tour guides and individual owners of maritime 
transportation, such as traditional dhows and Category A boats), and comply with  various standards, such as 
those for professional meetings, insurance, and safety and civil defence.  
40 Government of Qatar, Services . Viewed at: https://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/portal/services ; and 
information provided by the authorities. For classified 1 - to 5-star hotels, applicable fees for licence renewal 
range from QAR 20,000 to QAR 100,000.  
41 WTO, Trade Policy Review of Qatar , WT/TPR/S/296/Rev.1, 18 June 2014.  
42 Article  2 of Law No. 26 of 2006. As per Article  3 of Law No. 26 of 2006, the eligibility requirements to 
operate a travel agency are to be a Qatari or GCC national, not have been sentenced by a court, have sufficient 
experience to run a travel agency, pre sent a design by an authorized engineering firm, and pay a warranty of 
QAR 200,000.  
43 WTO, Trade Policy Review of Qatar , WT/TPR/S/296/Rev.1, 18 June 2014.  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 Table 4.14 Main legal framework  
Law/regulation  Main content  
Tourism Law  
Law No. 20 of 2018  Regulates the tourism facilities and activities, and replaces Law No. 6 of 2012.  
• Decision for licence application submitted to the QNTC within  one week  of the 
submission date. The period of ruling on licence application was shortened, 
compared with 30 day s under the previous law.  
• A licence is issued for five years for hotel and tourist establishments and 
tourism activities (e.g. festivals, tourist events), and renewable. The duration of 
licence changed from three years to five years.  
• The law enumerates obl igations of the licensee, such as: (i)  refraining from 
making any changes to the business name of the establishment, management, 
or ownership without notifying to the authority; (ii)  providing customers with an 
invoice listing the services rendered and the ir value; (iii)  taking necessary 
environmental protection measures; (iv)  obtaining any required licences from 
other government entities with respect to on -premises activities; and 
(v) providing the QNTC with copies of agreements with other hotels or touris t 
establishments within or outside Qatar.  
• The law contains provisions covering licensing and regulation of tour guides.a  
Guides require a licence; they must comply with the licensing procedures and 
the requirements set by the QNTC, and register in the tou r guide registry 
maintained by the QNTC.  
Business Events Law  
Law No. 21 of 2018  
 Regulates business events, and repeals Law No. 17 of 2013 regulating exhibitions.  
• Decision for licence application submitted to the QNTC within  one week of the 
submission date.  
• A licence is issued for five years for business events, and is renewable.  
• The law enumerates obligations of the licensee, such as: (i)  refraining from 
making any changes to the business name of the establishment, managemen t, 
or ownership without notifying to the authority; (ii)  displaying the licence and 
the event's class/grade; (iii)  providing any information and statistics to the 
authority for evaluation; and (iv)  providing training programmes to the 
authority.  
Amiri De cree No. 74  
of 2018  Establishes the QNTC.  
Amiri Decree No. 75  
of 2018  Forms the board of directors of the QNTC.  
MOCI Decision  
No. 380 of 2018  Establishes the Qatar Business Events Company (a private Qatari joint -stock 
company). The Supreme Council for Economic Affairs agreed to establish a 
commercial entity affiliated with the QNTC to take over the task of managing 
government -owned exhibition and conference centres, as well as overseeing the 
development and organization of exhibitions and co nferences owned by 
government agencies.  
MOCI Decision  
No. 381 of 2018  Establishes the Qatar Tourism Promotion Company (a private Qatari joint -stock 
company). The Supreme Council for Economic Affairs agreed to establish a 
commercial entity affiliated with  the QNTC to assume the task of managing the 
country's promotional operations as a tourism destination, carrying out tourism 
promotion tasks, and opening branches of the company in main markets.  
MOCI Decision  
No. 382 of 2018  Establishes the Qatar Tourism  Development Company (a private Qatari joint -stock 
company). The Supreme Council for Economic Affairs agreed to establish a 
commercial entity affiliated with the QNTC to take over the task of developing 
lands designated for tourism projects and offering th em to the private sector for 
investment. The Company also implements tourism projects that are not 
profitable for the private sector, but are important for the development of tourism 
projects.  
a Articles 27 -29 of Law 20 of 2018.  
Source:  Compiled by the WTO Secretariat, based on information provided by the authorities; and Al -Meezan. 
Viewed at: https://www.almeezan.qa/Default.aspx .  
4.83.   In September 2017, Qatar launched the Next Chapter  of the Qatar National Tourism Sector 
Strategy (QNTSS) 203044 for the period 2017 -23, aiming to achieve a target of 5.6 million tourist 
 
44 The QNTSS 2030 was developed in 2014 in line with the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030.  
The QNTSS sets out the overall plan for the development of the tourism industry, by focusing on four priority 
areas: (i)  governance, policies, and regulations; (ii)  sectoral capacity building; (iii) diversification and 
development of Qatar's tourism produ ct and service portfolio; and (iv)  optimal market mix (i.e. priority 
segments of tourists, e.g. business tourists, experienced travellers, and sports and entertainment tourists).  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 arrivals by 2023.45 The Next Chapter  outlines the strategy for further  development of the tourism 
industry by focusing on, inter alia , implementing visa facilitation policies, improving the ease of doing 
business, implementing a supportive regulatory framework, developing tourism products and 
services, stimulating awareness and interest in key international source markets, ensuring excellent 
experiences for visitors through physical and digital infrastructure as well as professional services, 
promoting investment opportunities, and developing human capital across the sector.46  
4.84.   Since the previous Review, Qatar has introduced several initiatives to achieve the objectives 
of the Next Chapter . Qatar implemented visa facilitation measures in order to diversify visitor source 
markets, including allowing citizens from over 85 countr ies to enter visa -free, revising the Qatar 
transit visa (free of charge)47, implementing the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for 
visitors who are not eligible for visa -free entry and hold a valid residence permit or visit visa to 
certain count ries48, and partnering with VFS global (Visa Facilitation Services) to implement an 
efficient tourist visa application system. Also, in 2019, the Ministry of Interior and the QNTC 
introduced a new ETA system, enabling foreign residents of Qatar to invite t heir families to visit; 
family members may obtain a free visa upon arrival if they apply for a visa through an online portal 
during summer.49 Owing to policies towards easy access to Qatar, in 2018, the UNWTO ranked Qatar 
as the most open country in the Mi ddle East (and 8th in the world) in terms of visa facilitation.50  
4.85.   Qatar also launched an e -licensing system in 2017 to encourage investment in tourism and 
reduce the administrative burden for tourism -related businesses. E -licensing enables hotel 
establish ments and tourism -related business regulated by the QNTC to apply for a licence, renew an 
existing licence, and complete a number of other procedures related to licences within 24 hours.51  
4.86.   In addition to streamlining regulation processes in the tourism in dustry, the Government 
continued to emphasize diversification of both products and services and source markets. The 
business events subsector, i.e. meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE), is a key 
component of Qatar's tourism industry. T he MICE industry is regulated by the Law on Business 
Events (Law.  No. 21 of 2018), as noted above. The Qatar Business Events Corporation (QBEC), a 
private subsidiary of the QNTC, is responsible for organizing, managing, operating, and supervising 
events in  the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.52 Qatar has long focused on attracting events 
that match its existing growth sectors to create more enriching MICE experiences for business 
visitors, offering incentives and inducements to ease their path. The QN TC offers support – either 
subvention for MICE events or in -kind support – and is committed to continuing it as COVID -19 
restrictions ease.53 During the review period, Qatar partnered with global MICE agencies, such as 
the International Congress and Conven tion Association (ICCA) and the Global Association of the 
Exhibition Industry (UFI), to leverage their networks, promote Qatar as a destination for business 
events, and connect Qatar to the industry's growing markets, particularly in China and India.54 
 
45 Qatar Tourism Authority (later renamed the Qatar National Tourism Council), "Qatar Embarks on New 
Chapter of Tourism Development" , 27 September 2017 .  
46 Government Communications Office, Tourism . Viewed at: https://www.gco.gov.qa/en/focus/tourism/ . 
47 QNTC, Visas. Viewed at: https://www.visitqatar.qa/en/plan -your-trip/visas . The Qatar Transit Visa 
(from 5 to 96 hours) is available to Qa tar Airways passengers of all nationalities, free of charge, through the 
airline once air tickets are issued.  
48 Visit visa to Schengen countries, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United  Kingdom, or the United 
States.  
49 Qatar Airways, " Qatar Welcomes Mo re Visitors With Newly Launched Electronic Visitors Authorisation 
System" , 13 June 2019. Viewed at: https://www.qatarairways.com/en/press -
releases/2019/June/EnEleVisit .html.  
50 UNWTO, "Qatar Among 10 Most Open Visa Countries in the World", 3 September 2018. Viewed at: 
https://www.unwto.org/middl e-east/press -release/2018 -09-03/unwto -qatar -among -10-most-open-visa-
countries -world .  
51 Qatar Tribune , "QAT Launches E-Licensing Service for Hotels" , 12 June 2017. Viewed at: 
https://www.qatar -tribune.com/news -details/id/70129 .  
52 PCMA, Qatar's Plan for Boosting Business Events . Viewed at: https://www.pcma.org/qatar -plan-
boosting -business -events/ . 
53 Information provided by the authorities; and QNTC, Incentive Scheme . Viewed at: 
https://www.visitqatar.qa/e n/business -events/why -qatar/incentive -scheme . QNTC services include providing 
guidance and support to help organizers deliver their events at the highest standards, connecting event 
organizers with the Government and private entities locally that contribut e to the success of the event, and 
providing other services such as visa facilitation, host -site inspections as required, and financial support used 
towards services in Qatar (assessed on a case -by-case basis) through the business events support scheme.  
54 ICCA, "Qatar: Paving the Way to Become a Business Events Destination of Choice" , 22 May 2018. 
Viewed at: https://www.iccaworld.org/newsarchives/archivedetails.cfm?id=7474 ; and UFI, "Qatar's National WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 According to the authorities, the subsector expanded robustly, with an annual average growth rate 
of 44% during 2014 -19, and Qatar hosted 583 international conferences and events (148 in 2019 
alone).  
4.87.   The MICE industry was hit hard by the COVID -19 pandemic, wi th international travel almost 
coming to a standstill. Local B2C events are organized with enforcement of COVID -19 regulations 
on social distancing and hygiene in mind. New forms of hybrid events are emerging, with some 
attendees joining online. According to the authorities, the QNTC was formulating a strong support 
package to kick -start the MICE industry (as at November 2020).  
4.88.   Qatar's investments to expand the tourism sector continue to grow. According to the 
authorities, a significant budget was allocate d for the marine development (dredging) and 
construction of a new cruise terminal at Doha Port. The authorities note that the continued 
redevelopment of Doha Port would enable Qatar to receive additional international cruise ships and 
provide the necessary  facilities to reinforce Qatar as an attractive destination and a cruise home -
porting station. Cruise passengers are eligible for transit visas: passenger manifests are shared with 
Immigration by the cruise agency 48 hours prior to arrival. This allows imm igration officials to 
process all relevant information and clear passengers for entry before the ship berths. According to 
the authorities, the subsector grew 120% in the number of cruise ships and 114% in the number of 
visitors during 2018 -19. Also, despite the onset of the COVID -19 pandemic in early 2020, the sector 
grew further over the shortened 2019 -20 season (36% in the number of ships and 48% in the 
number of passengers).  
4.89.   Furthermore, in order to expand international key source markets, in 2018 the QNTC launched 
Qatar's first global marketing campaign: "Qatar. Qurated for you" . The campaign aimed to position  
the country as an attractive destination, targeting 225 million travellers across 15  different 
countries, including China, India, the Russian Federation, and Singapore.55 To help attract tourists, 
Qatar opened QNTC representative offices in key source mar kets, including Australia, China, France, 
Germany, India, the Russian Federation, the United  Kingdom, and the United States.  
4.90.   The Government provides several incentives to attract investors in the tourism sector. The 
QNTC's Investment Promotion Unit (IPU) plays a role in identifying potential investors to undertake 
tourism -related projects. Those projects may be externally presented by a third party or internally 
identified and researched alongside the Product Development Unit. Moreover, the IPU acts as a 
liaison between potential investors and the public and private sectors.56 The incentives include tax 
exemptions (income tax) related to foreign investment projects, and exemptions from customs 
duties on imported machinery and equipment related to foreign in vestment projects (Section 2.4.1 ). 
Qatar Business Incubation Centre Tourism, launched in 2016, provides tourism start -ups with 
support from the QNTC and the QDB. It enables SMEs and entrepreneurs to develop products and 
services by providing them with busi ness development too ls, funding, and guidance from the 
QNTC.57  
 
Tourism Council Signs Multi-year Diamond Sponsorship Agreement with UFI" . Viewed at: 
https://www.ufi.org/wp -content/upl oads/2018/11/201118UFI_NTC_Diamond_Sponsor_media_release.pdf . 
55 Qatar Tribune , "Qurated Is Designed to Make Qatar Top-of-Mind Destination" , 27 November 2018. 
Viewed at: https://www.qatar -tribune.com/news -details/id/147206/ -qurated -is-designed -to-make -qatar -top-
of-mind-destination -. 
56 Information p rovided by the authorities.  
57 Qatar Business Incubation Centre, QBIC Tourism . Viewed at: https://www.qbic.qa/en/tourism/ . WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 5  APPENDIX TABLES  
Table A1. 1 Merchandise exports by HS sections and major HS chapters/subheadings , 
2014 -19 
HS section/chapter/subheading  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  
Total exports (USD million)  126,708.2  77,090.3  57,308.7  67,498.2  84,288.5  72,934.9  
  (% of total)  
01 Live animals and products  0.0 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 
02 Vegetable products  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
03 Animal/vegetable fats and oils  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
04 Prepared food, beverages and 
tobacco  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
05 Mineral products  89.8 84.1 81.9 84.6 86.1 86.1 
     HS 27 Mineral fuels  89.6 83.7 81.6 84.2 86.0 85.8 
HS 2711 Petroleum gases and 
other gaseous hydrocarbons  67.4 65.6 61.3 59.7 61.5 61.9 
HS 2709 Petroleum oils and 
oils obtained from bituminous 
minerals, crude  17.0 13.6 15.4 17.4 16.4 17.0 
HS 2710 Petroleum oils and 
oils obtained from bituminous 
minerals, other than crude  5.1 4.4 4.8 7.1 8.2 7.0 
06 Chemicals and products thereof  3.0 5.7 5.8 4.6 4.7 4.4 
     HS 31 Fertilisers  1.2 2.2 2.1 1.6 1.8 1.9 
     HS 29 Organic chemicals  0.9 1.9 1.9 1.4 1.4 1.2 
07 Plastics and rubber  3.1 4.3 5.1 4.1 3.5 3.3 
HS 39 Plastics and articles 
thereof  3.1 4.2 5.1 4.1 3.5 3.3 
08 Raw hides and skins; leather, 
furskins and articles thereof  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
09 Wood, cork, straw  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
10 Pulp of wood; paper and 
paperboard  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
11 Textiles and textile articles  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
12 Footwear, headgear, etc.  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
13 Articles of stone, plaster, cement  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
14 Precious stones and metals, pearls  0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.4 
15 Base metals and articles thereof  2.6 2.8 3.2 3.1 2.7 3.1 
HS 76 Aluminium and articles 
thereof  1.2 1.8 2.0 2.1 1.7 1.9 
     HS 72 Iron and steel  0.9 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.7 
16 Machinery, electrical equipment  0.5 1.0 1.5 0.9 0.4 0.8 
17 Transport equipment  0.7 1.4 1.5 2.0 2.0 1.3 
18 Precision instruments  0.0 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 
19 Arms and ammunition  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 
20 Miscellaneous manufactured 
articles  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
21 Works of art, collectors' pieces and 
antiques  0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 
Other  0.0 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on Planning and Statistics Authority. Viewed at: 
https://www.psa.gov.qa/en/statistics1/ft/Pages/default.aspx . 
  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
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 Table A1. 2 Merchandi se imports by HS sections and major HS chapters/subheadings , 
2014 -19 
HS section/HS chapter  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  
Total imports (USD million)  30,442.1  32,611.3  32,060.1  29,896.4  31,695.9  29,178.1  
   (% of total)  
01 Live animals and products  3.7 3.8 3.5 3.9 3.8 3.8 
02 Vegetable products  2.8 2.7 2.9 3.2 3.3 3.7 
03 Animal/vegetable fats and oils  0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.3 
04 Prepared food, beverages and tobacco  2.9 3.1 3.0 3.5 3.3 3.2 
05 Mineral products  4.3 4.7 4.0 5.6 4.3 5.0 
06 Chemicals and products thereof  7.5 7.2 7.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 
07 Plastics and rubber  3.2 3.2 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.1 
08 Raw hides and skins; leather, furskins 
and articles thereof  0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 
09 Wood, cork, straw  1.0 1.0 0.8 0.7 0.8 0.7 
10 Pulp of wood; paper and paperboard  0.7 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.8 0.8 
11 Textiles and textile articles  2.4 2.5 2.6 2.8 3.1 3.2 
12 Footwear, headgear, etc.  0.6 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 
13 Articles of stone, plaster, cement  2.7 2.5 2.3 2.1 2.1 1.9 
14 Precious stones and metals, pearls  2.6 2.3 1.9 2.4 2.9 2.9 
15 Base metals and articles thereof  9.7 10.2 9.3 8.0 8.8 8.7 
     HS 73 Articles of iron or steel  4.4 5.5 4.7 3.5 4.3 5.2 
16 Machinery, electrical equipment  25.6 25.4 26.2 27.0 25.0 26.6 
HS 84 Machinery and mechanical 
appliances; parts thereof  15.2 15.3 16.4 17.2 15.7 17.9 
HS 85 Electrical machinery and 
equipment and parts thereof  10.4 10.1 9.8 9.8 9.3 8.7 
17 Transport equipment  20.8 19.8 19.2 16.6 16.8 12.5 
    HS 87 Vehicles  12.7 13.5 11.7 8.7 6.2 5.8 
HS 88 Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts 
thereof  5.9 6.0 6.2 6.7 9.0 5.4 
18 Precision instruments  2.5 2.7 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.8 
19 Arms and ammunition  0.1 0.7 2.2 1.5 2.8 4.1 
20 Miscellaneous manufactured articles  3.2 3.2 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.5 
21 Works of art, collectors' pieces and 
antiques  0.6 0.2 1.0 0.1 0.2 0.2 
Other  2.5 2.6 2.7 3.0 2.8 3.1 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on Planning and Statistics Authority. Viewed at: 
https://www.psa.gov.qa/en/statistics1/ft/Pages/default.aspx . 
  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 89 - 
 Table A1. 3 Merchandise exports by destination, 2014 -19 
  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  
Total exports (USD million)  126,708.2  77,090.3  57,308.7  67,498.2  84,288.5  72,934.9  
  (% of total)  
Americas  1.7 2.7 2.4 2.4 2.2 1.9 
  United States  0.4 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.4 
  Other America  1.3 1.5 1.2 1.1 0.8 0.5 
Europe  8.8 13.2 11.0 10.6 10.8 12.0 
  EU-28 7.8 11.8 10.0 9.6 9.3 10.4 
          United Kingdom  2.7 4.5 3.3 2.4 1.3 2.6 
          Italy 1.4 2.1 1.9 2.0 2.0 1.9 
          Spain  1.0 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.0 1.4 
          Belgium  0.9 1.7 1.5 1.0 1.2 1.2 
          Poland  0.0 0.1 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.0 
          France  1.0 1.1 0.5 0.6 0.9 0.8 
  EFTA 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.2 0.3 0.3 
  Other Europe  0.8 1.2 0.7 0.8 1.3 1.3 
          Turkey  0.8 1.2 0.7 0.8 1.3 1.2 
Commonwealth of Independent States 
(CIS)  0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Africa  0.8 2.0 3.3 2.7 1.7 1.1 
Middle East  6.6 8.1 9.7 6.3 4.2 3.7 
          United Arab Emirates  4.3 5.3 6.5 3.8 1.8 1.5 
          Kuwait, State of  0.6 0.6 1.0 0.9 1.0 1.1 
          Oman  0.3 0.2 0.3 0.8 1.1 0.8 
          Bahrain, Kingdom of  0.3 0.2 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.0 
          Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  0.8 1.0 0.9 0.4 0.0 0.0 
Asia 81.2 73.3 72.7 76.9 80.4 80.5 
  Japan  26.2 20.8 19.1 17.1 17.4 18.6 
  China  7.5 6.8 7.8 10.7 11.4 12.4 
  Other Asia  47.5 45.6 45.8 49.0 51.6 49.5 
          Korea, Republic of  19.1 17.7 15.7 15.8 17.4 15.6 
          India 12.6 11.9 12.9 12.3 12.1 12.2 
          Singapore  6.2 4.6 5.2 9.3 8.1 7.6 
          Thailand  2.6 3.4 3.8 3.5 3.7 3.9 
          Chinese Taipei  3.4 3.9 3.2 2.8 2.8 3.2 
          Pakistan  0.1 0.4 1.2 2.3 2.9 2.6 
          Bangladesh  0.2 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.7 1.9 
          Indonesia  1.0 0.8 0.6 0.3 0.9 0.6 
          Hong Kong, China  0.0 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.6 0.6 
Other  0.7 0.7 0.7 1.1 0.8 0.8 
Memo:       
  
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)  6.2 7.3 9.1 5.9 3.8 3.3 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on Planning and Statistics Authority. Viewed at: 
https://www.psa.gov.qa/en/statistics1/ft/Pages/default.aspx . 
  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 90 - 
 
 Table A1. 4 Merchandise imports by origin, 2014 -19 
  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  
Total imports (USD million)  30,442.1  32,611.3  32,060.1  29,896.4  31,695.9  29,178.1  
  (% of total)  
Americas  14.0 13.8 17.2 18.9 21.6 22.3 
  United States  11.3 10.8 14.2 16.2 19.3 18.7 
  Other America  2.7 3.0 3.0 2.7 2.3 3.6 
          Brazil  1.4 1.7 1.2 1.5 1.0 1.6 
          Canada  0.6 0.5 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.9 
Europe  32.6 33.3 31.8 32.1 34.1 36.4 
  EU-28 27.5 28.9 27.4 27.1 27.4 29.6 
          Germany  7.0 7.4 9.1 6.8 6.0 7.1 
          United Kingdom  5.3 5.6 4.0 4.5 5.6 6.6 
          Italy 4.8 4.3 3.9 4.3 4.2 4.3 
          France  3.0 3.7 3.1 3.0 3.0 2.9 
          Spain  1.1 1.1 1.2 1.5 1.6 1.4 
          Netherlands  1.1 1.3 0.9 1.2 1.2 1.1 
          Sweden  0.9 1.0 0.8 1.0 1.0 1.0 
  EFTA 3.7 2.9 2.7 2.4 2.6 2.7 
          Switzerland  3.2 2.8 2.6 2.2 2.5 2.5 
  Other Europe  1.4 1.5 1.6 2.6 4.1 4.2 
          Turkey  1.4 1.5 1.6 2.6 4.1 4.1 
Commonwealth of 
Independent States (CIS)  0.5 0.4 0.4 0.5 1.2 1.0 
Africa  1.5 1.5 1.5 2.0 1.2 0.9 
Middle East  16.6 16.5 16.8 12.7 6.9 6.3 
          Oman  1.3 1.1 1.1 2.5 3.1 3.4 
          Kuwait, State of  0.8 0.6 0.5 0.8 1.0 1.0 
          United Arab Emirates  8.1 8.7 9.0 5.4 0.2 0.1 
          Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  4.5 4.3 4.3 2.0 0.0 0.0 
          Bahrain, Kingdom of  1.1 0.9 1.0 0.8 0.0 0.0 
Asia 32.4 31.9 29.6 30.3 32.2 30.2 
  China  10.4 11.4 10.2 11.2 12.2 11.9 
  Japan  6.4 6.5 6.6 5.2 4.3 3.0 
  Other Asia  15.7 14.0 12.8 13.9 15.8 15.3 
          India 3.7 3.6 3.6 5.1 6.1 5.2 
          Australia  1.7 1.9 1.6 1.7 2.2 2.2 
          Malaysia  1.4 1.0 0.7 0.8 1.0 1.2 
          Korea, Republic of  3.3 2.7 2.1 1.9 1.8 1.2 
          Thailand  1.7 1.5 1.3 1.3 1.1 1.1 
          Singapore  1.2 0.4 1.1 0.5 0.7 1.0 
Other  2.5 2.6 2.7 3.5 2.8 3.0 
Memo:       
  
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)  15.7 15.5 15.9 11.5 4.3 4.4 
Source:  WTO Secretariat  calculations, based on Planning and Statistics Authority. Viewed at: 
https://www.psa.gov.qa/en/statistics1/ft/Pages/default.aspx . 
  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 91 - 
 Table A3. 1 Prohibited goods  
HS Description  
01031000  Live swine:  
- Pure-bred breeding animals  
01039100  - - Weighing less than 50 kg  
01039200  - - Weighing 50 kg or more  
05071000  - Ivory; ivory powder and waste  
09082100  - - Nutmeg, neither crushed nor ground  
09082200  - - Nutmeg, crushed or ground  
12079100  - - Poppy seeds  
12079910  - - - Poppy  
12079920  - - - Hemp seeds  
12113000  - Coca leaf  
12114000  - Poppy straw  
12119020  - - - Black poppy  
12119060  - - - Cannabis  
13021100  - - Opium  
13021910  - - - Hashish  
25241000  Asbestos:  
- Crocidolite  
25249000  - Other  
29399110  - - - Cocaine  
40121100  Retreaded or used pneumatic tyres of rubber; solid or cushion tyres, tyre treads and 
tyre flaps, of rubber:  
- - Of kind used on motor cars (including station wagons and racing cars)  
40121200  - - Of a kind used on buses or lorries  
40121300  - - Of a kind used on aircraft  
40121900  - - Other  
40122000  - Used pneumatic tyres  
68114000  Articles of asbestos -cement, of cellulose fibre -cement or the like:  
- Containing asbestos  
68128000  Fabricated asbestos fibres:  
- Of crocidolite  
68129300  - - Compressed asbestos fibre jointing, in sheets or rolls  
68132000  Friction material and articles t hereof   
- Containing asbestos  
Source:  Prohibited Goods in the Unified GCC Customs Tariff 2017, Qatar General Authority of Customs.  
Viewed at : https://www.customs.gov.qa/English/Tariff/Pages/Prohibited -Goods.aspx .  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 92 - 
 
 Table A3. 2 Restricted goods   
HS Description  Government 
authority  
01069010  Other live animals:  
- - - Bees and other insects  MME 
0201, 0202  Meat of bovine animals  MOPH  
0203 Meat of swine  GAC 
0204 
0205 
02061000 to  
 
02062900  Meat of sheep or goats  
Meat of horses, asses, mules or hinnies  
Edible offal of bovine animals, swine, sheep, goats, horses, asses, mules or 
hinnies:  
- Of bovine animals  MOPH  
02063000  - Of swine, fresh or chilled  GAC, MOPH  
02064100  
02064900  - Of swine, frozen:  
- - Livers  
- - Other  GAC 
020680  
020690  
0207 
0208 - Other, fresh or chilled  
- Other, frozen  
Meat and edible offal of poultry  
Other meat and edible meat offal  MOPH  
0209 
 
 
 
02101100  
02101200  
02101900  Pig fat, free of lean meat and poultry fat, not rendered or otherwise extracted, 
fresh, chilled, frozen, salted, in brine, dried or smoked  
Meat and edible offal, salted, in brine, dried or smoked; edible flours and meals 
of meat or meat offal:  
- - Hams, shoulders and cuts thereof, with bone in  
- - Bellies (streaky) and cuts thereof  
- - Other  GAC 
 
021020 to 
021099  - Meat of bovine animals  
- Other, including edible flours and meals of meat or meat offal  MOPH  
0302 to 0307  Fish and crustaceans, molluscs  and other aquatic invertebrates, except live fish 
(03.01) and aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs (03.08)  MOPH  
 
Chapter 4  Dairy produce, birds' eggs , natural honey, edible products of animal origin not 
elsewhere specified or include d MOPH  
05021000  Pigs', hogs' or boars' bristles and hair; badger hair and other brush making hair; 
waste of such bristles or hair:  
- Pigs', hogs' or boars' bristles and hair and waste thereof  GAC 
 
Chapter 6  Live trees and other plants; bulbs, roots and the like; cut flowers and 
ornamental foliage  MME 
0701 to  
07099090  Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers:  
Vegetables, fresh or chilled  MOPH, MME  
 
0710, 0711  Vegetables, frozen or provisionally preser ved MOPH  
0712 
 
07131000  
07132000  
071331  
071332  
071333  Dried vegetables  
Dried leguminous vegetables:  
- Peas ( Pisum sativum ) 
- Chickpeas (garbanzos)  
- Beans of the species Vigna mungo Hepper  or Vigna radiata Wilczek  
- Small red beans  
- Kidney beans, including white pea beans  MOPH, MME  
07134000  - Lentils  MOPH  
07135000  
 
07139010  
07139090  
07141000  
07142000  - - Broad beans ( Vicia faba var. major ) and horse beans ( Vicia faba var. equina , 
Vicia faba var. minor ) 
- - - Mung  
- - Other  
- Manioc (cassava)  
- Sweet potatoes  MOPH, MME  
07149010  - - - Salep  MOPH  
07149020  
 
07149090  
 
08011100  
08011900  
 
08012100  - - - Jerusalem artichokes  
- - - Other  
Coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashew nuts, fresh or dried, whether or not shelled or 
peeled:  
- Coconuts  
- - Desiccated  
- - Other  
- Brazil nuts:  
- - In shell  MOPH, MME  
08012200  - - Shelled  MOPH  
08013100  - Cashew nuts:  
- - In shell  MOPH, MME  
08013200  - - Shelled  MOPH  
08021100  Other nuts, fresh or dried, whether or not shelled or peeled:  
- Almonds:  
- - In shell  MOPH, MME  
08021200  - - Shelled  MOPH  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 93 - 
 HS Description  Government 
authority  
08022100  
08022200  
 
08023100  - Hazelnuts or filberts:  
- - In shell  
- - Shelled  
- Walnuts:  
- - In shell  MOPH, MME  
08023200  - - Shelled  MOPH  
08024000  
08025010  - Chestnuts ( Castanea spp. ) 
- - In shell  MOPH, MME  
08025020  - - Shelled  MOPH  
08026000  - Macadamia nuts  MOPH, MME  
08027000  - Kola nuts ( Cola spp. ) GAC, 
Operations 
and Risk 
Analysis 
Department  
 
08029011  
08029012  
08029020  
08029091  - Other:  
- - - - In shell  
- - - - Shelled  
- - - Green seed (Banak)  
- - - - In shell  MOPH, MME  
08029092  - - - - Shelled  MOPH  
08030000  
 
 
 
08041010  
08041020  Bananas, including plantains, fresh or dried  
Dates, figs, pineapples, avocados, guavas, mangoes and mangosteens, fresh or 
dried:  
- Dates  
- - - Fresh  
- - - Dried dates  MOPH, MME  
08041030  
08041090  - - - Dates  
- - - - Other dates  MOPH  
 
08042010  
08042020  
08043000  
08044000  
08045010  
08045020  
08045030  
0805 
 
08061000  - Figs: 
- - - Fresh  
- - - Dried  
- Pineapples  
- Avocados  
- - - Guavas  
- - - Mangoes  
- - - Mangosteens  
Citrus fruit, fresh or dried  
Grapes  
- Fresh  MOPH, MME  
08062000  - Dried  MOPH  
0807 
0808 
0809 
0810 Melons (including watermelons) and papaws (papayas), fresh  
Apples, pears and quinces, fresh  
Apricots, cherries, peaches (including nectarines), plums and sloes, fresh  
Other fruit, fresh  MOPH, MME  
 
0811 
 
0812 
 
 
 
 
08131000  
08132000  
08133000  Fruit and nuts, uncooked or cooked by steaming or boiling in water, frozen, 
whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter  
Fruit and nuts, provisionally preserved (for example, by sulphur dioxide gas, in 
brine, in sulphur water or in othe r preservative solutions), but unsuitable in that 
state for immediate consumption  
Fruit, dried, other than that of headings 08.01 to 08.06; mixtures of nuts or 
dried fruit of this Chapter:  
- Apricots  
- Prunes  
- Apples  MOPH  
08134010  
08134020  
08134030  
08134 090 
08135000  - - - Cherries  
- - - Tamarind  
- - - Pears  
- - - Other  
- Mixtures of nuts or dried fruits of this Chapter  MOPH, MME  
08140000  
 
 
Chapter 9  Peel of citrus fruit or melons (including watermelons), fresh, frozen, dried or 
provisionally preserved in brine, in sulphur water or in other preservative 
solutions  
Coffee, tea, maté and spices  MOPH  
 
 
 
10011000  
10019010  
10019020  
10019030  
10020000  
10030000  
10040010  
10040020  Cereals:  
- Durum wheat  
- - - Normal wheat  
- - - Thin wheat  
- - - Meslin  
Rye 
Barley  
- - - Grey oats (or black)  
- - - White oats (or yellow)  MOPH, MME  WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 94 - 
 
 HS Description  Government 
authority  
10051000  
10059010  
10059020  
10059030  
10059090  
10061000  - Seed 
- - - Golden corn  
- - - White  corn 
- - - Brown corn  
- - - Other  
- Rice in the husk (paddy or rough)  
10062000  
10063000  
10064000  - Husked (brown) rice  
- Semi-milled or wholly milled rice, whether or not polished or glazed  
- Broken rice  MOPH  
10070000  
10081000  
10082000  
10083000  
10089000  Grain sorghum  
- Buckwheat  
- Millet 
- Canary seeds  
- Other cereals  MOPH, MME  
Chapter 11  
 
 
12010010  
12010020  
12021000  
12022000  
12060000  
12081000  Products of the milling industry; malt; starches; inulin; wheat gluten  
Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit; industrial 
or medicinal plants; straw and fodder:   
Soya beans, whether or not broken  
- Broken beans  
- Shelled  
- Shelled, if broken  
Sunflower seeds, whether or not broken  
- Of soya beans  MOPH  
 
1209 Seeds, fruit and spores, of a kind used for sowing  MME 
 
 
12119040  
12119050  
12122000  
12129100  Plants and parts of plants of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or 
for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes:  
- - - Mint 
- - - Desert flower  
- Seaweeds and other algae  
- - Sugar beet  MOPH  
12129910  
12129930  
12129940  
12129950  - - - Melon seeds  
- - Sugar cane  
- - - Pumpkin and marrow seeds  
- - - Apricot, peach or plum stones and kernels  MOPH, MME  
12129990  
12130010  
12130090  
12141000  
12149010  
12149020  
12149090  - - - Other  
- - - Hay 
- - - Other  
- Lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets  
- - - Lupine  
- - - Vetches  
- - - Other  MME 
 
 
 
15010010  
15010020  Animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products prepared edible fats; 
animal or vegetable waxes:  
- - - Fat of poultry birds  
- - - Fat of Poultry bone and fat obtained from poultry waste  MOPH  
 
 
 
15011000  
15012000  
15030011  
15030021  
15030091  - Lard 
 - Other pig fat  
 - - - - Of pig 
 - - - - Of pig 
 - - - - Of pig GAC 
 
 
 
 
15041000  
15042000  
15043000  
15050000  
15060000  
 
15071000  
15079000  
15081000  
15089000  
15091000  
15099000  
15100000  
 
 
15111000  
15119000  
15121100  
15121900  
15122100  
15122900  
15131100  - Fish-liver oils and their fractions  
- Fats and oils and their fractions, of fish, other than liver oils  
- Fats and oils and their fractions, of marine mammals  
Wool grease and fatty substances derived therefrom (including lanolin)  
Other animal fats and oils and their fractions, whet her or not refined, but not 
chemically modified  
- Crude oil, whether or not degummed  
- Other  
- Crude oil  
- Other  
- Virgin  
- Other  
Other oils and their fractions, obtained solely from olives, whether or not refined, 
but not chemically modified, including bl ends of these oils or fractions with oils 
or fractions of heading 15.09  
- Crude oil  
- Other  
- - Crude oil  
- - Other  
- - Crude oil, whether or not gossypol has been removed  
- - Other  
- - Crude oil  MOPH  
 
 
 WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 95 - 
 HS Description  Government 
authority  
15131900  
15132100  
15132900  
15141100  
15141900  
15149100  
15149900  
15151100  
15151900  
15152100  
15152900  
15153000  
15155000  
15159000  
15161000  
15162000  
15171010  
15171020  
15171090  
15179010  
15179090  
1518 
 
 - - Other  
- - Crude oil, whether or not gossypol has been re moved  
- - Other  
- - Crude oil  
- - Other  
- - Crude oil  
- - Other  
- - Crude oil  
- - Other  
- - Crude oil  
- - Other  
- Castor oil and its fractions  
- Sesame oil and its fractions  
- Other  
- Animal fats and oils and their fractions  
- Vegetable fats and oils and their fractions  
- - - Of animal origin  
- - - Of vegetable origin  
- Other  
- - - Liquid margarine  
- - - Other  
Animal or vegetable fats and oils and their fractions, boiled, oxidized, 
dehydrated, sulphureted, blown, polymerized by heat in vacuum or in inert gas 
or otherwise chemically modified, excluding those of heading 15.16; inedible 
mixtures or preparations of animal or vegetable fats or oils or of fractions of 
different fats or oils of this Chapter, not elsewhere specified or included  
15180011  - - - - Of pig GAC 
15200020  
15211000  
15219010  
15219020  
15219040  
15220010  
15220020  
 - - - Glycerol waters and glycerol lyes  
- Vegetable waxes  
- - - Spermaceti, crude, pressed or refined, or coloured  
- - - Beeswax, whether or not coloured  
- - - Other insect waxes, whether or not coloured  
- - - Degras (fish oil treated with nitric acid)  
- - - Residues resulting from the treatment of fatty substances or animal or 
vegetable  MOPH  
 
 
 
 
16010010  Preparation of meat, of fish  or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic 
invertebrates:  
- - - Of swine or animal blood  GAC 
16010019  
16010029  
16010039  
16021010  
16021090  
16022000  
16023100  
16023200  
16023900  - - - Other 
- - - Other 
- - - Other 
- - - As food suitable for infants or young children  
- - - Other  
- Of liver of any animal  
- - Of turkeys  
- - Of fowls of the species Gallus domesticus  
- - Other  MOPH  
 
 
 
16024100  
16024200  
16024900  - - Hams and cuts thereof  
- - Shoulders and cuts thereof  
- - Other, including mixtures  GAC 
16025010  
16025090  
16029010  
 
16029021  
16029029  - - - Pastrami (spiced, dried and prepared meat)  
- - - Other (canned or the like)  
- - - Food preparation containing more than 20% by weight of meat (ready -
made meals)  
- - - - Tongues 
- - - - Other (except livers)  MOPH  
 
16029030   - - - Preparations of animal blood  GAC, MOPH  
16029090  
16030010  
16030020  
 
16041100  
16041200  
16041300  
16041400  
16041500  
16041600  
16041900  
16042000  
16043000  
16051000  
16052000  - - - Other  
- - - Meat extracts and meat juices  
- - - Extracts and juices of fish, crustaceans molluscs or other aquatic 
invertebrates  
- - Salmon  
- - Herrin gs 
- - Sardines, sardinella and brisling or sprats  
- - Tunas, skipjack and bonito ( Sarda spp. ) 
- - Mackerel  
- - Anchovies  
- - Other  
- Other prepared or preserved fish  
- - Caviar  
- - Oysters  
- - Scallops, including queen scallops   
MOPH  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 96 - 
 
 HS Description  Government 
authority  
16053000  
16054000  
16059000  
1701 
1702 
 
 
 
 
1703 
17041000  
17049010  
17049020  
17049030  
17049040  
17049050  
17049060  
17049070  - - Mussels  
- - Cuttle fish and squid  
- - Other  
Sugars and sugar confectionery:  
Cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose, in solid form  
Other sugars, including chemically pure lactose, maltose, glucose and fructose, 
in solid form; sugar syrups not containing added f lavouring or colouring matter; 
artificial honey, whether or not mixed with natural honey; caramel  
Molasses resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar  
Sugar confectionery (including white chocolate), not containing cocoa:  
- Chewing gum, whether or n ot sugar -coated  
- - - Candies, drops and bonbons  
- - - Toffee (caramels), Turkish delight, nougat  
- - - Almond candy, pistachio candy and the like  
- - - Fruit jellies, fruit pastes, licorice sugar , confectionery form  
- - - Cough drops  
- - - Halawa tahiniah  (Halva)  
- - - Candies powder containing fruit flavour  
17049080  - - - White chocolate containing alcohol  GAC, MOPH  
17049090  
 
18010000  
18020000  
18031000  
18032000  
18040000  
18050000  
18061010  
18061090  
18062010  
18062020  
18062030  
18062090  - - - Other  
Cocoa and cocoa preparations:  
Cocoa beans, whole or broken, raw or roasted  
Cocoa shells, husks, skins and other cocoa waste  
- Not defatted  
- Wholly or partly defatted  
Cocoa butter, fat and oil  
Cocoa powder, not containing added sugar o r other sweetening matter  
- - - Containing peptone or milk  
- - - Other  
- - - Powders for making ice -cream containing cocoa  
- - - Confectionery products containing cocoa  
- - - Cocoa products of concentrated liquid or paste containing cocoa  
- - - Other  MOPH  
 
 
 
18063110  
18063210  - - - Containing alcohol  
- - - Containing alcohol  GAC 
18069010  
18069020  
18069030  
18069090  
Chapter 19  
2001 to  
2007 
 
 
 
20081110  
20081120  
20081911  
20081912  
20081913  
20081919  
20081920  
20082000  - - - Powders for making ice-cream containing cocoa  
- - - Confectionery products containing cocoa  
- - - Cocoa products of concentrated liquid or paste containing cocoa  
- - - Other  
Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; pastrycook's products  
Preparations of vegetables, fru it, nuts, other parts of plants  
 
Fruit, nuts  and other edible parts of plants, otherwise prepared or preserved, 
whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or spirit, not 
elsewhere specified or included:  
- - - Roasted ground nuts, whether or not salted  
- - - Peanut butter  
- - - - Almonds  
- - - - Pistachios  
- - - - Hazelnuts  
- - - - Other  
- - - Mixed  
- Pineapples:  MOPH  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20082010  - - - Alcohol added  GAC 
20083000  - Citrus fruit  MOPH  
20083010  - - - Containing added spirit  GAC 
20084000  - Pears  MOPH  
20084010  - - - Containing added spirit  GAC 
20085000  - Apricots  MOPH  
20085010  - - - Containing added spirit  GAC 
20086000  - Cherries  MOPH  
20086010  - - - Containing added spirit  GAC 
20087000  - Peaches, including nectarines  MOPH  
20087010  - - - Containing added spirit GAC 
20088000  - Strawberries  MOPH  
20088010  - - - Containing added spirit  GAC 
20089100  
20089200  - - Palm hearts  
- - Mixtures  MOPH  
20089710  - - - Containing added spirit  GAC 
20089900  - - - Other  MOPH  
20089910  - - - Containing added spirit  GAC WT/TPR/S/ 408 • Qatar  
 
- 97 - 
 HS Description  Government 
authority  
2009 
 
 
Chapter 21  
 
22011010  
22011020  
22011030  
22019010  
22019090  
22021010  
22021021  
22021022  
22021023  
22021029  
22021090  
22029010  
22029020  
22029060  Fruit juices (including grape must) and vegetable juices, unfermented and not 
containing added spirit, whether or not containing added sugar or other 
sweetening matter  
Miscellaneous edible preparations  
Beverages, spirits and vinegar:  
- - - Natural mineral waters  
- - - Artificial mineral waters  
- - - Aerated water  
- - - Ordinary natural waters  
- - - Other  
- - - Aerated waters, flavoured or sweetened  
- - - - Lemonade (e.g. 7up)  
- - - - Orange drink (e.g. Miranda)  
- - - - Cola (e.g. Pepsi Cola)  
- - - - Other  
- - - Other  
- - - Milk-based beverages  
- - - Other cocoa -based beverages  
- Non-aerated beverages, sweetened with fruit  flavour   MOPH  
 
22030000  
22041000  
22042100  
22042900  
22043000  
22051000  
22059000  Beer made from malt  
- Sparkling wine  
- - In containers holding 2 L or less  
- - Other  
- Other grape must  
- In containers holding 2 L or less  
- Other  GAC 
 
 
 
22060000  Other fermented beverages (for example, cider, perry, mead); mixtures of 
fermented beverages and mixtures of fermented beverages and no n-alcoholic 
beverages, not elsewhere specified or included  GAC, MOPH  
 
22072090  
22082000  
22083000  
22084000  
 
22085000  
22086000  
22087000  
22089090  - Other  
- Spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc  
- Whiskey of the financial duty  
- Rum and other spirits obtained by distilling fermented sugar -cane products of 
the financial duty  
- Gin and Geneva of the financial duty  
- Vodka of the financial duty  
- Liqueurs and cordials of the financial duty  
- - - Other  GAC 
 
22090010  
22090020  - - - Vinegar  
- - - Substitute of vinegar  MOPH  
 
 
23021000  
23023000  
23024000  
23025000  Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal feed:  
- Of maize (corn)  
- Of wheat  
- Of other cereals  
- Of leguminous plants  MME 
23070010  - - - Wine lees  GAC 
23080000  Vegetable materials and vegetable waste, vegetable residues and by -products, 
whether or not in the form of pellets, of a kind used in animal feeding, not 
elsewhere specified or included  MME 
Note:  Abbreviations: MOPH – Ministry of Public Health, P orts Health and Food Control Section ; 
 MME – Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Department of Agriculture Affairs & Fisheries ; 
 GAC – General Authority of Customs.  
Source:  General Authority of Customs.  
__________  