Importing Personal Effects into Jordan: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2026 · Download the Jordan Import Guide (PDF)

Household effects - Returning Jordanians

• Export Way Bill / Instructions.
• OBL / HBL / AWB / HAWB (telex is ok).
• Packing List / Inventory.
• Copy of Consignee’s Passport.
• Authorization letter to obtain delivery order on behalf of consignee, notarized by local Jordanian bank.
• Jordanian Tax Number.

• Customs taxes/duties:
• On used HHG & P.E are about 52% of CIF value.
• On electronics are about 52% of the declared value of the goods.
• Duty free entry if: 1. Returning Citizens are Jordanians who spent more than a year abroad - the last year is continuous without any visits to Jordan ( full 365 days).
• The following conditions must apply as well:
• Never imported any Used Personal Effects and Household Goods
• None of the member in the Family Book imported Used Personal Effects before.
• They must hold a valid Jordanian passport showing their national I.D. number and a cancelled residence permit abroad.
• Any of the following documents must be provided by the returning citizen as evidence of termination of residency abroad:
• Copy of a residential legalised lease
• contract or house ownership title in Jordan.
• Children’s registration forms in Jordanian schools.
• Endorsed new work contract.
• Letter of termination of employment or the resignation abroad, or visa cancelation. 2. The household effects have been owned and used abroad by the owner and for his continued personal use. 3. Effects are used more than 30% (extent of use is normally assessed by Customs officers).

• Duration of clearance procedures & release of shipments:
• Air freight shipments: 2-3 working days
• Sea freight shipments: 7-9 working days (Provided all documents are in hand and in order).
• Provided free of charges port storage are 6 days including arrival day for sea shipment and 1 day for air shipment.
• Exemption from duty does not apply to the following:
• All new items and items used less than 30%.
• Musical instruments.
• Office equipment.
• Satellite equipment.
• Video cameras.
• CD’s.
• Facsimile machines.
• Amounts in excess of the permitted duty free allowance per family of 2 pieces of household electrical appliances.
• Returning Jordanians and non-Diplomat Foreign Individuals categories:
• Importation of household effects should
• take place within 6 months of owner’s date of entry and may arrive in several shipments. Owner should be physically present in Jordan at time of customs clearance.
• All shipments are subject to full physical customs inspection. The presence of owner is a MUST in order to answer any of the inspector’s questions. If any item is locked, keys should be available.
• Video and audiocassettes, books, magazines, records & CD’s are subject to censorship by the Press & Publications Department and should be packed separately and marked.
• A list of Books that includes Titles and Authors should be provided along with the packing list as approvals from publications department, needs to be granted prior to shipment arrival for Jordanians. Expatriates and Returning
• Cordless telephones will be inspected by the Telecommunications Department. If specifications are not within the permitted criteria, the telephone will be confiscated or the owner has to re-export it at his own expense.
• Satellite equipment requires the approval of Radio & TV Corp.
• Therefore, the equipment’s catalogue should be made available & removed from the shipment for physical check.
• As this usually takes some time, a separate customs formality will have to be made at owner’s cost.
• Items found unsuitable will be confiscated.

Non Diplomat Foreign Individual

• Export Way Bill / Instructions.
• OBL / HBL / AWB / HAWB (telex is ok).
• Packing list / Inventory.
• Copy of Consignee’s Passport.
• Authorization letter to obtain delivery order on behalf of consignee, notarized by local Jordanian Bank or Solicitor.
• Authorization Letter to proceed with clearance of shipment on behalf of Consignee notarized by local Jordanian Bank or Solicitor.
• Jordanian Tax Number.

• Custom taxes/duties:
• On used HHG & P.E. are about 52% of CIF value.
• On electronics are about 52% of the declared value of the goods.

• The same above regulations apply.

Diplomats Removals (& motor vehicles)

• Original OBL/AWB or Telex release.
• Franchise letter.
• Obtained by Embassy on behalf of the Diplomat from the Ministry of Finance/Customs through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• 2 authorization letters to obtain delivery order and custom clear on behalf of consignee.
• Packing list / Inventory.
• Passport copy.
• Jordanian Tax Number.

• Duty free entry.
• 2 litres of alcohol per adult is accepted and the rest is subject to duties and taxes of 200% of actual value.
• The same should be listed in separate packing list.
• Diplomats should contact their Embassy to check if any customs exemption would be allowed.

• A diplomat must be in Jordan prior to his/her HHG arrival, with at least one month.
• Diplomats need to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through their Embassy in order to be granted the exemption status of custom duties and taxes on their HHG & cars.
• Embassy employees who do not hold a diplomatic customs status are customs exempted but are subject to actual inspection.

Expatriates

• Export Way Bill / Instructions.
• OBL / HBL / AWB / HAWB.
• Packing list / Inventory.
• Copies of Consignee’s Passport.
• 2 authorization letters to obtain delivery
• order and custom clear on behalf of consignee, notarized by local Jordanian bank or a solicitor.
• Jordanian Tax Number.
• Custom’s Exemption if applicable.

• Custom taxes/duties:
• On used HHG & P.E. are about 52% of CIF value.
• On electronics are about 52% of the declared value of the goods.
• Exemption from Custom taxes/duties: Unless transferee’s organisation has a special agreement with any governmental party.

• If expatriates have the chance to be exempted from Duties & Taxes, their shipment should arrive at least one month after their arrival to Jordan in order for the Exemption to be ready on time.

Prohibited items

• Arms, ammunition.
• Drugs and narcotics.
• Pornographic literature, films and photographs.
• Large amount of food and books
• Drones
• Statues

General Comment

• If shipment contains books, a detailed list of the books to be provided along with shipping documents and it needs to be approved by the Jordan Media Monitor.
• Exemption from Customs duties does not apply to the following:
• All new items.
• Electric appliances not more than two pieces of each type, excluding the following items where exemption shall cover only one piece of each type:
• Normal Video Cameras (highly technological ones are prohibited and maybe held under Militaries Custody).
• Personal Office Equipment.
• Satellite Receivers and all accessories (Dish, Signal receiver).
• Musical Appliances.
• Personal computer.
• 2 litres of alcohol per adult is accepted and the rest is subject to duties and taxes of 200% of actual value. The same should be listed in separate packing list. That rule is also
• applicable for diplomats who should contact their Embassy to check if any customs exemption would be allowed.

Exporting Personal Effects from Jordan: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2023 · Download the Jordan Export Guide (PDF)

Removal goods-HHG/PE - Jordanians or Expatriates

• Authorization Letter to be signed
• Signature to be attested from the local Bank in Jordan
• Jordanian Tax Number
• Clear copy of passport.

• As the shipment is exported, the only restrictions would be either with the Airlines, or the destination country.

HHG/PE - Diplomats

• Same as above
• Re-export Letter from the MOFA.

• As the shipment is exported, the only restrictions would be either with the Airlines, or the destination country.

Jordan Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-08-19 · Download the Jordan Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Copy of passport showing national ID number and cancelled residence permit abroad
• Original bill of lading (OBL) / house bill of lading (HBL) / air waybill (AWB) / house air waybill (HAWB); telex release accepted
• Packing list / inventory
• Authorization letter to obtain delivery order on behalf of consignee, notarized by a local Jordanian bank
• Jordanian Tax ID number (from the local Income Tax Department)
• Evidence of termination of residency abroad (one of the following): copy of a legalized residential lease contract or house ownership title in Jordan; children's registration forms in Jordanian schools; endorsed new work contract in Jordan; letter of termination of employment or resignation abroad; or visa cancellation documentation
• Family marriage book (for married persons / families)

• OBL / HBL / AWB / HAWB (telex release accepted)
• Packing list / inventory
• Copy of consignee's passport
• Two authorization letters: (1) to obtain delivery order and (2) to customs-clear the shipment on behalf of consignee, both notarized by a local Jordanian bank or solicitor
• Jordanian Tax ID number
• Customs exemption documentation, if applicable (see Specific Information below)

• Original OBL / AWB or telex release
• Franchise letter, obtained by the diplomat's embassy from the Ministry of Finance/Customs through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Two authorization letters: (1) to obtain delivery order and (2) to customs-clear on behalf of consignee
• Packing list / inventory
• Copy of passport
• Jordanian Tax ID number

Specific Information

Duty rates when exemption does not apply: Customs duties and taxes on used household goods and personal effects are approximately 52% of CIF value. Electronics are taxed at approximately 52% of declared value.

Items excluded from duty-free exemption (even when the owner qualifies): All new items and items assessed as less than 30% used (extent of use is assessed by customs officers at inspection); musical instruments; office equipment; satellite equipment and accessories (dish, signal receiver); video cameras (highly technological models may be confiscated by military authorities); CDs; facsimile machines; and amounts exceeding the permitted duty-free allowance of two pieces of each type of household electrical appliance per family.

Foreigners and customs exemption: If the owner's name appears on the office registration certificate at the Ministry of Trade and Commerce (typically as acting manager with signature authority), goods are exempt from customs duties, provided they are used and not new. If the owner is an employee of a company but not named on the registration certificate, a formal request must be submitted to customs along with the shipping documents and packing list, requesting approval for exemption. Unless the transferee's organization has a special agreement with a governmental party, expatriates generally do not receive duty exemption.

Owner presence requirement: The owner of the goods must be physically present at the time of customs clearance at Amman Customs. All shipments are subject to full physical inspection. The owner must be present to answer the inspector's questions. If any item in the shipment is locked, keys must be available.

Shipment timing: Importation of household effects should take place within 6 months of the owner's date of entry into Jordan. Shipments may arrive in several consignments.

Port storage: Free-of-charge port storage is 6 days including the day of arrival for sea shipments, and 1 day for air shipments.

Clearance duration: Air freight shipments typically clear in 2-3 working days; sea freight shipments in 7-9 working days (provided all documents are in hand and in order).

Media and electronics inspection: Video and audio cassettes, books, magazines, records, and CDs are subject to censorship by the Press and Publications Department and should be packed separately and clearly marked. Cordless telephones are inspected by the Telecommunications Department; if specifications are not within permitted criteria, the telephone will be confiscated or the owner must re-export it at their own expense. Satellite equipment requires approval from the Radio and TV Corporation: the equipment catalogue must be made available and the equipment removed from the shipment for physical inspection, which requires a separate customs formality at the owner's cost. Items found unsuitable will be confiscated.

Alcohol within shipments: A maximum of 2 litres of alcohol per shipment is accepted duty-free. Quantities exceeding 2 litres are subject to duties and taxes of 200% of actual value. Alcohol must be listed on a separate packing list. This rule applies to all categories, including diplomats (who should check with their embassy regarding any additional exemption).

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions for returning Jordanian nationals: Goods enter duty-free if the owner has spent more than 12 months abroad, provided all of the following conditions are met: the owner has never previously imported used personal effects and household goods under the exemption; no member listed in the owner's Family Book has previously imported used personal effects under the exemption; and the household effects have been owned and used abroad by the owner for his or her continued personal use. This is a one-time exemption per family unit, regardless of how many years pass between periods abroad.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Drugs and narcotics
• Pornographic literature, films, and photographs
• Israeli currency
• Counterfeit goods
• Arms and ammunition (without permit) [PERMIT REQUIRED]
• Highly technological video cameras (may be confiscated by military authorities)

Media censorship: All video tapes, cassettes, CDs, and printed materials are subject to inspection by the Department of Media Censorship. These should be packed separately and clearly marked on the inventory.

Weapons and firearms: Permission from the Ministry of the Interior / Public Security Directorate is required. [PERMIT REQUIRED]

Fresh meat and milk products: A permit from the Ministry of Agriculture is required. [PERMIT REQUIRED]

Fresh fruit and vegetables: Permission from the Agricultural Marketing Corporation is required. [PERMIT REQUIRED]

Wireless and telecommunications equipment: Approval from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission is required for CBs, walkie-talkies, and similar devices. [PERMIT REQUIRED]

Satellite equipment: Requires approval from the Radio and TV Corporation. Equipment must be physically inspected separately from the main shipment. [PERMIT REQUIRED]

Alcohol: Maximum 2 litres duty-free per shipment. Excess is subject to 200% duty on actual value. Must be listed on a separate packing list.

New items within shipments: All new items are subject to full customs duties (approximately 52% CIF) even if the owner otherwise qualifies for a household goods exemption.

Special Categories

Sources consulted: IAM Country Guide (July 2017), FIDI Customs Guide (January 2020), PetTravel.com (updated February 2026), Trade.gov Jordan commercial guide.

Key discrepancies between IAM and FIDI guides: The IAM guide states the owner must be present at "Amman Customs" while the FIDI guide says "physically present in Jordan at time of customs clearance" -- the FIDI wording is more accurate since clearance may occur at Aqaba. The IAM guide omits the 30%-use threshold for duty-free assessment, the electrical appliance limits (2 per type), and the separate packing list requirement for alcohol. The FIDI guide provides the more detailed and operationally useful information on these points.

FIDI guide adds significantly: The distinction between diplomats and "embassy employees who do not hold diplomatic customs status" (exempt from duties but subject to physical inspection); the 1-month advance arrival requirement for diplomat exemption processing; the specific clearance timeframes; and the detailed electrical appliance limits.

Unverified items: The DVLD website returned a 503 error at time of verification. The vehicle age limit (5 years) appears in both IAM and FIDI guides (both pre-2021) and should be confirmed with the destination agent, as Jordan has periodically adjusted this threshold. The 52% duty rate is sourced from the FIDI guide (2020) and may have been adjusted.

Link status (re-verified June 2026): Jordan Customs (English): active (200) at customs.gov.jo/Default/En. MFA: active (200) at mfa.gov.jo. Ministry of Agriculture: active -- resolves and TLS-connects normally, returns 503 to this proxy (standard WAF block), browser-accessible; Arabic-language site. EmbassyPages: returns 403 to bots but browser-accessible. DVLD: deteriorated from May 2026 503 to genuine DNS failure (000) as of June 2026 -- now fully unreachable. Wikipedia: active (200). OpenFactBook (replaces CIA Factbook): active (200).

Consignment Instructions

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

Inventory requirements: A detailed packing list is required. Alcohol must be listed on a separate packing list. Media items (video, audio, books, CDs, magazines) should be packed separately and clearly marked for censorship inspection. Satellite equipment should be packed separately with its catalogue/documentation.

Owner presence: The owner must be physically present at customs clearance. This is not optional and cannot be delegated. Keys must be available for all locked items.

Timing: Shipments must arrive within 6 months of the owner's entry into Jordan. Diplomats' shipments should arrive at least 1 month after the diplomat's arrival, to allow time for the franchise letter and exemption processing. Expatriates who qualify for exemption should also allow at least 1 month for exemption paperwork to be processed.

Clearance times: Air freight: 2-3 working days. Sea freight: 7-9 working days. These estimates assume all documents are in hand and in order.

Free storage: Sea shipments: 6 days including arrival day. Air shipments: 1 day. Storage charges apply thereafter.

Unpredictable expenses: Separate customs formalities (at owner's cost) for satellite equipment inspection. Possible confiscation of non-compliant cordless telephones or satellite equipment. Vehicle transport costs from port of entry to Zarqa Free Zone. Bank guarantee requirements for temporary vehicle imports and vehicle transit.

Port of entry: Aqaba is the primary sea port. Queen Alia International Airport (Amman) handles air freight.