Key Documentation for Importing Pharmaceutical Products into Jordan

Commercial Invoice
A detailed invoice outlining the transaction, including buyer/seller information, full description of the pharmaceutical products (e.g., medicines, APIs, medical devices), quantities, and declared value.

Bill of Lading (BOL)
A legal transport document between shipper and carrier detailing the type, quantity, and final destination of the pharmaceutical goods, typically via the Port of Aqaba.

Packing List
An itemized list of all cargo, including packaging formats (e.g., blister packs, vials, pallets), lot numbers, batch codes, dimensions, gross/net weights, and packaging details — crucial for customs and regulatory clearance.

Certificate of Origin
Confirms the country of manufacture for the products. Often necessary to benefit from preferential trade agreements or reduced import duties.

Import License / Jordan Food & Drug Administration (JFDA) Authorization
Pharmaceuticals and medical devices generally require import authorization or registration with the Jordan Food & Drug Administration (JFDA) before entry into Jordan.

Customs Declaration
Formal submission to Jordan Customs, providing comprehensive details of the imported pharmaceutical goods.

Product Registration Dossier
Documentation of product formulation, manufacturing process, safety, efficacy, and quality — mandatory for all medicinal products and regulated by the JFDA.

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certificates
Issued by the relevant health authority in the country of origin, certifying that the pharmaceutical products were produced under GMP standards.

Insurance Certificate
Proof of cargo insurance for the shipment, especially important for high-value and temperature-sensitive products.

Harmonized System (HS) Codes
Accurate classification of pharmaceutical products under the Jordan Customs Tariff, determining applicable import duties, VAT, and statistical tracking.

Pro-forma Invoice
Used for preliminary customs or regulatory approvals and initial commercial negotiations, especially in multi-stage procurement or trial shipments.

Cold Chain and Temperature Control Documentation
Essential for biologics, vaccines, and other temperature-sensitive products — includes temperature logs, real-time monitoring reports, and packaging specifications (e.g., thermal containers).

Pharmacovigilance or Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Mandatory for some active ingredients or chemical components, ensuring safe handling during transport and customs inspections.

Letter of Credit or Payment Terms Agreement
Defines international payment terms between buyer and seller, often required by customs or banks to authorize cargo release.

Import Duties and Taxes Payment
Receipts or confirmation of import duty, VAT, statistical fee payments, and any applicable pharmaceutical levies.

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Compliance and Regulatory Requirements for Pharmaceutical Imports into Jordan

Registration with Jordan Customs
Importers must be registered with Jordan Customs and have a valid commercial registration number.

JFDA Product Registration and Compliance
Pharmaceuticals must be registered and approved by the Jordan Food & Drug Administration (JFDA). This includes fulfilling requirements for safety, efficacy, labeling, language conformity, and marketing restrictions.

Controlled Substances and Narcotics Permits
Special permits are mandatory for importing controlled substances, psychotropics, or narcotics, in strict compliance with JFDA regulations.

Engage with a Licensed Customs Broker
Given the high level of regulatory oversight in Jordan’s pharmaceutical sector, working with a local customs broker experienced in JFDA procedures and cold chain logistics is essential for timely and compliant import operations.

Commercial Invoice (for Pharmaceutical Products)

Exporter Information
Name and Address: Full legal name and registered address of the pharmaceutical manufacturer/exporter.
Contact Details: Phone number, email, and fax (if applicable).

Importer Information
Name and Address: Legal name and registered location of the pharmaceutical distributor, importer, or healthcare provider in Jordan.
Contact Details: Email and phone for local coordination.

Invoice Number and Date
Invoice Number: Unique reference number for tracking and recordkeeping.
Date of Issue: Date the invoice was generated.

Purchase Order Number
Reference Number: Buyer’s purchase order number for procurement tracking.

Description of Goods
Detailed Description: Include product names, dosage form (e.g., tablets, vials, syringes), strength/concentration, batch/lot numbers, expiry dates, and therapeutic category (e.g., antibiotic, vaccine, analgesic).
HS Codes: Use correct Harmonized System codes (e.g., 3004.90 for prepared medicines, 3002.20 for vaccines).

Quantity and Unit of Measure
Quantity: Number of units per product (e.g., boxes, bottles, kits).
Unit: Tablets, vials, syringes, cartons, etc.

Unit Price and Total Price
Unit Price: Price per unit.
Total Price: Line-item totals and overall invoice value.

Currency
Type: Clearly stated (USD, EUR, etc.).

Terms of Sale (Incoterms)
E.g., CIF Port of Aqaba, FOB Toronto — defines cost and risk allocation.

Shipping and Delivery Info
Port of Loading/Destination: E.g., New York → Port of Aqaba.
Estimated Shipping Date: Projected departure date.

Payment Terms
Method: L/C, TT, Net-30, as per the sales contract.

Signature
Authorized Representative: Signature and printed name of the seller/exporter representative.

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Bill of Lading (BOL) for Pharmaceutical Products

Shipper Information
Full name and address of the exporter or freight forwarder.

Consignee Information
Full details of the Jordanian importer or their designated customs broker.

Carrier Information
Name: Shipping line or logistics provider.
Transport Mode: Include air/sea carrier and flight or vessel details.

Description of Goods
Use regulatory and product-specific terms such as “paracetamol tablets,” “insulin vials,” “COVID-19 test kits,” consistent with the commercial invoice.

Gross Weight and Dimensions
Accurate total weight and volume, per pallet or package, especially for temperature-sensitive goods.

Freight Charges
Charge Terms: Indicate prepaid or collect and the responsible party.

BOL Number
Unique reference number for shipment tracking.

Date of Shipment
Date goods were physically dispatched.

Terms and Conditions
Include liability clauses, applicable international conventions (e.g., Warsaw or Montreal for air, Hague-Visby for sea), and cold chain maintenance responsibilities if required.

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Packing List (for Pharmaceutical Products)

Exporter and Consignee Information
Must match commercial invoice and BOL exactly.

Shipment Details
Include invoice number, BOL number, and shipment date.

Itemized Contents
Detailed list including product name, dosage form, lot/batch number, expiration date, and packaging description.

Quantities and Packaging Type
Include number of packs, blister cards, cartons, pallets, and container type (e.g., thermal shippers, dry ice units).

Package Identification
Labels such as “BOX 1/20 – VACCINE – KEEP REFRIGERATED”.

Total Weight and Volume
Indicate gross and net weight and total shipment volume.

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Certificate of Origin (for Pharmaceutical Products)

Exporter and Consignee
Full contact details of both parties.

Goods Description
Product names, HS codes, dosage forms, and intended use (human/veterinary).

Origin Criterion
Country of manufacture (e.g., “Manufactured in Germany”).

Certification
Signed and stamped by a Chamber of Commerce or recognized certification authority, if required for Jordanian customs clearance.

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Key Considerations for Pharmaceutical Imports into Jordan

Technical Accuracy
Ensure product descriptions match JFDA registrations, batch certificates, and packaging labels to avoid customs delays.

Regulatory Compliance
All pharmaceuticals must comply with Jordan Food & Drug Administration (JFDA) regulations regarding registration, labeling, shelf life, and import licensing. Controlled substances require special permits.

Cold Chain and Handling
Temperature-sensitive products must include:

• Validated thermal packaging

• Real-time temperature monitoring

• Cold chain logs and SOPs

Language Requirements
English is generally accepted; Arabic documentation may be required for customs, JFDA review, or labeling purposes.

Work with Experts
Partner with a licensed customs broker and regulatory consultant experienced in JFDA procedures and cold chain logistics to ensure smooth clearance and full compliance.