MOROCCO
ITA signatory?
I
II
Pillar Tariffs and trade defence measures applied on ICT goods |
Indicator Effective tariff rate on ICT goods (applied weighted average)
Effective tariff rate to ICT goods (applied weighted average)
2.60%
Coverage rate of zero-tariffs on ICT goods (%)
59.14%
Coverage: ICT goods
Sources
- http://wits.worldbank.org/WITS/
- https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/brief_ita_e.htm#:~:text=ITA%20participants%3A%20Australia%3B%20Bahrain%3B,%3B%20Jordan%3B%20Korea%2C%20Rep.
- https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/ita20years_2017_full_e.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220120054410/https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2016/april/tradoc_154430.pdf
- https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/inftec_e/itscheds_e.htm
MOROCCO
N/A
Pillar Tariffs and trade defence measures applied on ICT goods |
Indicator Participation in the WTO Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and 2015 expansion (ITA II)
Lack of participation in the ITA Expansion Agreement (ITA II)
Morocco is a signatory of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Information Technology Agreement (ITA) of 1996, but is not a signatory of its 2015 expansion (ITA II).
Coverage ICT goods
Sources
- https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/brief_ita_e.htm#:~:text=ITA%20participants%3A%20Australia%3B%20Bahrain%3B,%3B%20Jordan%3B%20Korea%2C%20Rep.
- https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/ita20years_2017_full_e.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220120054410/https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2016/april/tradoc_154430.pdf
- https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/inftec_e/itscheds_e.htm
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KUWAIT
Since September 2021
Pillar Technical standards applied to ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Self-certification for product safety
Regulation for Approval of Communication Devices Type
اللائحة اعتماد نوع أجهزة الاتصالات
اللائحة اعتماد نوع أجهزة الاتصالات
Under the Regulation on the Approval of Communication Device Types, Kuwait’s conformity assessment framework aligns with the European documentation model. Pursuant to Art. 4, telecommunications equipment may be imported and placed on the Kuwaiti market provided that it satisfies the prescribed technical requirements: it must not generate electromagnetic disturbances exceeding the specified threshold, nor emit electromagnetic energy at levels that cause electromagnetic interference (EMI) in adjacent devices. In addition, Art. 6 stipulates that compliance with European Union legislation, accompanied by the requisite conformity documentation and the CE marking, may suffice for the type approval process in Kuwait. Also, Art. 8 requires applicants to submit a Declaration of Conformity (DoC), confirming that the equipment meets the relevant technical standards. Nevertheless, the Authority retains the discretionary power to request samples of telecommunications equipment for testing and examination at any stage.
Coverage Telecommunications equipment
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251209201224/https://www.citra.gov.kw/sites/en/LegalReferences/Regulation_for_Approval_of_Communication_Devices_Type.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251209201408/https://www.gma.trade/news/kuwait-revises-type-approval-regulations?674078d2_page=191&e27cb8f4_page=190
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251209202010/https://ib-lenhardt.com/type-approval/kuwait
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251209205034/https://dataxinternational.com/type-approval/kuwait/
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KUWAIT
Reported in 2025
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Licensing scheme for e-commerce providers
Reported requirement for e-commerce licensing
It is reported that all enterprises, irrespective of their scale, from large corporations to home-based start-ups, must possess either a valid online store licence or a registered commercial licence before engaging in online sales. In addition, partners, including payment gateway providers, are legally prohibited from providing services to businesses that do not hold such licences.
Coverage E-commerce sector
KUWAIT
Since March 2023
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on online payments
Resolution No. 45/471 of 2023 Promulgating the Instructions Regulating the Electronic Payment of Funds
According to Resolution No. 45/471 of 2023, which promulgates the Instructions Regulating the Electronic Payment of Funds, E-Payment Service Providers (EPSPs) must register and obtain approval from the Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) before commencing operations. The registry includes various minimum capital requirements based on the EPSP classification, which range from KWD 50,000 (approx. USD 162,000) to KWD 250,000 (approx. USD 810,000). These requirements were already mandated under the Resolution No. 44/430 of 2018 of the Central Bank of Kuwait, which has now been repealed by this new resolution.
Coverage E-payment providers
KUWAIT
Reported in 2024
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Threshold for ‘De Minimis’ rule
De minimis threshold
It is reported that the de minimis threshold, that is the minimum value of goods below which customs do not charge duties, is KWD 100 (approx. USD 320).
Coverage Horizontal
KUWAIT
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on domain names
Domain Registration Policy
Under the Domain Registration Policy, the ".com.KW" domain name selected must match a part of the registered company name or, alternatively, a registered trademark. The trademark can be from any country and does not need to be valid for Kuwait. As is the case with other third-level domains (domain registrations are at the third level beneath these names: "com.KW", "net.KW", "org.KW"), a local administrative contact is required. If a company holds a matching trademark from anywhere in the world or orders one through a fast-track trademark service, only a local administrative contact is required.
Coverage Horizontal
KUWAIT
Since May 2014, entry into force in June 2014
Since January 2015, entry into force in April 2015
Since January 2015, entry into force in April 2015
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Framework for consumer protection applicable to online commerce
Law No. 39 of 2014 on Consumer Protection
قانون رقم 39 لسنة 2014 بشأن حماية المستهلك
Executive Regulations of Law No. 39/2014 on Consumer Protection (issued by Decision No. 27 of 2015 of the Minister of Commerce and Industry
اللائحة التنفيذية للقانون رقم 39/2014 بشأن حماية المستهلك (الصادر بقرار وزير التجارة والصناعة رقم 27 لسنة 2015
قانون رقم 39 لسنة 2014 بشأن حماية المستهلك
Executive Regulations of Law No. 39/2014 on Consumer Protection (issued by Decision No. 27 of 2015 of the Minister of Commerce and Industry
اللائحة التنفيذية للقانون رقم 39/2014 بشأن حماية المستهلك (الصادر بقرار وزير التجارة والصناعة رقم 27 لسنة 2015
The Law on Consumer Protection, together with its Executive Regulations, establishes a comprehensive framework for safeguarding consumer rights, which extends to online transactions. Although the Law on Consumer Protection does not contain a dedicated chapter addressing the entirety of e-commerce, several provisions within the Executive Regulations specifically pertain to this domain. Art. 1.10 of the Executive Regulations stipulates that advertising and selling products via the Internet fall under the scope of Art. 9 of the Law. In adition, Art. 32 authorises businesses operating online to offer promotions, apply discounts, and align their online pricing with that of Western and global digital platforms, subject to prior approval. Regarding the sanctioning regime, Arts. 27 to 32 of the Law on Consumer Protection are likewise applicable to e-commerce activities.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/19926
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241104050941/https://www.unescwa.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/ABLF-2023-consumer-CP-Kuwait-english.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251209212527/https://unctad.org/page/cyberlaw-tracker-country-detail?country=kw
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KUWAIT
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Ratification of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Lack of signature of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Kuwait has not signed the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts.
Coverage Horizontal
KUWAIT
Since February 2014
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce
Law No. 20 of 2014 Concerning Electronic Transactions
قانون رقم 20 لسنة 2014 قي شأن المعاملات الالكترونية
قانون رقم 20 لسنة 2014 قي شأن المعاملات الالكترونية
Kuwait has promulgated national legislation informed by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Commerce, namely Law No. 20 of 2014 on Electronic Transactions.
Coverage Horizontal
KUWAIT
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures
Lack of adoption of UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures
Kuwait has not adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Signatures.
Coverage Horizontal
KUWAIT
Reported in 2024
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Restrictions on online advertising
Reported limitations on online advertising
It is reported that online platforms in Kuwait are required to comply with advertising regulations administered by authorities such as the Kuwait Municipality, the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA), the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Information. These regulations are designed to ensure that advertising practices uphold ethical standards and conform to cultural norms. In addition, all advertisements must be in Arabic and must not contain any material considered offensive.
Coverage Online platforms
KUWAIT
Since February 2016
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Licensing schemes for digital services and applications
Law No. 8 of 2016 regarding the regulation of electronic media
Law No. 8 of 2016 regulates all web-based publications, including electronic news services, bulletins, newspapers and television websites, and the like, as well as social media. Under the legislation, all these services must obtain a license from the government before they can operate. Those in existence had one year to comply with the law. According to Art. 1 of the law, electronic media is defined as any activity which includes the publication or transmission of materials, activities or media services of electronic content that are produced, developed, updated, circulated, transmitted, published or penetrating through the international information net (the internet) or any other communications net.
Coverage Web-based publications including electronic news services, bulletins, websites of newspapers and televisions and the likes as well as social media
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220901035248/https://www.kuwaittimes.com/law-no-8-of-2016-regarding-the-regulation-of-electronic-media//
- https://web.archive.org/web/20200109120619/https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2513694&language=en
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241211134159/https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=8e1777b8-043f-4793-ab2d-2ef3c2e361d7
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KUWAIT
Since September 2021
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Licensing schemes for digital services and applications
Cloud Computing Regulatory Framework
الإطار التنظيمي للحوسبة السحابية
الإطار التنظيمي للحوسبة السحابية
Chapter 2 of the Cloud Computing Regulatory Framework delineates the licensing regime applicable to providers of cloud computing services.
Coverage Cloud computing service providers
KUWAIT
Since November 1964
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other import restrictions, including non-transparent/discriminatory import procedures
Import Law No. 43 of 1964
Art. 1 of Law No. 43, which requires a licence for the importation of all goods, states that the right to import goods, materials and equipment is limited to Kuwaiti citizens; Kuwaiti partnerships if all partners are Kuwaiti citizens; joint stock and limited liability companies if Kuwaitis hold 51% or more of the total capital.
Coverage Horizontal
