Country Guide: Jordan

Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

• Passport showing national identification (ID) / Residence Permit showing time abroad for a minimum of 12 months (returning citizens)
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB)
• Registration Certificate (foreigners seeking exemption)

Specific Information

•  Client must be present at the time of clearance at Amman Customs.
• For returning nationals, documents other than the Residence Permit that may prove time abroad include:
  • Original passport that carries the residency abroad
  • Original passport that carries the entry stamp in to Jordan
  • Family marriage book (married / families)
  • Lease Agreement / Certificate of Ownership certified by the Greater Amman Municipality
• For foreigners, if the name of the shipper is on the Registration Certificate of the office at the Ministry of Trade and Commerce (usually the person is the acting Manager with signature authority), then the goods are exempt from Customs duties. Again, the exemption applies if the household goods and personal effects are used and not new. If the client’s name is not mentioned on the Office Registration Certificate, but is an employee of a company, then a request from Customs along with the shipping document and P/L requesting approval to exempt the shipment from Customs duties and taxes.
• Diplomats must be in Jordan prior to arrival of the shipment and must register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through their Embassy for approval to import household goods and motor vehicles duty free.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Temporary Entry Permit
• OBL

Specific Information

• Returning citizens or foreigners with valid license plates may obtain a Temporary Entry Permit under the following conditions:
  • The Temporary Entry Permit is required for vehicle clearance and permits the shipper to drive using its origin country license plates and registration for 3 months; the permit is renewable for 3 additional months.
  • The vehicle must be licensed in the country of origin and carrying metal plates.
  • The registration with the department of motor vehicles must be valid for at least 6 months. After 6 months, the vehicle must be transported to the Zarqa Free Zone where the shipper must pay duties and obtain Jordanian license plates, re-export the vehicle out of Jordan or sell it duty free.
• To obtain permanent entry, the following conditions must be met:
  • Used vehicles into Jordan must be transported to the Zarqa Free Zone in order to be tested by the Bureau to determine eligibility to enter the country as per specifications of the Jordanian Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Licensing.
  • Vehicles must pass a test; otherwise, recommended modifications / alterations must be made by the Bureau to meet required country specifications. The shipper is responsible for all costs, including transport from the point of entry (POE) to the Zarqa Free Zone under a Bank Guarantee of the freight forwarding / clearing agent. Once the vehicle is tested and approved, the clearing agent will arrange to clear the vehicle from the Free Zone Customs for licensing before it is delivered to the shipper.
• Vehicles of Diplomatic missions in the country are exempted from paying Customs duties and taxes; the exemption must be applied for through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Diplomats)
• Vehicles imported under Temporary Entry must be guaranteed by the office through posting a Bank Guarantee with the Directorate of Customs Department in the amount of the exact Customs duties and taxes. Once the vehicles are re-exported out of the country, an application must be made by the regional office accompanied with the finalized re-export Customs form to the Directorate to cancel and return the Bank Guarantee in order to close the official files under which the vehicle was entered into the country

Pets

Documents Required

• Vaccination Record
• Veterinary Health Certificate

Specific Information

• Permission is required for the import of birds by the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• Weapons (permission from the Ministry of the Interior / Public Security Directorate is required)
• Firearms and ammunition (permission from the Ministry of the Interior / Public Security Directorate is required)
• Fresh meat and milk products (a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture is required)
• Fresh fruit and vegetables (permission from the Agricultural Marketing Corporation is required)

Prohibited Items

• Illegal drugs
• Israeli currency
• Counterfeit goods
• Pornographic materials

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Helpful Website(s):

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1149.html

http://www.jordanembassyus.org/new/consular/visas.shtml