Shipping from Spain to Kuwait

What you need to know

Customs

Yes. Export declaration in Spain and import clearance with Kuwait's General Administration of Customs (KGAC).

Documents

• Commercial invoice with description, value and tariff code, and a packing list.
• Export declaration (DUA) filed with the Spanish Tax Agency, which generates the MRN; the exporter needs an EORI number.
• Commercial invoice in English or Arabic, certified by the Chamber of Commerce and legalised at the Embassy of Kuwait in Madrid. Since 2024 the importer can also request online legalisation from Kuwaiti customs.
• Certificate of origin from the Chamber of Commerce, legalised in the same way as the invoice. It must state Spain as the origin: 'European Union' alone may not be enough.
• Only Kuwaiti companies with a commercial registration and a general import licence can import. You need a local importer or agent.
• Permanent, indelible origin marking on the product itself, in line with the Gulf Cooperation Council standard. Food, among other products, is labelled in Arabic (labels in Arabic and English are accepted).

Taxes at destination

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) common external tariff, normally 5% on the CIF value and higher on tobacco. Kuwait does not apply VAT or excise taxes (September 2026): the 5% VAT agreed within the Gulf remains postponed.

Agreement with the EU

There is no trade agreement in force. EU-Gulf Cooperation Council negotiations have been suspended since 2008. Of the Gulf countries, the EU has only resumed negotiations with the United Arab Emirates (2025).

Transport

Air freight and express courier service. By sea, since 28 February 2026 the conflict in the region has almost closed the Strait of Hormuz: shipping lines reach Kuwait by alternative routes (unloading in Oman or at Khor Fakkan, then by lorry), with variable transit times and surcharges. We confirm this in each quote (September 2026).

Cargo airports

KWI · Kuwait City

EU sanctions

No EU restrictive measures (sanctions) apply to Kuwait. For certain sensitive goods, the contract must include the 'no re-export to Russia' clause of Article 12g of Regulation (EU) 833/2014.