{"id":1991,"date":"2026-09-17T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-17T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hscodematch.com\/news\/qatar-sets-18-tariff-on-fresh-chicken-and-15-seasonal-rate-on\/"},"modified":"2026-09-30T07:43:48","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T07:43:48","slug":"qatar-sets-18-tariff-on-fresh-chicken-and-15-seasonal-rate-on","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hscodematch.com\/news\/qatar-sets-18-tariff-on-fresh-chicken-and-15-seasonal-rate-on\/","title":{"rendered":"Qatar Raises Tariffs to 18% on Chilled Chicken, 15% on Vegetables"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph hsn-lede\">Qatar has increased customs tariffs to 18 percent on selected chicken products and 15 percent on certain vegetables during peak seasons under Decree No. 45 of 2026.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Qatar has raised its import tax on chilled chicken to 18% and on some vegetables to 15% in season, under Decree No. 45 of 2026, which takes effect 60 days after publication.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decree appeared in Issue No. 17 of the Official Gazette of the Ministry of Justice, published on Sept. 16, 2026<sup class=\"hsn-cite\"><a href=\"#hsn-ref-1\" id=\"hsn-cite-1\">1<\/a><\/sup>. That is Qatar&#8217;s official record of new laws.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In short, fresh chilled chicken and some vegetables will cost more to bring into Qatar. For the vegetables, the higher tax applies only in the months when Qatar&#8217;s own farms are harvesting.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What changes for chilled chicken imports into Qatar?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A customs tariff is a tax that customs collects when goods enter the country. Decree No. 45 raises this tariff on chilled chicken to <strong>18% of the goods&#8217; value<\/strong><sup class=\"hsn-cite\"><a href=\"#hsn-ref-1\">1<\/a><\/sup>. Chilled chicken is meat kept cold but not frozen.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The government news summary of the gazette names only chilled chicken. It does not say whether frozen chicken or other poultry products are covered. It also does not give the old rate, so the size of the increase is not known.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The chicken rate carries no seasonal limit in the summary. Unlike the vegetable rate, it appears to apply all year. An importer of chilled chicken will pay the new rate on every shipment once the decree starts.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which vegetables face the 15% seasonal tariff?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decree raises the tariff on certain vegetables that Qatar also grows at home<sup class=\"hsn-cite\"><a href=\"#hsn-ref-1\">1<\/a><\/sup>. The summary lists three examples:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>tomatoes<\/li>\n<li>eggplants<\/li>\n<li>zucchini<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"hsn-fig hsn-fig--solid hsn-fig--v2\" data-at=\"which-vegetables-face-the-15-seasonal-tariff\">\n  <div class=\"hsn-fig__table\">\n    <h4>New tariff rates under Decree No. 45<\/h4>\n    <div class=\"pcrstb-wrap\"><table>\n      <thead>\n        <tr><th>Goods<\/th><th>Rate<\/th><th>When it applies<\/th><\/tr>\n      <\/thead>\n      <tbody>\n        <tr><th>Chilled chicken<\/th><td>18%<\/td><td>No seasonal limit named<\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><th>Tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini and other local vegetables<\/th><td>15%<\/td><td>Only in set months of the local growing season<\/td><\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The word &quot;including&quot; in the summary means the list may be longer. The <strong>full decree text<\/strong> should name every product covered. That text was not among the documents for this story.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For these vegetables, the rate rises to <strong>15% during set months<\/strong><sup class=\"hsn-cite\"><a href=\"#hsn-ref-1\">1<\/a><\/sup>. These months fall in the agricultural production season, when local farms bring their crops to market. Outside those months, the higher rate does not apply.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The summary does not name the months. This matters for any shipment of tomatoes, eggplants or zucchini. The same box of tomatoes may pay a different tax depending on the month it arrives.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When does Decree No. 45 take effect?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decree takes effect <strong>60 days after publication<\/strong><sup class=\"hsn-cite\"><a href=\"#hsn-ref-1\">1<\/a><\/sup>. The gazette issue came out on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026<sup class=\"hsn-cite\"><a href=\"#hsn-ref-1\">1<\/a><\/sup>. Counting 60 days from that date points to mid-November 2026.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"hsn-fig hsn-fig--solid hsn-fig--v2\" data-at=\"when-does-decree-no-45-take-effect\">\n  <div class=\"hsn-fig__axis\">\n    <h4>Key dates for Decree No. 45<\/h4>\n    <div class=\"hsn-fig__ev\">\n      <span class=\"hsn-fig__evdate\">16 Sep 2026<\/span>\n      <span class=\"hsn-fig__evlab\">Decree published in Official Gazette<\/span>\n      <span class=\"hsn-fig__evsub\">New rates start 60 days later<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"hsn-fig__ev\">\n      <span class=\"hsn-fig__evdate\">13 Oct 2026<\/span>\n      <span class=\"hsn-fig__evlab\">Shura Council opens new session<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shipments that clear customs before the start date should pay the old rate. Shipments that clear after it will pay the new rates. For vegetables, <strong>the arrival month<\/strong> will also matter once the season rule applies.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decree was one of 16 legal instruments in that gazette issue<sup class=\"hsn-cite\"><a href=\"#hsn-ref-1\">1<\/a><\/sup>. The issue held three laws, two Amiri decisions, four decrees and four Cabinet decisions<sup class=\"hsn-cite\"><a href=\"#hsn-ref-1\">1<\/a><\/sup>. It also held one ministerial decision and one decision by a Director-General.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir, ratified the package<sup class=\"hsn-cite\"><a href=\"#hsn-ref-1\">1<\/a><\/sup>. Ratified means he formally approved it so it can become law.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who pays the higher tariffs on Qatar food imports?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The importer pays customs duty when the goods clear the border. So Qatari traders who buy chilled chicken or the listed vegetables abroad will pay more per shipment. Foreign exporters may face buyers who want lower prices to cover the extra tax.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decree targets vegetables that Qatar grows itself, and only in its growing season. The effect is to make imported tomatoes, eggplants and zucchini dearer just when local crops are for sale. Local farms then face less price pressure from imports in those months.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shops and restaurants that buy imported chilled chicken may also see higher costs. Some of that cost could reach shoppers.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What else in the gazette touches Qatar&#8217;s chicken trade?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same gazette issue carried a new Animal Health Law, Law No. 12 of 2026<sup class=\"hsn-cite\"><a href=\"#hsn-ref-1\">1<\/a><\/sup>. It sets rules for infectious diseases and for diseases that pass from animals to people. It also regulates farms, slaughterhouses, animal sales outlets and veterinary care centers.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"hsn-fig hsn-fig--solid hsn-fig--v2\" data-at=\"what-else-in-the-gazette-touches-qatar-s-chicken-trade\">\n    <div class=\"hsn-fig__cols\">\n    <h4>Maximum fines under the Animal Health Law, QR<\/h4>\n    <div class=\"hsn-fig__col\" data-series=\"1\">\n      <span class=\"hsn-fig__num\">QR 200,000<\/span>\n      <span class=\"hsn-fig__coltrack\"><span class=\"hsn-fig__colfill\" data-v=\"100\"><\/span><\/span>\n      <span class=\"hsn-fig__lab\">Not vaccinating animals<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"hsn-fig__col\" data-series=\"2\">\n      <span class=\"hsn-fig__num\">QR 100,000<\/span>\n      <span class=\"hsn-fig__coltrack\"><span class=\"hsn-fig__colfill\" data-v=\"50\"><\/span><\/span>\n      <span class=\"hsn-fig__lab\">Slaughter or disposal breaches<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The law sets stricter penalties. Anyone who fails to vaccinate their animals faces up to one year in prison and a fine of up to <strong>QR 200,000<\/strong><sup class=\"hsn-cite\"><a href=\"#hsn-ref-1\">1<\/a><\/sup>. Breaking the rules for slaughtering animals or disposing of dead animals can bring a fine of up to QR 100,000<sup class=\"hsn-cite\"><a href=\"#hsn-ref-1\">1<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same fine applies for sharing information about an infected animal without permission. Penalties double for a repeat offense within three years<sup class=\"hsn-cite\"><a href=\"#hsn-ref-1\">1<\/a><\/sup>. These rules apply to local poultry farms, which compete with imported chilled chicken.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does Qatar&#8217;s trade ministry watch food prices?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Ministry of Commerce and Industry protects shoppers and oversees markets across Qatar<sup class=\"hsn-cite\"><a href=\"#hsn-ref-2\" id=\"hsn-cite-2\">2<\/a><\/sup>. Its consumer page lists Law No. 8 of 2008 on consumer protection as the main law it enforces<sup class=\"hsn-cite\"><a href=\"#hsn-ref-2\">2<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ministry publishes a daily price bulletin for vegetables, fish and fruit<sup class=\"hsn-cite\"><a href=\"#hsn-ref-2\">2<\/a><\/sup>. It covers prices in the central markets and main sales outlets. This bulletin will show shop prices for tomatoes and other fresh produce once the new tariffs apply.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ministry&#8217;s page also lists Law No. 24 of 2019 on the country&#8217;s strategic stock of food and consumer goods<sup class=\"hsn-cite\"><a href=\"#hsn-ref-2\">2<\/a><\/sup>. Its price control work covers the same fresh goods that the new tariffs touch.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next fixed date in the documents is Oct. 13, 2026, when the Shura Council, Qatar&#8217;s advisory council, opens its new annual session<sup class=\"hsn-cite\"><a href=\"#hsn-ref-1\">1<\/a><\/sup>. The chicken and vegetable rates follow about a month later, once the 60 days after Sept. 16 have passed.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading hsn-refs-title\">Sources<\/h2>\n<ol class=\"hsn-refs\">\n<li id=\"hsn-ref-1\"><a class=\"hsn-refs__back\" href=\"#hsn-cite-1\" aria-label=\"Back to reference 1 in the text\">\u21a9<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/hukoomi.gov.qa\/en\/News\/HH-the-Amir-Ratifies-Package-of-New-Decisions-and-Legislation-Published-in-MOJ-Official-Gazette\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">HH the Amir Ratifies Package of New Decisions, Legislation &#8230;<\/a> <span class=\"hsn-refs__url\">https:\/\/hukoomi.gov.qa\/en\/News\/HH-the-Amir-Ratifies-Package-of-New-Decisions-and-Legislation-Published-in-MOJ-Official-Gazette<\/span><\/li>\n<li id=\"hsn-ref-2\"><a class=\"hsn-refs__back\" href=\"#hsn-cite-2\" aria-label=\"Back to reference 2 in the text\">\u21a9<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.moci.gov.qa\/consumer\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">13de50fe-cfff-49d3-84e5-6a5e58e00566<\/a> <span class=\"hsn-refs__url\">https:\/\/www.moci.gov.qa\/consumer<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Qatar has increased customs tariffs to 18 percent on selected chicken products and 15 percent on certain vegetables during peak seasons under Decree No.\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1990,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_regnews_id":"35493","_hsn_citations":"[{\"n\":1,\"url\":\"https:\/\/hukoomi.gov.qa\/en\/News\/HH-the-Amir-Ratifies-Package-of-New-Decisions-and-Legislation-Published-in-MOJ-Official-Gazette\",\"label\":\"HH the Amir Ratifies Package of New Decisions, Legislation ...\"},{\"n\":2,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.moci.gov.qa\/consumer\",\"label\":\"13de50fe-cfff-49d3-84e5-6a5e58e00566\"}]","_hsn_no_sources":"","_hsn_content_hash":"f239e2a6eccd78f33032b758390cf027fed728ca:8bbe185dc5109bc4d426d7cf54e87fd9c8681690","_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"chicken and certain vegetables","footnotes":""},"categories":[151,71],"tags":[140],"class_list":["post-1991","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-middle-east","category-trade-agreements-tariffs","tag-qatar"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hscodematch.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1991","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hscodematch.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hscodematch.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hscodematch.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hscodematch.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1991"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/hscodematch.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1991\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2379,"href":"https:\/\/hscodematch.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1991\/revisions\/2379"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hscodematch.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1990"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hscodematch.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1991"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hscodematch.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1991"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hscodematch.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1991"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}