Doha, September 18, 2026: The government of Qatar has introduced significant changes to customs tariff rates under Amiri Decree No. 45 of 2026, impacting grocery costs for expatriate families and businesses. According to the decree published in Issue 17 of the Official Gazette on September 16, 2026, a new 18% customs tariff will be applied to fresh or chilled chicken, while a 15% seasonal customs duty will be imposed on tomatoes, eggplants, and zucchini during specific peak production periods. These regulations are scheduled to take effect 60 days from the publication date, making them effective around mid-November 2026.
- 18% customs tariff on fresh or chilled chicken.
- 15% seasonal customs duty on tomatoes, eggplants, and zucchini.
- 60-day transition period starting from the publication date.
The 18% customs tariff applies to fresh/chilled whole chicken (HS code 020711000000) as well as specific chilled cuts including breasts (020713000008), thighs (020713000009), and wings (020713000010). Officials clarified that this rate represents a revision to the import duty rather than a flat percentage increase on retail shelf prices, as the final cost to consumers will depend on wholesale contracts, supply chain logistics, and retailer margins.
Seasonal duties for vegetables are structured to support local agricultural production. A 15% tariff will apply to tomatoes (HS 070200000000) from January through May. Eggplants (HS 070930000000) will be subject to the 15% rate from January to April and again from November to December. Zucchini (HS 070999100000) will face the 15% duty from January to April and from October to December.
The 60-day transition period, as dictated by Article 3 of the decree, allows importers, retailers, and restaurants to adjust their inventory planning, procurement contracts, and landed-cost calculations. While households and catering sectors may observe price fluctuations, experts noted that retail impacts will vary based on sourcing, country of origin, and the availability of frozen alternatives, which are not included under these specific fresh/chilled product categories. The policy aims to bolster domestic food security by increasing the relative cost of imported produce during Qatar's peak local harvest months.
