Bahrain has an open market environment, and a well-established business community, with a long and strong trading tradition. Bahraini companies are generally open to new business offerings – but obviously it helps to demonstrate a sound value proposition.
Import tariffs
In 2005, Bahrain became the first country to enter into an FTA with the US resulting in tariff free trade between the 2 countries.
Non-tariff barriers
Import restrictions: consolidated shipments are permitted. Charges collect and back-to-back shipments are permitted. Cigars and cigarettes promotional items are not permitted.
There is no universal import licensing system. However, imports of arms and ammunition, alcohol, pearls and jewellery, drugs and pharmaceuticals, and some electronic and camera equipment are restricted. Importers have to be members of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce, and be registered in the commercial registry (Ministry of Commerce).
The sale of pork and pork gods is controlled and can only be retailed in specially marked territories.
The import of cultured pearls is banned.
Labelling: outer containers must bear consignee's mark and port mark and should also be numbered (to accord with packing list) unless their contents can be otherwise readily identified. Country of origin must be also indicated. The name of the producer (supplier) must be shown on four sides of the packing case.
Labelling in Arabic is compulsory. Extra labelling in another language must be be identical to the label's details indicated in Arabic.
All imports must have a label indicating country of production. Labels on food products must indicate common or generic name, list of components, nutritional qualities, preparation and storage directions, name and address of manufacturer, packer and distributor, country of origin, production date, date of packing, expiry date, net contents, grade or quality and batch number.
Necessary documentation: commercial invoice; bill of lading; packing list; certificate of origin.
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