🇧🇭 Import Customs & Duties: Bahrain
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$270
Packages under $270, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
10%
CIF value + duty. Basic food, healthcare, and education exempt. Rate raised from 5% to 10% in January 2022.
Clearance Time
1-3 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 5% | 85 |
| Clothing | 5% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 5% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-5% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 5% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 5% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 5% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $270 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Bahrain Customs Affairs manages imports under GCC Common External Tariff, flat 5% on most goods, 0% on basic food staples, 100% on tobacco and alcohol. Electronic customs declarations via national single window system. Khalifa Bin Salman Port is main import hub.
What to Actually Expect
Small, efficient customs system. GCC flat 5% tariff makes calculations simple. Bahrain is relatively liberal for the Gulf, alcohol is available with licenses. Express shipments clear quickly, often same day. Religious holidays (Eid, Ramadan) may slow processing slightly.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Commercial registration required for imports. Restricted items: alcohol (licensed hotels/diplomatic), pork products (licensed outlets), pharmaceuticals (NHRA approval), weapons. BSMD conformity marks may be required.
Certificate of Origin
Issued by Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry. GCC-origin goods duty-free within GCC. Certificates may require legalization for some trade partners.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Bahrain:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $100 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $200 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $500 | $12 | $51 | $63 |
| $1000 | $37 | $104 | $140 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Bahrain
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Bahrain?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Bahrain is $270. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Bahrain?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Bahrain is 10%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Basic food, healthcare, and education exempt. Rate raised from 5% to 10% in January 2022.
How long does customs clearance take in Bahrain?
Typical customs clearance in Bahrain takes 1-3 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Bahrain?
To import into Bahrain, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Bahrain?
Bahrain prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.