According to the decision of the Minister of Economy and Trade of Qatar, No. (21) of 2004, regulating the import of used mechanical vehicles, it is required that any used vehicle allowed for import must meet safety and durability conditions based on a technical inspection conducted by the competent authorities and must be fit for the intended use.

According to the same decision, the import of the following used mechanical vehicles is prohibited:

• Light vehicles used for more than five years.
• Heavy vehicles used for more than ten years.

The mentioned periods are calculated from the model year stated in the ownership documents or their equivalent. Exceptions to the above import ban for light vehicles include:

• Vehicles imported by members of Qatari diplomatic missions abroad upon their final return from each mission, with a maximum of two vehicles per member.
• Vehicles imported by Qatari students abroad upon their final return, limited to one vehicle per student, provided that their study period abroad is no less than two years.
• Antique vehicles that are more than thirty-five years old, and vehicles produced in limited numbers only.
• Mechanical vehicles with special specifications used solely for their designed purposes.

Conditions for Importing Used Cars into Qatar

The Qatari government authorities have set several important conditions to allow the import of used cars into the country, emphasizing that all these conditions must be met, as follows:

• The car must not be older than 5 years from its manufacture date.

• It must be free from any mechanical faults.

• It should be in excellent condition to match the aesthetics of Qatari cities.

• It must pass inspection by experts within the country.

• Official documents must be provided by the supplying entities.

The Ministry has warned that any vehicle found violating the above standards will be confiscated immediately and sent for destruction.

It should also be noted that, similar to new vehicles, the Qatari government imposes customs duties on imported used cars entering Qatar, which amount to 5% of the total car price.

Conditions for Importing Cars from Gulf Countries

Every citizen of the Gulf countries, including Qataris, has the right to import two vehicles per year. However, Qataris must fulfill several conditions to import cars from Gulf countries into Qatar, including:

• Obtaining an export plate for the vehicle along with the required official documents.

• Insuring the vehicle within 14 days after registration, with a fee of 100 Qatari Riyals.

• Using licensed transport companies to ensure proper procedures are followed.

• If the car enters by land, a temporary border insurance is issued with a fee of 100 Qatari Riyals; the vehicle must be registered in Qatar within 14 days thereafter.

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Law on Importing Old Cars into Qatar

According to the law regulating the import of old cars into Qatar, the import of the following vehicles is prohibited:

• Vehicles that have been submerged, involved in accidents, rollovers, fires, or structural damage.

• Vehicles previously used as taxis, school transport vehicles, police cars, or similar.

• Vehicles with damage to the external frame, requiring a certificate from competent authorities confirming this.

• Vehicles that have had their steering wheels changed from right-hand drive to left-hand drive.

• Public transport vehicles and armored cars.

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Required Documents for Importing Vehicles into Qatar

To import cars into Qatar from any country, the following documents must be obtained and presented at the border or registration points:

 

• Original proof of ownership.

• Certified invoice proving the price of the vehicle.

• Original import declaration.

• Vehicle registration certificate from Qatar.

• Vehicle insurance policy (new).