F.4-Jordan Q&A Jordan Q&A
Many products can be exported to Jordan duty-free. Without FTA preference, the maximum tariff rate is 30 percent for most goods and 10 percent for raw materials (with the exception of alcohol and tobacco products, which face duties of 50-180 percent). Goods that meet the U.S.-Jordan FTA standards, however, will qualify for preferential duty rates, allowing U.S. firms to enjoy reduced or zero duty rates and the competitive advantage of increased value to potential customers.
For most goods, Jordan applies a fixed sales tax at the border of 17 percent based on the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value. Goods such as pharmaceutical products, foodstuffs, agricultural goods, and some petroleum products are exempt from the sales tax. Certain goods, including electrical appliances and passenger vehicles, are subject to an additional tax, a qualitative tax, which can range from 7 to 45%.
Q: How do I know if my product qualifies for preferential treatment under the FTA with Jordan?
To qualify for preferential tariffs for export to Jordan, goods from the United States must meet three requirements:
1. The good must be produced entirely in the United States. If foreign materials are included, the good may qualify provided that the foreign materials are “substantially transformed” by manufacturing or processing into a U.S. good; and
2. The good must contain at least 35 percent U.S. content. Jordanian content, up to 15 percent of the customs value, can count toward the 35 percent U.S. domestic content requirement; and
3. Goods must be imported into Jordan directly from the United States.
Q: What documents will I need to export to Jordan?2. The good must contain at least 35 percent U.S. content. Jordanian content, up to 15 percent of the customs value, can count toward the 35 percent U.S. domestic content requirement; and
3. Goods must be imported into Jordan directly from the United States.
As is the case with exports to other countries, 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 use the free internet-based system to file (www.aesdirect.gov).
For shipments to Jordan, exporters are required to provide, in original form, a commercial invoice, a certificate of origin, 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. A general certificate of origin is acceptable and can be obtained from most commercial export document companies or downloaded.
Both 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 or consulate. To locate a National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce, view the Web site www.nusacc.org. The fee for certification is $15 per page/copy of the original. Click here for a list of the Jordanian consulates The legalization fee for the commercial invoice and the certificate of origin is $84 per document.
Invoices do not have to be written in Arabic, but if the invoice is written in English or another language, the importer is required to provide an Arabic translation. Typically, this is done in handwriting on the actual invoice. The U.S. Commercial Service at the American Embassy in Amman can provide translation services.
Exporters should be aware that commercial invoices for all shipments from the United States must bear a notarized affidavit:
I, (name, title, and name of company), hereby swear that the prices stated in this invoice are the current export market prices for the merchandise described, that the products being shipped are of U.S. origin, and that they have been manufactured in the United States. I accept full responsibility for any inaccuracies therein. (Signature)
*If the products being shipped contain any foreign components, the country of origin and percentage of foreign content in the goods must be indicated on the invoice.
Q: Are there any non-tariff controls that affect the importation of my product from the United States?*If the products being shipped contain any foreign components, the country of origin and percentage of foreign content in the goods must be indicated on the invoice.
Yes, U.S. companies exporting to Jordan should be aware of non-tariff controls that require the importer to have an importer’s card and import license. The importer must obtain these. Only the municipal authority in Jordan issues importer’s cards, and importers must be registered with the Jordanian Ministry of Industry and Trade and the local Jordanian Chamber of Commerce. Import licenses, valid for one year, are required for: (1) non-commercial shipments exceeding JD 2,000 (approx. $2,820); (2) biscuits of all types; (3) mineral water; (4) dried milk for industry use; (5) used tires; and (6) items that require prior clearance from the respective authorities. Items that do not need an import license may require prior authorization by the appropriate government ministry.
Q: Are there any goods that I cannot export to Jordan?
Goods that are prohibited from import include plastic waste, the narcotic plant “qat,” and diesel-fueled passenger vehicles.
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 Web site for the Bureau of Industry and Security.
For more information:
To obtain additional information on how to take advantage of the U.S.-Jordan FTA, view the U.S. Commercial Service’s U.S. Exporter’s Guide to the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement. If you prefer a hard copy, contact the U.S. Commercial Service in Jordan by e-mailing ammanoffice.box@mail.doc.gov or by calling (962) (6) 592-0101. More detailed information on the FTA is available at theU.S. Embassy website for Jordan. Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.