Importing Media To Bahrain: A Comprehensive Guide

Importing media to Bahrain requires careful consideration of the country's customs regulations and restrictions. Bahrain's customs regulations cover a range of items, from medicines and agricultural products to technology and media content. It is important to be aware of these regulations and any potential restrictions to avoid legal issues and fines. This is especially true when importing media, as certain types of content and technology are subject to specific rules and may require permits or special documentation. Understanding the tax and duty thresholds for different categories of items is also essential, as these can vary between product types and may change over time.

Required documents for media imports

To import media to Bahrain, you will need to complete a customs bill of entry before shipping your goods. It is strongly recommended that importers use a registered, licensed clearing agent to ensure import procedures are completed as quickly as possible.

The following documents are required for the importation of goods to Bahrain:

• Customs declaration form
• Shipping agent delivery order from the shipping agent line to the importer/consignee (with valid commercial registration)
• Three copies of the original invoices from the exporter addressed to the importer
• Two copies of the packing list with detailed weights, packaging, and goods classification for each individual item within the shipment
• Original certificate of origin from the relevant chambers of commerce of the country of origin of goods
• Copy of the insurance policy
• Original bill of lading (excluding land ports)
• Import permit/approval from the relevant authority for the importation of restricted goods
• Bank advice/guarantee (if applicable)
• A statistical declaration if the final destination of goods is within GCC countries

After submitting the customs declaration form using the eCAS Customs Clearing System, the procedure for customs clearance is as follows:

• Pay the duty and fees at the cashier desk in the customs point where the goods will be cleared
• Submit all the relevant documentation to the customs clearing officer at the customs point
• Pay the relevant cargo handling fees and make an appointment for the movement of the cargo at the port operator desk
• The port operator will move the container to the relevant inspection point
• Customs will risk assess the goods and an inspection may be carried out
• Goods will be cleared and allowed to leave the customs point

It is important to note that the list of restricted items changes frequently, so it is essential to check the official customs page before sending your goods. Some goods that are prohibited from being imported into Bahrain include narcotics, Indian paan and its derivatives, advertising material for cigarettes, and children's toy guns capable of firing projectiles.

Import restrictions on media

When importing media to Bahrain, it is important to be aware of the country's customs regulations to avoid legal issues and potential fines. Here is some information regarding import restrictions on media when entering Bahrain:

Printed Media

Printed publications, photographs, pictures, books, magazines, sculptures, and mannequins that contradict Islamic teachings, decency, or morality are prohibited. Seditious or treasonable material is also forbidden. These restrictions extend to all forms of media, including printed publications, photographs, and other visual content.

Audio-Visual Media

Optical and magnetic audio-visual media and items infringing upon intellectual property rights require a permit from the Ministry of Information Affairs. This includes items such as DVDs, CDs, and other physical media formats.

Telecommunications and Broadcasting Equipment

Telecommunications equipment, radio and television receiving and broadcasting devices, and wireless communication devices are restricted items. Importing such items requires a permit from the Telecom Regulatory Authority.

Import Procedures and Documentation

Importers or their local agents must complete a customs bill of entry before importing goods to Bahrain. It is highly recommended that importers use a registered, licensed clearing agent to facilitate the import process. The importer is responsible for submitting the customs declaration and providing the necessary documentation, including:

• Import customs declaration form
• Shipping agent delivery order
• Original invoices from the exporter
• Packing list with detailed weights and goods classification
• Certificate of origin from the relevant chambers of commerce
• Copy of the insurance policy
• Original bill of lading
• Import permit/approval for restricted goods (if applicable)
• Bank advice/guarantee (if applicable)
• Statistical declaration for goods destined for GCC countries

After submitting the customs declaration, the following steps must be completed:

• Pay duties and fees at the cashier desk in the customs point.
• Submit relevant documentation to the customs clearing officer.
• Pay cargo handling fees and schedule an appointment for cargo movement with the port operator.
• The port operator will move the container to the inspection point.
• Customs will risk assess and inspect the goods.
• Cleared goods will be allowed to leave the customs point.

Customs declaration form

To import media or any other type of goods to Bahrain, you must complete a customs declaration form. This is a crucial part of the import process and must be submitted along with other essential documents.

The customs declaration form can be completed using the eCAS Customs Clearing System. After submitting the form, you will need to pay the duty and fees at the cashier desk in the customs point where the goods will be cleared.

The customs declaration form is a detailed document that requires specific information about the goods being imported. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to complete the customs declaration form for importing media to Bahrain:

• Identification of the importer: Provide the name, address, and contact information of the individual or company importing the media.
• Description of the media: Clearly describe the media being imported, including the type (books, films, audio recordings, etc.), format (physical or digital), quantity, and any relevant details about the content.
• Value and quantity: Declare the value of the imported media in Bahraini dinars (BD) and the quantity or number of units.
• Country of origin: Specify the country where the media was produced or manufactured.
• Purpose of import: Indicate whether the media is for personal use, commercial distribution, educational purposes, or any other relevant reason.
• Shipping and transportation details: Provide information about the shipping agent, mode of transportation, and expected arrival date of the media.
• Customs codes and regulations: Identify any relevant customs codes or regulations that apply to the imported media. For example, media containing intellectual property may require additional permits.
• Declaration of restricted items: Declare any restricted items that may be included in the shipment, such as prohibited publications or media that contradict Islamic teachings, as outlined in Bahrain's customs regulations.
• Signature and date: Finally, the importer or their authorised representative must sign and date the customs declaration form to certify that the information provided is correct and complete.

It is important to carefully review the customs declaration form and ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date. Any errors or omissions may result in delays, additional fees, or even legal issues when importing media into Bahrain.

Import duties and taxes

Importing goods to Bahrain comes with import duties and taxes that you must understand before shipping anything to the country. Firstly, importers or their local agents must complete a customs bill of entry. It is strongly recommended that importers use a registered, licensed clearing agent to ensure import procedures are completed quickly.

The importer is required to submit a customs declaration form in addition to the following documents:

• Shipping agent delivery order from the shipping agent line to the importer/consignee (with valid commercial registration)
• Three copies of the original invoices from the exporter addressed to the importer
• Two copies of the packing list with detailed weights, packaging, and goods classification for each individual 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 the importation of restricted goods
• Bank advice/guarantee (if applicable)
• A statistical declaration if the final destination of the goods is within GCC countries

After submitting the customs declaration form using the eCAS Customs Clearing System, the procedure for customs clearance is as follows:

• Pay the duty and fees at the cashier desk in the customs point where the goods will be cleared
• Submit all the relevant documentation to the customs clearing officer at the customs point
• Pay the relevant cargo handling fees and make an appointment for the movement of the cargo at the port operator desk
• The port operator will move the container to the relevant inspection point
• Customs will risk assess the goods and an inspection may be carried out
• Goods will be cleared and allowed to leave the customs point

There are also charges levied by the import customs broker for filing the import customs clearance documents with the local customs authorities. This customs brokerage fee will be in addition to the customs duties and import VAT/GST applied to the imported goods.

The import duty and taxes are calculated based on the value of the imported goods and shipping costs. The taxable value is usually based on the value of the goods, but can also include other amounts depending on the valuation method of the country. Import duty percentages vary for each category of goods, ranging from 0% to 125%.

In Bahrain, goods that are imported are typically subject to a standard VAT rate of 5%, unless they are specifically exempt. Exempt items include basic food items, precious metals sold for investment, pearls, precious stones, prescribed medicines, and medical equipment.

Prohibited and restricted goods

When importing media to Bahrain, it is important to be aware of the prohibited and restricted goods to avoid any legal issues and potential fines. Here is some information on what constitutes prohibited and restricted goods when importing to Bahrain:

Prohibited Goods

According to the Bahrain Customs Handbook, the following items are prohibited from being imported into Bahrain:

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

Restricted Goods

Certain goods are restricted for import and require necessary permits from the Other Government Agencies (OGA) before importing. These include:

• Live wild animals, which require a valid certificate from the veterinary authority and a permit from the Ministry of Municipalities & Agriculture Affairs
• Animals, birds, and their derivative products, requiring a permit from the Ministry of Municipalities & Agriculture Affairs
• Meat, fish, and their derivative products, requiring a permit from the Ministry of Municipalities & Agriculture Affairs
• Fruit, vegetables, plants, and their derivative products, requiring a permit from the Ministry of Municipalities & Agriculture Affairs
• Radioactive chemicals and active isotopes, requiring permission from the Ministry of Health
• Food products and pharmaceuticals, requiring permission from the Ministry of Health
• Unadulterated ethyl alcohol and isopropanol, requiring a permit from the Ministry of Interior
• Handcuffs made from iron and steel, arms, ammunition, explosives, and military weapons, requiring a permit from the Ministry of Interior
• Magazines, publications, films, and videos, requiring a permit from the Ministry of Information Affairs
• Optical and magnetic audio-visual media and items infringing intellectual property rights, requiring a permit from the Ministry of Information Affairs
• Telecommunications, radio, and television receiving and broadcasting equipment, requiring a permit from the Telecom Regulatory Authority

Import Requirements and Documentation

In addition to prohibited and restricted goods, it is important to be aware of the import requirements and documentation needed for importing media to Bahrain. Importers or their local agents must complete a customs bill of entry before importing goods to Bahrain. It is recommended that importers use a registered, licensed clearing agent to facilitate the import process. The importer is required to submit a customs declaration along with the following documents:

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

After submitting the customs declaration, the importer must pay the duties and fees, submit the relevant documentation to the customs clearing officer, pay the cargo handling fees, and make an appointment for the movement of the cargo. Customs will then assess the goods and may perform an inspection before clearing them to leave the customs point.

Frequently asked questions