Qatar's Chicken and Vegetable Import Tariffs 2026: 18% on Chicken and a Seasonal 15%

Chicken and vegetables are everyday items in Qatari households, so a tariff change gets attention, and the early coverage is confusing: some posts say prices will jump, others say nothing changes. This guide sets out what the decree says, which products it covers and what the reports do not tell us. We used Qatar Living (17 September 2026), EY's tax alert (28 September 2026) and Global Trade Alert. We could not read the decree text, so confirm details if you import goods for a business. It is general information, not tax advice.

What does the decree change?

Decree No. 45 of 2026 was issued by the Amir on 16 September 2026 and amends Qatar's integrated customs tariff. It takes effect 60 days after publication in the Official Gazette (Article 3). The Gazette date is given as 16 September by EY and Global Trade Alert, which puts the start at about 15 November 2026. Qatar Living says the effective date is not stated, so treat mid-November as reported.

Chicken: 18%

Qatar Living stresses that the rate is raised to 18%, not by 18%. EY says the tariff rises from 5% to 18% on specified products, but Qatar Living says its text does not state the previous rate, so we treat the old rate as reported by EY only. Frozen chicken is not on the list in the reports we read, so we cannot say it is affected.

Vegetables: 15% in peak local season

The 15% rate applies only in those months, which match the main local growing season. Outside them the decree's seasonal rate does not apply. EY reports that these products were at 0% before. Qatar Living says the standard rate is not stated in its text. The aim, as reported, is to protect local production in the months when local farms supply the market.

Will prices go up?

None of the sources we found gives a price forecast, import volumes or local production numbers. A tariff is paid by the importer, and what reaches the shelf depends on how much importers pass on, on supply from local farms and on other costs. If you buy chicken or tomatoes weekly, track the prices of your usual brands over the next months, starting before mid-November. Our supermarket guide and the cost of living in Qatar can help you compare.

Who is affected?

• **Importers and distributors** of the listed products, who pay the tariff.
• **Supermarkets and restaurants** that buy imported fresh chicken or off-season produce.
• **Households**, indirectly, through shelf prices.
• **Local producers**, who gain from the protection in the listed months.

How is this different from the excise changes?

Customs tariffs are charged when goods enter the country. Excise tax is a separate tax on certain goods, including the new tax on sweetened drinks. Both changed in 2026. See Qatar's sweetened drinks tax for the excise side. If you bring goods into the country yourself, read what you cannot bring into Qatar and the duty free allowance.

What we could not verify

• The decree text and its exact publication and start dates.
• The previous tariff rates, which differ between reports.
• Any change in shelf prices.