Legality Of Bahrain Shipments: What You Need To Know

When shipping to Bahrain, it's important to be aware of the country's import and export laws and regulations. Bahrain has a list of prohibited and restricted goods, and failure to comply with these regulations can result in delays or even rejection of your shipment. To avoid any issues, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements for the type of goods you intend to ship. This includes understanding the procedures for obtaining the necessary permits, inspections, and certifications. For instance, certain items like pharmaceutical products, beef, and poultry have specific requirements, such as health certificates and halal slaughter certificates. Additionally, legalization and authentication of documents may be necessary, depending on the nature of the goods and the requirements of Bahrain and the country of origin.

Bahrain's legalization process

The apostille is sufficient for use in member states of the Hague Convention, which currently has over 120 members. However, for countries that are not party to the Convention, consular legalization is required. Consular legalization is the process of authenticating or certifying a legal document by the diplomatic or consular mission of the destination country, so it is recognized by their legal system. This typically involves submitting the original document and any required copies or supporting materials to the respective consular office for verification and certification.

For educational documents issued in Bahrain, such as school reports, university degree certificates, and transcripts, to be recognized and valid abroad, they must undergo an authentication process through legalization. This usually starts with governmental agencies responsible for issuing these documents authenticating the original copies, which must bear a stamp and signature accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In terms of shipping goods to Bahrain, there are prohibited and restricted items. Prohibited goods include all types of narcotic drugs, used tires, advertisement material for cigarettes, remote-controlled model aircraft, toy guns, publications contradicting Islamic teachings, asbestos, and ivory, among others. Restricted goods, which require permits from Other Government Agencies (OGA) before import, include wireless communication devices, weapons, and ammunition.

Restricted items

When it comes to importing goods into Bahrain, it is important to be aware of the country's restrictions and regulations. Here is a comprehensive list of items that are restricted for import into Bahrain:

Items Restricted for Import

The import of certain items is controlled or restricted, meaning specific permission or approval from relevant authorities is required. Here is a list of such restricted items, grouped according to the relevant authority:

Items requiring approval from the Ministry of Municipalities and Agricultural Affairs:

• Live wild animals (for circus only). A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Interior and/or a Valid Certificate from a Veterinary Authority is needed for this.
• Birds and their by-products, meat and meat products, fish and seafood products, fruit and vegetables, animal or vegetable fertilizers, insecticides, and fungicides. An NOC from the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs is required for these items.

Items requiring approval from the Ministry of Health:

Food products (both processed and unprocessed) and radioactive chemicals and active isotopes. Permission from the Ministry of Health is necessary for these items.

Items requiring approval from the Ministry of Interior:

Unadulterated ethyl alcohol, isopropanol, pedestrian-controlled four-wheel mini cars, handcuffs made from iron or steel, arms, ammunition, explosives, and military weapons. An NOC from the Ministry of Interior is required for these items.

Items requiring approval from the Ministry of Information:

Magazines and publications, optical and magnetic audio-visual media, and items infringing intellectual property rights. An NOC from the Ministry of Information is needed.

Items requiring approval from the Telecom Regulatory Authority:

Telecommunications equipment, radio and television receiving and broadcasting equipment. An NOC from the Telecom Regulatory Authority is required.

Items Prohibited for Import

In addition to the restricted items, there are also items that are strictly prohibited from being imported into Bahrain:

• All types of narcotic drugs (e.g. marijuana, CBD oil, cocaine, heroin, etc.)
• Used and reconditioned tires
• Advertisement materials for cigarettes
• Radio/remote-controlled model aircraft (e.g. drone cameras)
• Children’s toy guns capable of firing projectiles
• Goods of Israeli origin or bearing Israeli logos/trademarks
• Seditious or treasonable material
• Printed publications, photos, pictures, books, magazines, sculptures, and mannequins that contradict Islamic teachings, decency, or are considered immoral
• Asbestos or items containing asbestos
• Raw ivory, ivory articles, and rhinoceros horn
• Any other items prohibited under Bahrain’s customs laws or other laws of the Kingdom

Prohibited items

When shipping items to Bahrain, it is important to be aware of the prohibited items that are banned from entering the country. The Bahrain Customs Handbook outlines a comprehensive list of goods that are prohibited from being imported into the country, which includes:

• All types of narcotic drugs, including but not limited to heroin, cocaine, hashish, and pills with drug effects.
• Indian paan (betel plant) and its derivatives.
• Used and reconditioned tires.
• Asbestos or items containing asbestos.
• Raw ivory, ivory articles, and rhinoceros horn.
• Advertisement materials for all types of cigarettes.
• Radio/remote-controlled model aircraft, including drone cameras.
• Children's toy guns capable of firing projectiles.
• Goods of Israeli origin or bearing Israeli trademarks or logos.
• Seditious or treasonable material.
• Printed publications, photographs, pictures, books, magazines, sculptures, and mannequins that contradict Islamic teachings, decency, or immorality.
• Any other items prohibited under Bahrain's customs laws or any other laws of the Kingdom.

It is important to note that the list of prohibited items may be updated periodically, and it is advisable to refer to the official website of Bahrain's Ministry of Interior - Customs Affairs for the most up-to-date information.

In addition to the prohibited items, there are also restricted items that require permission or approval from the relevant government authorities in Bahrain before they can be imported. These include items that need to be approved by various ministries, such as the Ministry of Municipalities and Agricultural Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Information, and the Telecom Regulatory Authority.

Commercial exports

In addition to the Certificate of Origin and Commercial Invoice, the exporter must provide the following documents:

• Three copies of the original invoices addressed to the importer
• Two copies of the packing list with detailed weights, packaging, and goods classification for each item within the shipment
• An original certificate of origin from the relevant chambers of commerce of the country of origin of the goods
• A copy of the insurance policy
• Original bill of lading
• Import permit/approval from the relevant authority for restricted goods
• Bank advice/guarantee (if applicable)
• A statistical declaration if the final destination of goods is within GCC countries

It is important to note that certain goods are prohibited from being imported into Bahrain, including narcotic drugs, used tires, advertisement material for cigarettes, and children's toy guns, among others. Some items are restricted and require a No Objection Certificate (NOC), valid permit, or approval document from the relevant regulatory authority. These include live wild animals, meat and meat products, and alcoholic beverages, which are assessed a 125% customs duty.

Document requirements

The documentation requirements for shipments to Bahrain depend on the type of goods being imported or exported. All shipments must comply with local laws, regulations, and international agreements, and certain goods are prohibited or restricted.

Prohibited Items

• Narcotic drugs (including marijuana, CBD oil, heroin, cocaine, hashish, and pills with drug effects)
• Used and reconditioned tires
• Advertisement material for cigarettes
• Radio/remote-controlled model aircraft
• Children's toy guns capable of firing projectiles
• Publications, photographs, pictures, books, magazines, sculptures, and mannequins that contradict Islamic teachings or decency, or promote immorality
• Seditious or treasonable material
• Asbestos or asbestos-containing items
• Raw ivory, ivory articles, and rhinoceros horn
• Any other items prohibited under the Kingdom of Bahrain's customs laws

Restricted Items

• Wireless communication devices
• Weapons and ammunition
• Books, audio, and video
• Ivory and ivory articles
• Fortified red meats
• Respiratory and gas masks
• Corrosives and radioactive material
• Lithium batteries
• Dry ice
• Perfumes
• Food, perishable items, organic and industrial waste, plants, and seeds
• Large items, such as agricultural equipment, vehicles, furniture, and carpet rolls
• High-value items, including jewellery, precious metals, antiques, fine art, gemstones, and currency
• Biological substances, including blood samples, live and dead animals, animal fur, human organs, and remains
• Alcohol and tobacco (some countries, like Saudi Arabia, have a complete ban on alcohol)
• Pornography
• Passports
• Endangered plants and species

Commercial Exports

Commercial exports to Bahrain require a Certificate of Origin, which must be signed, notarized, and certified by the secretary of state. A Commercial Invoice is optional but must be similarly signed, notarized, and certified if included. These documents can be authenticated by the US Department of State and legalized by the Embassy of Bahrain.

Frequently asked questions