Import and export regulations

The Jordanian customs clearance procedure is the same regardless of the type of goods and the method of arrival. For example, the customs clearance procedure for unauthorized goods is the same as for ordinary goods. The main difference lies in the pre-authorizations and the import authorization, which should be issued and authorized before the import of the unauthorized goods. A customs declaration must be submitted to the customs authorities for all imported goods, even if they are exempt from customs duties and taxes. The customs clearance procedure is carried out in chronological order from the time of arrival notification of the consignment until its handover to the importer's warehouse. The process is divided into blocks representing the main tasks, then each task is divided into different steps.

For products manufactured in the EU, legalisation by the Jordanian embassy or consulate is generally required, as confirmation by customs on export is not sufficient.

A prelegalization of certain documents by the respective IHK - Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Germany is also necessary.

Import licences

As an importer, you must complete a declaration form before your goods are cleared by customs. The declaration form helps customs to control goods that have been imported into the country, which can have an impact on the country's economy, security or environment. The duty is levied to ensure that no prohibited goods are brought into the country.

• Bill of lading: Mostly issued by the transport company. The "Bill of Lading" or air waybill issued by the forwarder contains the details of the cargo with the terms of delivery.
• Packing List is issued by the exporter and is a document indicating the contents, exact dimensions and exact weight of each package or container.
• Commercial Invoice: is issued by the exporter and is the main document used by customs to determine the classification, value and finally the customs payments due for each imported shipment. Customs may require the commercial invoice to be verified before the freight is cleared through customs. Verification through a chamber of industry and commerce and Jordanian Embassy in the exporting country.
• Certificate of Origin: The source of the document is the chamber of commerce in the exporting country. In Germany, for example, the respective IHK - Chamber of Industry and Commerce is the right authority for issuing this document. It is an important international trade document that certifies that the goods in a particular export consignment have been entirely obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in a particular country.
• Insurance (optional) is issued by an insurance company of the exporters choice
• Pre-approvals: this document should be issued by the importer to the correspondent on the basis of the imported goods only if the imported goods require pre-authorisation.
• Agricultural certification: If the imported goods are agricultural products, an agricultural certificate must be presented. Such certificate is issued by the Ministry of Agriculture of the exporting country.
• Health certificate: If the imported goods are edible items, a health certificate must be presented. Such certificate is issued by the Ministry of Health of the exporting country.

Export processing requires the following documents:

It is always important to agree the following with the importer: the terms of the contract as well as quantities, quality, packaging, marking and labelling requirements, prices, payment terms, means of transport and payment for the consignment. Obtain all necessary documents, licenses and certificates required for export. These include health certificates, standardization checks, veterinary and phytosanitary certificates, and export licenses. The required documents depend on the type of product to be exported and the importer's requirements.

• Export License: an export license can be obtained from pre-approved bodies such as the Ministry of Industry Trade & Supply, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health or other parties based on the type of goods and consignment.
• Certificate of Origin The source of the document is the chamber of commerce in the exporting country. It is an important international trade document that certifies that the goods in a particular export consignment have been wholly obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in a particular country.

Shipping documents:

• Insurance: An insurance certificate is required for goods in transit.
• Bill of Lading/ Air waybill: The bill of lading or air waybill issued by the transport company contains the details of the freight with the delivery conditions.
• Commercial Invoice: is issued by the exporter and is the main document used by customs to determine the classification, value and finally the customs payments due for each imported shipment. Customs may require that the commercial invoice be verified before the freight is cleared through customs. Verification through a chamber of industry and commerce and Jordanian Embassy in the exporting country.
• Packing List is issued by the exporter and is a document indicating the contents, exact dimensions and exact weight of each package or container.
• Agricultural certification: If the imported goods are agricultural products, an agricultural certificate must be presented. Such certificate is issued by the Ministry of Agriculture of the exporting country.
• Health certificate: If the imported goods are edible items, a health certificate must be presented. Such certificate is issued by the Ministry of Health of the exporting country.

Customs duties and tariffs

The customs tariffs are based on the practice of harmonized system coding.  Tariff tables for various products and goods can be found on the Customs Department website at https://www.customs.gov.jo

The EFTA Agreement between the European Union and Jordan, which includes Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway, signed on 21 June 2001 and the Agreement of establishing a Free Trade Area (FTA) between the two sides with the aim of providing an appropriate framework for the development and diversification of trade and economic cooperation based on equality and common interests. Entered into force on 1.9.2002.

All annexes and protocols to the EFTA agreements are available at the following link: https://mit.gov.jo/Pages/viewpage?pageID=312  

Additional taxes may apply for some products. A full description of these goods is also available on the Customs website. Detailed lists of general and special sales taxes can be found on the website of the Jordanian Income and Sales Tax Department at www.istd.gov.jo     

Fees and taxes for exports from Jordan

There are no taxes, duties or levies on exports. The importer pays the required duties and taxes at the port of destination. The port fees to be paid are 1.3% of the value of the shipment.