Customs Regulations in Bahrain

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

• Passport (original)
• Work Permit
• Residence Permit (valid for two years, endorsed on the Passport)
• Insurance Certificate
• Bank Guarantee
• Customs Bond
• Proof of Employment
• Inventory (a clear copy, detailed and in English) -- PBO "packed by owner" not acceptable
• Certificate from Arab Chamber of Commerce at origin

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

• CUSTOMER'S PRESENCE AT CUSTOMS CLEARANCE IS REQUIRED
• All shipments are 100% inspected
• Used household goods and personal effects are duty-free but subject to the owner obtaining a Residence Permit for a two year minimum. If a two year permit is unobtainable, shipment can be cleared upon payment of a customs deposit.

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

• New items (purchase invoices required, are dutiable)
• Tobacco, alcoholic and perfume products are highly dutiable
• Personal computers and all musical instruments including pianos are dutiable
• Videocassettes are subject to a screening fee
• Cordless telephones are subject to inspection by the Ministry of Labour
• Foodstuff is subject to a Health Inspection and dutiable

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Narcotic drugs
• Pornographic pictures, films, videos and literature
• Pearls
• Explosives
• Weapons, firearms, and ammunition (including decorative or toy items of this nature)
• Products of Israeli origin or anything related to Israel is banned and liable for confiscation
• Political and religious literature offensive to Islam and the Bahrain government is banned and liable for confiscation/prosecution
• Wireless transmitters, communications equipment and satellite dish antennas
• ALL PRINTED MATTER, FILMS, BOOKS, PICTURES, RECORDS, TAPES, SLIDES, MOVIES, VIDEOS, COMPACT DISCS, COMPUTER SOFTWARE, ETC. SUBJECT TO CENSORSHIP AND CONFISCATION (MUST BE PACKED SEPARATELY FOR EASY ACCESS)
• VIOLATORS SUBJECT TO SEVERE PENALTIES, including possible JAIL TERM
• If a carton is suspected to contain 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 require a check by the Ministry of Health

MOTOR VEHICLES

• Duty is applicable
• Documents required:
  • Invoice
  • Original passport
  • Current Insurance Policy (for Bahrain)
  • Residence Permit (valid for two years)
  • Certificate of Registration
  • Title of ownership

PETS

• Health Certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian at the place of origin abroad (This Certificate must be in English)
• Import License required