Shipping from China to Qatar: Customs, Cost, Transit Time and More [2026]

China is Qatar’s largest trading partner, largest source of imports and largest export destination.

Shipping from China to Qatar

Qatar is surrounded by the sea on three sides, with a coastline of 563 kilometers. In addition to the convenience of sea transportation, air transportation is also very popular. CFC works in partnership with our clients offering tailor-made logistics solutions for freight shipping from China to Qatar.

Qatar Customs

All importers are required by law to have an import license. Import licenses are issued only to Qatari nationals, or to the Qatari partner in a limited liability partnership and must be registered with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This regulation also applies to wholly foreign owned entities operating in Qatar.

Qatar uses HS Code for tariff classification purposes. As a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates), it applies the GCC common external tariff of at least 5% to be levied on most goods imported from countries outside the GCC, including China. Customs duties are calculated Ad valorem on the C.I.F value.

To clear goods from customs zones at ports or land boundaries in Qatar, importers must submit a variety of documents, including a detailed customs declaration, bill of lading, certificate of origin, pro forma invoice and import license.

The owner of the goods, his representative or the authorized customs broker may submit the customs documents and information to the customs office on line. However, original documents shall be submitted to the customs office prior to/ or after release of the goods, when so requested.

The whole import procedures are:

  1. The customs/import declaration shall be electronically completed by the importer, his representative or the authorized customs broker.
  2. All documents and Documents to be attached shall be submitted to the customs office.
  3. Goods shall be subject to the customs taxes/duties provided for in the Common Customs Tariff, with the exception of those exempted under the provisions of GCC Common Customs Law or under the effective GCC Economic Agreement or any other international agreement within the GCC framework.
  4. The goods shall be subject to inspection and examination based on risk assessment criteria. The customs/import declaration shall be electronically printed according to the automated clearance system applicable at the customs office.
  5. Issuance of the exit order and release of the goods.

Sea Freight from China to Qatar

Ocean Shipping from China to Qatar

CFC provides regular LCL groupage and full container service to our clients in Qatar from China, also supports them in total ocean transportation solutions. We have all the knowledge, skills, and contacts to facilitate streamlined, straightforward shopping of your cargo to the Middle East, and even better, we can achieve it at a cost-effective price.

We understand just how challenging exporting goods to Qatar can be, whatever your business’s nature, and we know it can be especially difficult for newly formed companies or those that are just branching out into this competitive marketplace. Fortunately, you can trust CFC’s experience and expertise to bring you all the benefits of exemplary service and low pricing so you can boost your profits.

Top Container Ports in Qatar

Hamad Port is Qatar’s main commercial port, located in the south of Doha. It is one of the largest ports​ in the Middle East with annual capacity of 7.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

Hamad Port’s strong capabilities, modern facilities, and advanced systems are leading to position Qatar as a re-export hub in the region, increasing the volume of trade between Qatar and the rest of the world.

Sea Freight Cost from China to Qatar

FCL shipping charges a flat rate for the container you are going to hire. You can rent between 20-square feet to 40-square feet containers. Carriers periodically take up container prices in response to demand and supply, seasonal effect and other factors.

For example. The port-to-port container rate from Shanghai China to Hamad Qatar is $1,500 for 1x40ft container.​

Sea Freight Transit Time from China to Qatar

Typically shipping by FCL takes around 20 days, while LCL adds 5-7 days.

Air Freight from China to Qatar

Air Shipping from China to Qatar

For customers with a high volume of business requiring time-critical delivery, our airport-to-airport service is the answer. We provide China-Qatar air forwarding services based on your needs and your schedule. Air freight shipments are handled in the most professional, reliable and expeditious means that give you a head start over other air freight companies.

Ranging from industrial goods and automobile components to personal belongings and valuable electronic equipment, we specialize in handling air freight forwarding services in the most professed, dependable and prompt way.

In additional to normal air freight, our dedicated courier handling personnel see to it that your time critical packages move quickly and safely from door to door. Courier includes high boarding priority, rapid handling, screening, and end-to-end transparency.

Top Airports in Qatar

Hamad International Airport is the main gateway and aviation hub of Qatar and one of the largest airports in the Middle East. It is operated by Qatar Airways. Over 2.3 million tonnes of cargo are handled every year at the cargo terminal.

Qatar Airways is the main air transport force of Qatar. Its international routes cover more than 171 destinations around the world. It has seven direct routes to China, namely Doha-Beijing, Doha-Shanghai, Doha-Guangzhou, Doha-Chongqing, Doha-Chengdu, Doha-Hangzhou and Doha-Hong Kong.

Based on Doha, Qatar Airways Cargo is the largest cargo airline in the Middle East.

Air Freight Cost from China to Qatar

In general, the longer transit time you allow, the cheaper your shipping rates will be.

Air Freight Transit Time from China to Qatar

Air express couriers like FedEx, DHL, and UPS takes 3-5 days door-to-door, while regular or standard air freight takes 3-5 days airport-to-airport.

Working with CFC

Shipping from China to Qatar end

CFC provides cost effective transportation and logistics solution to our varied customers. Not only do we select appropriate modes of carriage and warehousing and distribution processes based on time /cost relationship but also the application of reliable in-time delivery techniques.

We effectively reduce your precious time, minimize costs and improve your cash flow for your goods from China to Qatar.

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CFC News - Sept. 2, 2026

Top-10 Global Container Port Throughput in H1 2026:
1. Shanghai, China
2. Ningbo-Zhoushan, China
3. Singapore, Singapore
4. Shenzhen, China
5. Qingdao, China
6. Guangzhou, China
7. Tianjin, China
8. Busan, Korea
9. LA/LB, USA
10. Port Kelang, Malaysia

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My machine arrived in good order and I am happy with CFC's shipping arrangements. I received quotes from other forwarding companies but they kept changing the amounts. Your quote was exact and there were no hidden charges. I would be happy to recommend CFC to other importers of goods from China.

--- Chris G., Canada
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