Kuwait has introduced a stringent regulatory framework governing the import and sale of decoders and receivers, requiring traders to secure prior authorization from the Ministry of Information and Culture.
The new directive, issued by Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, mandates that businesses seeking to import these devices must first obtain approval from the relevant ministry department. This applies to all receivers designed for encrypted audio and video content, whether standalone or integrated with decoder technology.
Under the ruling, entities or companies holding rights to encrypted media must submit an official application detailing their credentials, the type and quantity of devices, and proof of rights ownership. The request undergoes a technical review within ten working days, with the final decision—approval, rejection, or amendment—issued within a month. Customs clearance will only be granted once a ministry-issued certification confirms the devices meet the regulatory requirements.
The import permit is valid for one year, and businesses may be required to submit device samples for inspection, incurring a KD10 fee. In cases where an application is denied or a permit renewal is rejected, the affected party has ten days to appeal, with a final ruling made within the same timeframe.
This move reflects Kuwait’s tightening grip on media distribution technologies, aiming to control access to encrypted content while ensuring compliance with intellectual property regulations.
