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Country import guide

Import guides by destination country

Each country guide lists the documents usually required to import commercial cargo, who normally provides each one, the main ports and the rules that most often delay clearance. Every guide shows when its facts were last checked and links to the official sources. Use it to prepare with your supplier before the cargo sails; your coordinator confirms the exact list for your goods.

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Country import guides
Iraq · United Arab Emirates · Kenya · Tanzania

Country import guide

Which country are you importing into?

Choose your destination to see its documents table, main ports, common questions and sources.

  • Iraq

    Importing into Iraq: documents and customs checklist 2026

    To import into Iraq in 2026 you need a locally registered importer, a commercial invoice and certificate of origin that pass electronic verification, a packing list, the bill of lading and, for regulated products, a Certificate of Conformity issued before shipment. Duties are now calculated per item by HS code in ASYCUDA World, so every document must match exactly, and clearance has to fit inside the free time at Umm Qasr.

    • 13 required documents
    • Ports: Umm Qasr · Basra

    As of 1 Nov 2026

  • United Arab Emirates

    Importing into the UAE: documents and customs checklist 2026

    To import into the UAE you need a licensed importer registered with customs, a commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, the bill of lading and the carrier's delivery order, plus a permit for restricted goods. The general customs duty is 5% of the CIF value and 5% VAT applies on import. Goods held in a free zone such as JAFZA and then re-exported generally pay no UAE duty.

    • 12 required documents
    • Ports: Jebel Ali · Khalifa Port (Abu Dhabi) · Sharjah

    As of 1 Nov 2026

  • Kenya

    Importing into Kenya: documents and customs checklist 2026

    To import into Kenya you need a KRA PIN, an Import Declaration Form lodged through the KenTrade single window, a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and, for regulated products, a KEBS Certificate of Conformity issued before shipment. Duties follow the East African Community Common External Tariff, VAT is 16%, and a licensed customs agent lodges the entry in KRA's iCMS system.

    • 12 required documents
    • Ports: Mombasa

    As of 1 Nov 2026

  • Tanzania

    Importing into Tanzania: documents and customs checklist 2026

    To import into Tanzania you need a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin, a TBS Certificate of Conformity for regulated products and any sector permits, such as TMDA approval for medicines. A licensed clearing agent files the declaration in TRA's TANCIS system through the TeSWS single window. Duty follows the East African Community Common External Tariff and VAT on mainland imports is 18%.

    • 11 required documents
    • Ports: Dar es Salaam

    As of 1 Nov 2026

  • Saudi Arabia

    Importing into Saudi Arabia: documents and customs checklist 2026

    To import into Saudi Arabia you need a Saudi importer with a Commercial Registration and customs registration, a commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and bill of lading, and, for regulated products, SABER conformity certificates or SFDA approval before shipment. Declarations are filed through the FASAH platform by a licensed customs broker. Most goods pay duty under the GCC Common Customs Tariff, many at higher rates than 5%, and VAT is 15%.

    • 12 required documents
    • Ports: Dammam · Jeddah

    As of 1 Nov 2026

  • Nigeria

    Importing into Nigeria: Form M, PAAR and SONCAP checklist 2026

    To import into Nigeria you must open a Form M through an authorised dealer bank before the goods are shipped, obtain a SONCAP certificate for regulated products or NAFDAC approval for food, drugs and cosmetics, and present a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading. Nigeria Customs then issues a Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) used for clearance. Duty follows the ECOWAS Common External Tariff and VAT is 7.5%.

    • 12 required documents
    • Ports: Lagos (Apapa) · Lagos (Tin Can Island)

    As of 1 Nov 2026

General information, not legal or customs advice. Requirements depend on the goods, their HS code and current regulations; confirm them with your coordinator or the relevant authority before shipping.

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Tell us the goods, origin and destination. A coordinator confirms the documents before you ship and sends an itemised quote.

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