Bahrain's Strict Food Importation Rules And Banned Items

Bahrain is a small island state near the western shores of the Persian Gulf. Its cuisine is a mixture of Arabic, Persian, Indian, Balochi, African, Far East, and European influences. However, there are restrictions on the import of certain food items into the country. The main authority in charge of the import and export of goods in Bahrain is the Ministry of Interior - Customs Affairs, which has established customs border points at all major entry points to monitor the movement of goods. While some items are banned for import, others are restricted and require permission from relevant authorities.

Narcotic drugs, e.g. cocaine, heroin, etc

Narcotic Drugs

All types of narcotic drugs are prohibited from being imported into Bahrain. This includes but is not limited to cocaine, heroin, hashish, and pills with drug effects. Marijuana and CBD oil are also included in this category. The Kingdom of Bahrain has also recalled or removed several medications, such as Ranitidine-containing medicines, Esmya 5mg tablets, and various other tablets and injections.

The Pharmaceutical Products Regulation Department (PPR) of the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) is responsible for ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of pharmaceutical products in Bahrain. This includes medicines, health products, and alternative or complementary medicines.

It is important to note that the Bahraini government has specific requirements for importing pharmaceutical products. They must be imported directly from a manufacturer with a research department, and the products must be licensed in at least two other GCC countries, one of which is Saudi Arabia. Additionally, drugs and medicines may only be imported by a drug store or pharmacy licensed by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) after obtaining approval from the Ministry of Health.

Tobacco products and advertising materials

In Bahrain, tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship are banned. This includes all media channels such as television, radio, newspapers, and magazines. The ban also addresses tobacco advertising and promotion at points of sale, prohibiting the display of brand slogans, brand boxes, and price tags. Free distribution of tobacco products, promotional discounts, and offers are also prohibited.

Since the introduction of the tobacco control law in 2009, there has been vigilant monitoring to ensure compliance with the ban. To address challenges in enforcing the ban on social media and during sporting events, additional decrees have been issued. A ministerial decree in 2011 specifically targeted tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, prohibiting all forms of sponsorship and eliminating tobacco promotions from sports events.

Bahrain has proposed a new law that aims to completely ban the import of herbal and non-herbal tobacco alternatives due to concerns about potential health and environmental risks. The proposed legislation includes severe penalties for violators, including imprisonment and fines ranging from 1,000 to 100,000 Bahraini dinars. It also grants the court the authority to order the closure of establishments involved in the illegal import or distribution of these products.

In addition to the ban on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, Bahrain has implemented other tobacco control measures. For example, all tobacco importers and manufacturers are required to disclose information about product contents to governmental bodies, and health warnings are implemented on tobacco packs. There are also public awareness programs and events such as World No Tobacco Day to promote cessation and raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco.

Overall, Bahrain has made significant efforts to control tobacco use and enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, achieving a high level of compliance.

Alcohol and alcohol-containing products

Amount Restrictions

Passengers aged 18 and over are permitted to bring a limited quantity of alcohol into Bahrain for personal use. The duty-free allowance for alcoholic beverages is typically restricted to 1 litre of hard liquor or 3 litres of alcoholic beverages per person. This amount is considered exempt from customs duties as long as it is not for commercial purposes.

Customs Regulations

Alcohol brought into Bahrain must be in the possession of an individual of legal drinking age, which is 18 years or older. It is important to ensure that the alcohol is for personal consumption and not for commercial use. Luggage containing alcohol should be accompanied by the traveller and not be part of regular imports by frequent travellers or air crew members.

Duty and Taxation

Exceeding the duty-free allowance for alcohol may result in additional duties and taxes. The duty rate on alcohol in Bahrain is significantly higher than on other goods. For example, as of 2016, the duty rate on alcohol was 225%, while for most other goods, it was only 5%. Therefore, bringing in larger quantities of alcohol will incur substantial additional costs.

Restricted Imports

Certain types of alcohol-related items are restricted for import into Bahrain. Unadulterated ethyl alcohol and isopropanol are listed as restricted items that require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Interior. This means that while these items can be imported, specific approval from the relevant authority is necessary.

Prohibited Items

It is important to note that while alcohol is permitted in limited quantities, there are other alcohol-related items that are strictly prohibited from being imported into Bahrain. These include:

• Indian paan (betel plant) and its derivatives
• Cultured pearls
• Advertisement materials for cigarettes
• Radio/remote-controlled model aircraft
• Children's toy guns that can fire projectiles
• Goods of Israeli origin or bearing Israeli logos or trademarks
• 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
• Live swine

Additional Considerations

When travelling to Bahrain with alcohol, it is essential to be mindful of the cultural and religious sensitivities in the country. Islamic teachings and local customs play a significant role in shaping the regulations surrounding alcohol. It is advisable to familiarise yourself with local laws and customs to ensure compliance and avoid any potential issues.

Meat and meat products

To bring meat and meat products into Bahrain, you will need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs. This applies to all meat and meat products, including fresh/frozen meat and meat products, such as beef, veal, goat, lamb, mutton, and pork.

All imported meat and meat products must also meet specific requirements. Firstly, they must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the country of origin. Additionally, a Halal slaughter certificate is mandatory. This certificate must be issued by an approved Islamic centre in the country of origin, confirming that the meat has been slaughtered according to Islamic standards.

The packaging and labelling of meat and meat products must also comply with specific regulations. For example, packaged meat must have bilingual labels in Arabic and English. The production (slaughtering or freezing) and expiration dates are mandatory only on shipping containers for institutional packaging. The date format must follow the Day/Month/Year convention for products with a shelf life of 3 months or less. For longer shelf lives, either the Day/Month/Year or Month/Year format is acceptable. The dating should be in numeric format and bilingual (English/Arabic).

It is important to note that the Certificate of Islamic Slaughter, confirming that the meat has been slaughtered according to Islamic principles, must be included on the label. This certificate must be endorsed by a Bahrain Consul and accompany all shipments.

Food products from certain countries

In 2022, Bahrain imported food products from several countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Turkey. However, there are restrictions on food products from certain countries. For example, goods of Israeli origin or bearing Israeli logos or trademarks are prohibited from being imported into Bahrain.

Additionally, all imported beef and poultry products, regardless of their country of origin, must meet specific requirements. These include a health certificate and a halal slaughter certificate issued by an approved Islamic centre in the country of origin. The certificates authenticate the Islamic standards for slaughtering animals and poultry.

It is important to note that the import of food products, both processed and unprocessed, is regulated by the Ministry of Health in Bahrain. Importers may need permission from the Ministry of Health for certain food products.

To ensure a smooth import process, importers are advised to use a registered and licensed clearing agent. This helps ensure that all import procedures are completed efficiently and in compliance with Bahrain's regulations.

Frequently asked questions