Customs Information

Bahrain - Diplomat

CUSTOMS REGULATIONSBahrain

  • Shipper's presence is required for sea shipments only, but is not mandatory.
  • If shipper is unable to attend customs clearance, an Authority Letter can be arranged for the shipper - subject to Customs approval. 

NOTE - Bahrain Customs is closed for the weekend on Friday and Saturday.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  • Color copy of Passport
  • Inventory (a clear copy, detailed and in English) - PBO "packed by owner" not acceptable
  • Duty exemption letter provided from the client’s Embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

MOTOR VEHICLES (LEFT HAND DRIVE ONLY)

  • Duty is applicable at 5% of estimated value
  • No objection certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Documents required:
    • Original purchase Invoice or dealer valuation from Origin country
    • Original passport
    • Current insurance policy (for Bahrain)
    • Certificate of Registration / Export Permit
    • Title of ownership

PETS

  • Pets may only be transported as cargo; however, assistive animals may be able to travel in the aircraft cabin; contact agent for specific information.
  • The import permit must be obtained prior to travel from the Veterinary Quarantine Department in Bahrain.
  • The veterinary health certificate must state that the animal is free from disease and is fully vaccinated.
  • Import license to be obtained prior to booking pets.
  • Quarantine for a month (consignee must provide feeding arrangements).

Required Documents:

  • Vaccination record
  • Veterinary health certificate
  • Import permit
  • Copy of air waybill

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

  • Firearms (an import permit and permission from the Ministry of the Interior and Civil Aviation Affairs of Bahrain is required).
  • Videotapes (subject to inspection and hold by Ministry officials and released approximately 2-3 weeks after inspection) (non-citizens)
  • CDs, VCDs, books (only large quantities)
  • Personal computers (subject to inspection and hold by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications prior to shipment arrival) (non-citizens)
  • Pianos / musical instruments
  • Foodstuffs
  • Wines, spirits, and alcohol are subject to duty at Customs discretion (diplomats)
  • Medicines are subject to prescription by a doctor (in English or Arabic) (diplomats)
  • Commodity shipments are subject to 5% Customs duty
  • Alcoholic beverages

PROHIBITED ITEMS

  • Narcotic and psychotropic drugs etc.
  • Ivory
  • Pornographic materials
  • Swords
  • Knives, daggers (ornamental, etc.)
  • Wireless equipment
  • Satellite, receivers, cordless telephones, walkie talkies
  • Guns, arrows, darts
  • Military clothes
  • Gambling games
  • Products of Israeli origin or anything related to Israel is banned and liable to confiscation.
  • Political and religious literature offensive to Islam and the Bahrain government is banned and liable for confiscation/prosecution.
  • Radio controlled toys.
  • ALL PRINTED MATTER, FILMS, BOOKS, PICTURES, RECORDS, TAPES, SLIDES, MOVIES, VIDEOS, COMPACT DISCS, COMPUTER SOFTWARE, ETC. ARE SUBJECT TO CENSORSHIP AND CONFISCATION (MUST BE PACKED SEPARATELY FOR EASY ACCESS)  
  • Above censorship procedure can take between two and four weeks
  • If a carton is suspected of containing prohibited items, the entire carton is kept in Customs for further scrutiny. Prohibited items will be confiscated, destroyed or shipped out at Customer's expense.
  • Medicines will be retained by Customs and checked by the Ministry of Health.
  • Spices

VIOLATORS SUBJECT TO SEVERE PENALTIES, including possible imprisonment.