Taxes & Duties for Kuwait

Overview

When importing goods into Kuwait, shipments may be subject to customs duties and related import fees depending on their value, although Kuwait does not currently impose import VAT. Shipments valued over KWD 100 are generally subject to a 5% customs duty calculated on the total customs value, including the cost of the goods, freight, and insurance. Additional stamp, clearance, and handling fees may also apply.
When shipping with Stackry and selecting Aramex as your carrier, all applicable duties and fees are collected by Stackry before your shipment is dispatched. For other carriers, customs duties are calculated in the same way, but additional fees may vary depending on the carrier.

Your Questions Answered

Q1.

Do I need to pay duties and fees to Stackry before my shipment is sent to Kuwait?

Yes. When shipping with Stackry and selecting Aramex as your carrier, all applicable duties and fees are collected by Stackry before your shipment is dispatched.
How taxes and duties are calculated for Aramex shipments:
- All shipments are charged a $3.30 stamp fee.
- For shipments with declared value less than100 KWD you must pay $5 Clearance and Handling Fee.
- Shipments with a declared value between 100 KWD and 300 KWD are charged 5% duty plus a $5 clearance and handling fee.
- Shipments with a declared value over 300 KWD are charged 5% duty plus a $10 clearance and handling fee.
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Duty is calculated at 5% of the combined total of the customs declared value, freight charges, and insurance costs. For all other carriers, duty is calculated the same way, but stamp, handling, and clearance fees may vary depending on the carrier selected.

Q2.

What is the import duty in Kuwait?

Your shipment to Kuwait typically incurs a 5% customs duty on most consumer goods when the total CIF value exceeds KWD 100 (approximately $325 USD). In addition to duty, expect carrier handling fees of KWD 3-6 ($10-20 USD) for customs clearance processing.

Q3.

Do I have to pay VAT on my shipment to Kuwait?

No, Kuwait does not currently charge Value Added Tax (VAT) on imports. As of March 2026, there is no VAT applied to your shipment upon arrival.

Q4.

When does customs duty apply to my package from the US?

Customs duty applies when the total CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight) of your shipment exceeds KWD 100. Shipments under this threshold are generally exempt from duty.

Q5.

What is the customs duty rate for most items I buy in the US?

The standard customs duty rate for most consumer goods entering Kuwait is 5% of the CIF value.

Q6.

How much are the carrier handling fees for my shipment?

Express carriers typically charge a clearance processing fee between KWD 3.000 and KWD 6.000 ($10–$20 USD). This fee covers the management of your customs declaration by the carrier.

Q7.

Are there any additional fees besides duty and handling charges?

A small statistical fee, often around KWD 1, may be applied to your entry paperwork by Kuwaiti customs. This is a standard administrative charge for processing your shipment.

Helpful Resources

The links below are external references to official Kuwait government sources. We recommend reviewing them for the most accurate and up-to-date information on taxes and duties for Kuwait.
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended as a general overview of customs duties, import taxes, and related processes. It is not comprehensive and may not reflect the most current regulations.We recommend checking official customs or government sources to confirm the exact rules, charges, and requirements before making any purchasing or shipping decisions.While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee its completeness and are not responsible for any discrepancies or inaccuracies.