Alcohol regulations in Jordan

Licences needed

Industrial Operating License, Ministry of Interior Security Clearance/Licence, Environmental Permit, JFDA Food/Beverage Manufacturing Health License

Authority

Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply (MIT), Ministry of Interior, and Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA)

Documents

Commercial registration, industrial registry certificate, environmental impact assessment, zoning clearance, facility architectural and sanitation layouts, owner/manager criminal record clearance

Fees

not confirmed

Time to obtain

not confirmed

Who can import

Registered Jordanian commercial businesses holding an active Importer Card issued by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply

Licences or registrations

Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply Importer Card, Customs registration (ASYCUDA / National Trade Window), JFDA pre-import food clearance

Authority

Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply (MIT), Jordan Customs Department, and Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA)

Documents

Commercial invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, packing list, certificate of analysis/health certificate from country of origin, import declaration

Fees

not confirmed

Time to obtain

not confirmed

Required

yes

Process

Imported food and beverage products require pre-clearance and label conformity inspection by the JFDA in accordance with JSMO standards prior to release by customs.

Authority

Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) and Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO)

Documents and samples

Original and Arabic label artwork/stickers, Certificate of Analysis, Certificate of Free Sale, product samples for border laboratory testing

Fees

not confirmed

Renewal

not confirmed

Time to obtain

not confirmed

Imports must be cleared through an authorized licensed importer of record registered on the ASYCUDA / National Trade Window system. Shipments are inspected at border entry points by a joint committee including Customs and JFDA. Goods require certified Certificates of Origin and laboratory testing. Incoming travellers (18+) are granted a duty-free personal allowance of 1 litre of spirits.

Standard MFN customs duties on spirits (HS heading 2208) are protective and high, generally assessed at 180% to 200% ad valorem CIF. Spirits originating from the United States benefit from preferential tariff rates (approx. 80%) under the US-Jordan Free Trade Agreement.

Spirits are subject to a Special Sales Tax (excise tax) administered by the Income and Sales Tax Department (ISTD), plus General Sales Tax (GST) applied on the duty- and excise-inclusive base (standard rate 16%).

Private licensed liquor stores, international hotels, and licensed bars and restaurants. Liquor shops are subject to strict municipal and Ministry of Interior zoning laws (must be located at least 300 meters away from places of worship, schools, universities, and residential zones). Retail alcohol sales are banned to Muslims during Ramadan.

restricted

Compliant with JSMO and JFDA packaged food standards: product name and category, net volume (metric units), alcohol content (% ABV), country of origin, manufacturer and importer details, batch/lot number, and production/expiry or bottling dates. Arabic labeling (or approved supplemental sticker) is mandatory. Labels must carry health warnings regarding the harms of alcohol and prohibitions on underage consumption.

Heavily restricted; alcohol advertising is prohibited on domestic public broadcast media (television and radio), and billboard/outdoor advertising is generally prohibited or restricted under public decency and media regulations.

Technical standards set by JSMO adhering largely to Codex Alimentarius and international norms (standard minimum 37.5% ABV for distilled spirits like whisky, gin, vodka, and rum; 15% ABV floor for liqueurs).

Public consumption of alcohol (drinking in the street or open public spaces) is strictly illegal nationwide. Nationwide retail sales bans are enforced during Ramadan and Islamic holy days (except limited service within licensed 4- and 5-star hotels catering to non-Muslim tourists). Certain conservative municipalities or governorates do not issue off-premise retail licenses.

• Continued integration of customs clearance and agency pre-approvals via the Jordan National Trade Window digital platform.
• Strict ongoing enforcement of location regulations mandating a 300-meter minimum buffer for liquor stores from residential and educational zones.
• Periodic tariff adjustments and digital tracking measures to prevent illicit alcohol smuggling and under-invoicing.

Commercial opportunities for premium spirits exporters exist primarily within upscale hospitality, tourist enclaves (Amman, Aqaba, Petra, Dead Sea), and duty-free channels. US spirits suppliers enjoy a significant competitive price advantage over other foreign exporters due to lower preferential tariff rates under the US-Jordan Free Trade Agreement.

• Jordan Customs Department
• Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA)
• Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO)
• Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply (MIT)
• Ministry of Interior

1. US International Trade Administration - Jordan Import Tariffs
2. PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries - Jordan Corporate Other Taxes
3. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service - Jordan FAIRS Country Report
4. Roya News - Jordanian Authorities Amend Rules for Opening Liquor Stores