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UAE -Bahrain

Imports

Explore essential import guidelines in the Bahrain-UAE trade landscape, ensuring a smooth import process.

General Import Guidelines

Imports into Bahrain must comply with the country's customs regulations. This includes adhering to product classifications, obtaining necessary permits, and ensuring accurate documentation. Customs inspections are conducted to ensure compliance, requiring importers to provide clear, precise, and correct details for clearance.

Imports Required Documents

The following key documents are required for imports into Bahrain:

Commercial Invoice
Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
Certificate of Origin
Packing List
Import Permit (if applicable)
Customs Declaration Form
Health Certificate (for food and perishable items)

Import Mandatory Requirements

Importers or consignees must ensure that they are registered with Bahrain's Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism. For successful clearance, accurate information on shipment values, HS codes, and tariff classifications must be provided. Importers must also fulfill any special conditions for restricted goods, if applicable.

Duties Exemption

Bahrain

Certain industries and businesses, such as those operating in Bahrain’s Free Zones, can benefit from duty exemptions on machinery, raw materials, and packaging materials. Additionally, special exemptions apply to diplomatic and government-related imports.

UAE

The UAE provides duty exemptions for Free Zone imports, re-exports, and goods related to critical sectors like education, healthcare, and renewable energy. Imports of essential commodities, such as food and medicine, also qualify for reduced or exempted duties.

Leading Import Commodities

Bahrain

Petroleum Products
Machinery and Equipment
Foodstuffs
Chemicals
Vehicles

UAE

Electronics
Precious Metals and Stones
Machinery and Mechanical Appliances
Food and Beverages
Pharmaceuticals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main airports and seaports in Bahrain for cargo operations?

Bahrain International Airport and Sakhir Air Base are the main airports. Major seaports include Khalifa Bin Salman Port, Mina Salman Port, and Sitra Wharf Port. These facilities are equipped with advanced cargo handling systems and specialized storage, ensuring efficient processing of cargo.

What documents are required for importing goods into Bahrain?

Essential documents include the Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, Certificate of Origin, Packing List, Import Permit (if applicable), Customs Declaration Form, and Health Certificate for food and perishable items.

What are the customs duties and taxes for goods entering Bahrain from the UAE?

In Bahrain, customs duties typically range from 0% to 5%, with a standard VAT of 10% on most goods. Special duties may apply to alcohol and tobacco products. The UAE imposes customs duties ranging from 0% to 5%, with additional taxes such as VAT at 5%, excise duties, and import fees.

What are the leading import and export commodities between Bahrain and the UAE?

Bahrain's leading import commodities include petroleum products, machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, and vehicles. Export commodities from Bahrain include petroleum and petroleum derivatives, aluminum products, organic chemicals, textiles and apparel, and fisheries products. The UAE's leading imports include electronics, precious metals and stones, machinery and mechanical appliances, food and beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Exports include crude oil, natural gas, precious metals and stones, electronics, and aluminum products.

What are the payment methods and currencies used for trade between Bahrain and the UAE?

Payments are conducted through secure methods like bank transfers, Letters of Credit, and digital payment gateways, ensuring safety and traceability. The primary currencies used are the Bahraini Dinar (BHD) and the UAE Dirham (AED), both pegged to the US Dollar, which is also accepted for high-value transactions. Typical payment terms range from 30 to 60-day credits, with advance or staggered payments negotiated based on the trade agreement.