Today: Tuesday April 7, 2026 : Shawwal 19, 1447 AH- Kuwait Prohibits Transactions Above KD 10 in Specific Sectors
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Kuwait Prohibits Transactions Above KD 10 in Specific Sectors
New ministerial decree mandates electronic payments for health, beauty, and pest control services to curb unrecorded cash flows.
- Publish date: since 3 hours Reading time: two min read
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Commerce and Industry has implemented a strict ban on cash transactions exceeding 10 Kuwaiti dinars (KD) across a range of service sectors, mandating that businesses switch to banking channels or approved electronic payment methods.
Minister of Commerce and Industry Osama Boodai issued Ministerial Decision No. 32 of 2026, which takes effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette. In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the Ministry outlined that the regulation targets institutions and companies operating in specific industries, including health institutes, men's and women's salons, children's salons, sports clubs, and pest and rodent control services. Additionally, the rule applies to businesses involved in the import, export, and storage of public health pesticides.
According to Article 1 of the decision, any contract, sale, or service transaction exceeding the KD 10 threshold cannot be settled in cash. Instead, all amounts above this limit must be processed through banking channels or electronic payment systems approved by the Central Bank of Kuwait, ensuring full traceability and compliance with financial regulations.
The move is designed to formalize economic activities within these sectors, reduce the reliance on untracked cash economies, and enhance tax collection and regulatory oversight.
The Ministry has made it clear that violations of the new rule will be met with severe consequences. Article 2 stipulates that offenders will face penalties under Law No. 10 of 1979. These sanctions include the immediate closure of the offending establishment and referral to competent investigative authorities for legal prosecution.
Relevant enforcement authorities have been tasked with monitoring compliance and ensuring the swift implementation of the decree. Business owners in the affected sectors are urged to update their payment systems immediately to avoid operational shutdowns and legal repercussions.