CUSTOMS REGULATIONS AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
PERSONAL EFFECTS IMPORT REGULATIONS
KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN
All shipments are subject to full inspection of goods. The customer should be present during Customs clearance of ocean shipment. If Customer is unable to attend a nomination can be arranged such as the Destination Agent to clear shipment on Customers behalf, upon approval from Customs Authorities. Used household goods and personal effects over one year old are duty free subject to the owner obtaining a Residence Permit for a minimum of two (2) years. If a 2 year permit is unobtainable, shipment can be cleared upon payment of a Customs Deposit.
All printed matter, films, books, pictures, records, tapes, slides, movies, videos, compact discs, computer software, etc. are subject to censorship and confiscation and confiscation and therefore must be packed separately for easy access. The censorship process can take up to four weeks. These items must be packed separately for easy access. If a carton is suspected of containing prohibited goods the entire carton is kept in Customs for further scrutiny. Medicines will be retained at Customs until approved by the Ministry of Health.
Prohibited items will be confiscated, destroyed or returned to origin at the owner’s expense. Violators are subject to sever penalties, including possible jail terms.
It is advised to inquire with your Destination Agent prior to shipping if there are questions about your belongings.
Note: Bahrain Customs offices are closed Thursday & Friday for the weekend
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Required Documents:
- Passport – original, including photo page
- Residence Permit – Valid for 2 years, endorsed on the Passport
- Work Permit & Proof of Employment
- Insurance Certificate (if available)
- Customs Bond & Bank Guaranty
- Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
- Certificate from Arab Chamber of Commerce at origin
- Comprehensive Inventory in English – “Misc.” & “PBO” (packed by owner) not acceptable
Diplomat Status:
Foreign diplomats, members of government or international organizations are granted tax and duty free entry of their personal effects and household items. Diplomat’s presence is not required during Customs clearance; however Customs Authorities are authorized to make a survey at the residence. Note: Bahrain diplomats returning from their missions are not eligible for special status.
Required Documents:
- Diplomatic Franchise/ Duty Exemption Certificate – obtained through Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Passport copy
- Comprehensive inventory list in English
List Of Items
- Prescriptions & medication requires approval from Ministry of Health
- Jewelry requires an Import Permit
- Cordless telephones are subject to inspection by the Ministry of Information
- Video cassettes, DVD’s, CD’s and other media are subject to screening fees
- New items are dutiable & require original receipts
- Computers & all musical instruments including pianos are subject to duty
- Alcohol, tobacco and perfume products are subject to high rates of duty
List of items
- Narcotics/illegal drugs of any kind
- Pornography & any obscene material
- Political or religious literature offensive to Islam and/or the Government of Bahrain
- Products of Israeli origin or items related to Israel
- Explosives, ammunitions and weapons of any kind even ornamental, antique or toy guns
- Military uniforms or commemorative items
- Wireless transmitters, communication equipment, satellite dishes & remote control planes
- Cultured peals & items made of ivory
Importation admitted provided no symptoms or suspicions of infectious diseases are apparent and the import permit has been approved prior to arrival. Quarantine is required for all pets including birds for a period of one month. Owner must make own feeding arrangements during quarantine. Clearance takes 3 days; the owner’s presence is not required. Avoid scheduling your pet’s arrival for Thursday or Friday as these are weekend days.
Required Documents:
- Certificate of Vaccination – including rabies & distemper, must be in English and valid for 6 months from date of issue
- Health Certificate – must be in English, dated less than 10 days prior to arrival, issued by a licensed Veterinarian, must state no case of rabies has been reported within a radius of 20 kilometers from the place of origin during the previous 3 months and the pet is free of infectious or contagious diseases
- Import Permit – obtained from the Veterinary Quarantine in Bahrain prior to importation
Vehicles are subject to duties of at least 5% on either new or used vehicles. Customs reserves the right to assess the valuation. Vehicles must be left hand drive. Clearance will take 2-4 days. Vehicle must have the new insurance coverage and temporary plates prior to departure from seaport or airport.
Required Documents:
- Passport – original
- Certificate of Registration, Title and /or Export Certificate from point of origin
- Commercial/Purchase Invoice & Car Report
- BOL/AWB – original, with complete details of the vehicle
- Current Insurance Policy (for Bahrain)
- Residence Permit (valid for 2 years)