Customs regulations for your trip to Jordan

Last modified: July 24, 2023
You are here:
Estimated reading time: 7 min

Customs regulations

Import licenses, valid for one year, are required for:

  • non-commercial shipments exceeding JOD 2,000 ($2,820);
  • biscuits of all types;
  • mineral water;
  • dried milk for industry use;
  • used tires; and
  • Items that require prior clearance from the respective authorities (for a complete list, see special import provisions).

Items that do not need an import license may require prior authorization by the appropriate government ministry.  Any imported agricultural or food products may be inspected and tested for human consumption.  Virtually all prepared and mixed foods are tested at the border.  The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) has the authority to inspect food products at the retail and wholesale distribution levels.   A representative may enter at any place and collect samples for testing.  If a product fails to meet technical requirements or is found unfit for human consumption, it is removed from distribution channels and destroyed.

The Jordan Standards and Meteorology Organization (JSMO) regulates food additives for JFDA. Permissible additives and their concentrations are those approved by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The technical standards for foods contain specific lists for food additives and their permissible levels of use. These standards should be consulted to ensure that any additives are permitted.

Goods entering the country under temporary entry status, bonded goods and goods benefiting from the investment promotion law are exempt from import licenses.  For more information, go to www.jic.gov.jo

All Jordanian and foreign trading companies must either obtain an importer’s card from the MOITS for customs clearance purposes or pay a Customs bond equivalent to five percent of the value of the imported goods.  For non-trading entities such as banks, hospitals and hotels, the Ministry issues a special limited card that allows the import of goods specific to that entity’s purpose.

The U.S. government requires submission of a shipper’s export declaration, or SED, if the value of the shipment is greater than $ 2,500. Exporters can submit a hard copy or can use the free internet-based system to file.

For shipments to Jordan, exporters are required to provide a certificate of origin, a commercial invoice, an airway bill, and a packing list.  A customs declaration is also required, but only an authorized forwarding agent in Jordan can process the declaration, which must be filed electronically. Regarding a U.S. Certificate of Origin for Exporting to Jordan, a general certificate of origin is acceptable and can be downloaded from the Trade Information Center’s Web site export.gov/tic

The commercial invoice and the certificate of origin must be certified by the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce, and then legalized by the Jordanian Embassy in Washington. To locate the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce, view their Web site at www.nusacc.org

A list of Jordanian diplomatic missions worldwide, Invoices do not have to be written in Arabic, but the importer is required to provide an Arabic translation.  Typically, this requirement is met by having the importer hand-write the translation on the actual invoice.  Exporters should be aware that commercial invoices for all shipments from the United States must bear a notarized affidavit.   Jordanian Customs may request other documents related to the shipment as needed.

Jordan Customs launched the Customs Integrated Tariff System (CITS) in August 2005.  Importers can use this system to track down commodity tariffs, import conditions and commodity trade agreements, regulations, and requirements of the commodity trade.

Local laws reflect the fact that Jordan is a predominantly Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and ensure your actions don’t offend.

For advice on travelling during the holy month of Ramadan see Travelling during Ramadan

The Jordanian government doesn’t interfere with the practice of Christianity but encouraging conversion to the Christian faith is illegal.

Jordan is a conservative society. You should dress modestly and behave courteously.

It’s illegal to drink alcohol on the street but permissible in bars, clubs, hotels and private homes. There are strict alcohol limits for drivers, similar to those of the UK. If you’re found guilty of drink driving you could face a driving ban, a fine or even imprisonment.

Possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs is a serious offence and can result in a lengthy prison sentence and a heavy fine.

While Jordanian law may not explicitly prohibit homosexual acts, public displays of affection between homosexual couples are not generally tolerated. You could be arrested under other Jordanian laws. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Copy of 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)
  • Packing list
  • Authorization letter
  • Tax ID No. from the local Jordanian income tax department

Specific Information

  • Owner of the goods 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 owner of the goods is on the office registration certificate 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 owner of the goods’ 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 packing list 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.
  • A returning Jordanian is not exempted from Customs, Duties, & Taxes for shipments coming from the same country more than once, regardless of how many years have passed since he/she used his/her exemption privilege.

Click here to view : Country Guides

Dutiable Items

  • 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200 grammes pipe tobacco
  • 1 litre alcoholic beverages
  • 2 bottles of perfume
  • Legal personal goods up to JOD 50
  • An unlimited amount of local currency can be imported into the country providing it is not converted into foreign money when leaving the country. No limit on the amount of foreign currency that can enter the country providing that it is declared upon arrival although Israeli currency is illegal.
  • Local currency equal to JOD 300 can be exported out of the country. Sums of foreign money equal to the amount declared when entering can freely leave the country.
  • All weapons and ammunition being imported into the country will require permission from the Ministry of the Interior/Public security directorate.
  • Fresh meat and milk products will need a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture.
  • Any fresh fruit and vegetables entering the country will need permission from Agricultural Marketing Corporation
  • All dogs and cats being imported into the country will need to be accompanied by a veterinarian health and rabies inoculation certificate. Birds can only enter the country if granted permission to do so by the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture.

Jordan Customs uses the Customs Integrated Tariff System (CITS), which importers may utilize to determine commodity tariffs, import conditions and commodity trade agreements, regulations and requirements of the commodity trade.  For further information on customs procedures, please refer to the following website:  customs.gov.jo. The FTA eliminates most duties and tariffs on commerce between the U.S. and Jordan.  Additional taxes may apply to some products; a complete description of these commodities is also available at the Customs Department website. Detailed lists of the general and special sales tax can be viewed at the Jordan’s Income and Sales Tax Department’s website at:  istd.gov.jo

The Government of Jordan imposed a special tax on 12 luxury commodities with a value ranging between 5-25 percent as of February, 2013. The government amended the tax system in 2013 and imposed a special tax on cell phone devices at 16 percent, clothing at 20 percent, musical instruments and parts and accessories thereof at five percent, works of art and antiques at 20 percent, cosmetics at 25 percent, perfume at 25 percent, ornamental fish at 20 percent, artificial flowers and accessories at 20 percent, leather clothes and furs at 25 percent, diamond importer and manufacturer and boat ornaments at five percent, natural or cultured pearls at 20 percent, gemstones and semiprecious at five percent and dog and cat food at 20 percent.

Prohibited Items

The government bans the import of plastic waste, the narcotic plant “qat” and diesel passenger cars.  Exporters should always note that U.S. export licenses, though not required for many shipments, are required in certain situations involving national security, foreign policy, short-supply, nuclear non-proliferation, missile technology, chemical and biological weapons, regional stability, crime control, or terrorist concerns.  For more information on export licenses, please refer to the article titled.

  • Illegal drugs
  • Knives, Weapons and ammunition – unless permission has been obtained
  • Plant and plant products – unless permission has been obtained
  • Fresh fruit and vegetables – unless permission has been obtained
  • Meat and animal products – unless permission has been obtained
  • Israeli currency
  • Counterfeit money and goods
  • Pornographic material

Miscellaneous (Pets, Motors, and others.)

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Temporary entry permit
  • OBL
  • Vehicle registration / title

Specific Information

  • Passenger vehicles operating on diesel are not allowed in Jordan.
  • Vehicles older than 5 years are not allowed for permanent entry.
  • Tinted windows are not allowed for permanent entry.
  • 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 owner of the goods 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 owner of the vehicle 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 owner of the vehicle.
    • Vehicles of diplomatic organizations 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.

Cats and dogs must be accompanied by a veterinarian health and rabies inoculation certificate. Pets may enter as passenger’s checked baggage, in the cabin or as cargo.

Prohibited: Import and transshipment of birds and their products unless approved by the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture and holding health certificates. Import of falcons is completely prohibited, even if holding approval.

Baggage Clearance regulations:

Baggage is cleared at the airport of final destination in Jordan.

baggage of transit passengers with a destination outside Jordan.

Currency

Currency Import regulations:

  • Local currency (Jordan Dinar-JOD): up to JOD 15,000.-.
  • foreign currencies: unlimited (this includes letters of credit whether issued in JOD or in foreign currency, drawn on account of a non-resident) if declared on arrival.
  • Prohibited: Israeli Sheqel.

Currency Export regulations:

  • local currency: (Jordan Dinar-JOD): unlimited;
  • foreign currencies: up to the amount imported and declared.
Was this article helpful?
Dislike 0
Views: 344
Previous: Traveller’s info card for Jordan
Next: Jordan Travel Information
0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

© Copyright - World Baggage Network