Country Guides
Bahrain
While this information is correct at posting, regulations, procedures and charges are subject to change. IAM does not accept liability for errors, omissions, inaccuracies or misinterpretations. This information does not purport to be provided or sanctioned by customs authorities of the country or territory concerned.
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Overview
Process Steps
3 stepsShare signed Customs Authorization form at least 7 days prior to vessel arrival
Port inspection prior to delivery (LCL and FCL)
Delivery after inspection / de-stuffing to truck
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Guide Details
Documents
Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.
- Copy of shipper’s passport
- Bahrain ID
- Customs Authorization
- Copy of packing list
- Rental Agreement or Property Address Card for stay in Bahrain in the name of importer
- Passport
- Bahrain ID
- Copy of packing list
- Customs Authorization
- Rental Agreement or Property Address Card for stay in Bahrain in the name of importer
- Passport
- Bahrain ID
- Residence permit copy
- Copy of packing list
- Customs Authorization
- Rental Agreement or Property Address Card for stay in Bahrain in the name of importer
- Passport Copy
- Bahrain ID
- Customs Authorization
- Copy of packing list
- Rental Agreement for stay in Bahrain in the name of importer
- MOFA Letter to Customs from the related embassy of importer
- Passport
- Bahrain ID
- Residence permit copy
- Copy of packing list
- Customs Authorization
- Rental Agreement or Property Address Card for stay in Bahrain in the name of importer
Duties & Taxes
Duty-Free Eligible: Yes (used HHGs duty free if owner has valid Residence Permit)
Duty-Free Conditions
- Owner has a valid Residence Permit
- Used household goods owned and used for at least one year prior to arrival
Duties Apply To
- New items: 5% customs duty
- VAT @10% on value + customs duty amount
Additional Notes: Old or new customs duty may apply on personal computers, piano, musical instruments, videos, food stuff.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited Items
- Food in big quantity.
- Medicines in big quantity.
- Contraband
- Alcohol and illegal literature, pornography
- Arms, ammunition, military articles and uniforms, medals
- Cash, jewelry, gold, precious metals, watches, stamp collections
- Batteries
- Products of Israeli origin or anything related to Israel
- Political and religious literature offensive to Islam
- Printed matter, films, books, pictures, records, tapes, slides, movies, videos, compact discs, computer software subject to censorship/confiscation.
Restricted / Dutiable Items
- Wireless transmitters and communications equipment
- Radio controlled toys
Inspection / Censorship Notes: Printed matter/media should be packed separately for easy access; subject to censorship and confiscation.
Importing a Used Personal Vehicle
Conditional
Under five years old (5 years and more not allowed)
Left-hand drive only
Taxes and Fees
- 5% customs duty + 10.25% VAT (total 15.25%) + legalization charge on CIF value
- Customs authorities reserve the right on valuation assessed by them
Required Documents
- Passport copy
- Valid Bahrain Residence Permit copy
- Valid CPR card copies
- Signed Customs Authorization letter
- Lease Agreement copy of residence in Bahrain
- Original export certificate / title certificate
- Bill of Lading
- Valid insurance copy
- Invoice
Special Categories
Importing Alcohol
- Allowed? Limited
Limit: 1 liter maximum per person (clients advised not to bring alcohol)
Taxes and Fees: 250% customs duty and possible confiscation, if exceeding limit
Required Documents
- Detailed inventory of all alcohol items being imported.
Importing Food Items
- Allowed? Limited
Notes: Allowed in limited quantities for personal use (nonperishable)
Need to know
FAQs
Frequently asked questions regarding importing household goods and personal effects.
Used household goods are duty free if owner has used the objects personally for at least one year in a foreign country. Duty is applicable for all new items: 5% of assessed value + VAT @10% on value and customs duty amount.
Items that have been owned and used for at least one year prior to arriving in Bahrain.
Shipper's presence is required in Bahrain for sea shipments only, but is not mandatory to be present in the port.
05 - 07 working days.
All shipments (LCL or FCL) are inspected at the port prior to delivery. Containers with personal effects are not allowed to be taken out; they must be de-stuffed and moved in trucks to consignee.
Not allowed in big quantity. One or two bottles may be allowed, but it slows clearance. Full duties and taxes may apply (almost 250% of value).
Allowed in limited quantities of nonperishable food for personal use.