Bahrain is an archipelago of 103 small islands - both natural and artificial - that collectively are barely bigger than Singapore. Nonetheless, Bahrain has held a strategic position in the Persian Gulf for millennia. They once harvested the world's prettiest pearls, but later segued to the lucrative oil and gas industry, and then were the first of the region to diversify their economy to include banking and tourism.
Bahrainis have become eager e-commerce consumers - the highest of the Gulf countries. Predictions are that e-commerce revenue will only increase: Bahrain's population is young, highly computer literate, and has a 99% internet penetration rate. And as English is widely spoken and used, there is no reason not to do business from Canada.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Bahrain through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Bahrain. In case you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Bahrain
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 2, 2023
8:49 am
Isa Town, IT, BH
Delivered
Jun 1, 2023
7:18 am
Muharraq, MU, BH
In transit
May 31, 2023
9:03 pm
Riffa, RI, BH
International Clearance
May 31, 2023
8:14 am
Manama, MA, BH
In transit
May 31, 2023
12:17 am
Ottawa, OT, CA
In transit
May 30, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Bahrain before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
A gift shipment to Bahrain from Canada will be exempt from duty and VAT if:
Its value is 50 BHD or less (about $160 CAD)
It has been sent freely without any exchange of money; AND
In a calendar year, the recipient has received a total market value of gifts of BHD 1,000 or less (about $3250 CAD)
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
The shipment of a gift to an individual in Bahrain from an individual in Canada will not incur duty and VAT. The conditions of this shipment include:
The gift is free, i.e. supplied without payment or request
Has a value of 50 BHD or less (about $160 CAD)
NOTE:
The exemption only applies if in a calendar year, the recipient has received less than a total of BHD 1,000 (about $3250 CAD) in gifts.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipped from a business in Canada to a business in Bahrain is ineligible for a duty and tax exemptions. All shipments of this type, therefore, will be charged VAT and duty no matter of their value.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
The shipment of a gift from a business in Canada to an individual in Bahrain will incur duty and VAT charges regardless of its value.
Gift Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time
(see sample)
List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa 1411 Rd 4626 Manama Bahrain
Phone: +973 1753 6270
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If there are multiple gifts in one shipment, it may incur duty and taxes. Therefore, be sure to wrap and tag each gift separately to avoid charges.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa 1411 Rd 4626 Manama Bahrain
Phone: +973 1753 6270
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$39.99
1 Each
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
CA
$49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Personal effects may enter Bahrain from Canada exempt from customs duties providing:
The shipper is the owner of the goods
All the goods are used, and in an amount suitable for the household
The owner is moving to Bahrain for a period of at least 1 year
The shipment arrives within 6 months of the owner of the goods
NOTE: The duty exemption does not apply to tobacco products.
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time regarding students moving temporarily to Bahrain for the purposes of them studying there.
Non-Students
There is no information at this time regarding non-students moving temporarily to Bahrain, and shipping their personal effects.
Moving Permanently
For returning Bahraini citizens and foreign nationals coming to live permanently in Bahrain, personal effects may enter the country exempt from duties as long as they do not include tobacco products.
The following conditions are also required for a duty-free exemption:
The goods are personal and for the use of the household
The amount of goods are in line with the size of the family, i.e. they are in a non-commercial quantity
The term of residence in Bahrain is for a minimum of 1 year
The goods arrive in Bahrain within 6 months of its owner(s)
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
A detailed description of each item is provided
For those moving to Bahrain to work, evidence of a work or residence permit
Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa 1411 Rd 4626 Manama Bahrain
Phone: +973 1753 6270
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Commercial Sample Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Advertising Material
Advertising material may be shipped to Bahrain exempt from duty and taxes as a temporary import if it is to be displayed at events like:
Trade shows
Fairs
Exhibitions
Meetings
Symposia
Printed advertising materials may also enter Bahrain duty and tax free if they are distributed at no charge, they are of low value, and imported in suitable quantities.
Acceptable examples of print advertising include:
Catalogues and price lists
Calendars
Unframed photographs
Posters
Notices for a trade
Advertising Material Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' (see sample)
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa 1411 Rd 4626 Manama Bahrain
Phone: +973 1753 6270
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Equipment for repair may be shipped to Bahrain exempt from duty and taxes providing it has entered as a temporary admission.
The period of temporary admission is 180 days though it may be extended to a maximum of 365 days.
Items Under Warranty
Equipment shipped from Bahrain and repaired in Canada under warranty will be exempt from GST.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Equipment from Bahrain that is no longer under warranty and repaired in Canada will incur GST on the value of the repair as well as on any parts required for the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to Bahrain
Equipment sent to Bahrain from Canada for service and repair may enter the country as a temporary admission. This will exempt duty and tax fees from being charged for the repair work.
Temporary admission is allowed for 180 days; however, it may be extended up to 365 days.
Returning Repaired Product to Bahrain
Equipment sent to Canada for repair will be exempt from GST if the repairs were done under warranty; however, if there was no warranty, then GST will be charged.
Repair Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return
(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Bahrain or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa 1411 Rd 4626 Manama Bahrain
Phone: +973 1753 6270
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Goods shipped to Bahrain from Canada as temporary imports may enter exempt from duty and taxes for a period of up to 180 days. For certain circumstances, this time may be extended up to 365 days.
Typical goods shipped as temporary imports include:
Equipment for scientific tests or experiments
Equipment required for theatrical productions or concerts
Commercial samples destined for display at an exhibition
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Bahrain, you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice. More details are shown in the table.
Option #
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying
1
Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided)
High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2
Commercial Invoice
+
ATA Carnet
Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free.
Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, FedEx, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.
2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel in and out of the country.
It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.
NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet for items that frequently
travel in and out of the country and especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD
In addition to choosing option 1 or 2, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e., they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than 1 year in Bahrain
NOTE:
If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently
Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically cannot clear goods of a temporary nature)
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa 1411 Rd 4626 Manama Bahrain
Phone: +973 1753 6270
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 box
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
CA
$1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Permanent/Sold Goods
Goods sold and shipped to Bahrain will incur duties and taxes. However, occasional shipments to an individual Bahraini will be exempt from duty and tax if its value is less than BHD 100 (about $320 CAD).
Occasional Shipper
Goods sold on an occasional basis to Bahraini citizens will only incur duties and taxes if the shipment's value is above 100 BHD (about $320 CAD).
Regular Shipper
Goods sold and shipped to Bahrain on a regular basis require the recipient to be registered with the Chamber of Commerce of Bahrain. Therefore, we recommend that you consult a licenced customs broker before shipping sold goods to Bahrain.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa 1411 Rd 4626 Manama Bahrain
Phone: +973 1753 6270
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Bahrain. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Bahrain, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
No specific form is required, but generally includes information regarding:
The exporter, importer and transport company
Date of issue
Number of freight invoice
Type and number of packages
Contents of each package
Marks and numbers
Net weight, gross weight and measurements of each package
Prohibited & Restricted Imports
Goods that are prohibited will not be allowed entry into Bahrain. Restricted goods may enter Bahrain but will have to abide by quantity limits or other constraints.
Prohibited Items
Asbestos and goods
containing asbestos
Drones
Farmed pearls
Narcotics and drugs
Arms and ammunition
Ivory and items made from ivory
Toy guns
Weapons
Material offensive to religious and public morals
Restricted Items
Medical devices,
e.g. glucose monitor,
blood pressure monitor,
contact lenses
Duties and taxes on shipped goods to Bahrain are calculated on the CIF value of the shipment. The CIF value is the sum of the customs value plus insurance costs and freight charges.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
By calculating the CIF value of your shipment, you will be able to predict the duty and taxes owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
Bahrain has a threshold, or de minimis value, on shipments of 300 BHD or less (about $960 CAD). This means that for parcels for personal use, no duty or VAT is incurred below this value.
Currency
Bahraini Dinar BHD
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
BHD 300 (about $960 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
5%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
BHD 300 (about $960 CAD)
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Candy5%
Chocolate5%
Spirits and Wines125%
Tobacco100%
Books0%
Documents0%
Video Games & Consoles5%
Computers & Laptops0%
Tablets0%
Mobiles0%
Cameras5%
Accessories for Electronics0%
Coats5%
Beauty Products & Cosmetics5%
Jewellery5%
Shirts & Pants5%
Home Appliances5%
Toys5%
Sports Equipment5%
*For cigars, cheroots, and cigarillos: minimum charge of BHD 30/ kg (about $95 CAD/ kg)
*For cigarettes: minimum charge of BHD 20/ 1000 cigarettes (about $65 CAD/ 1000 cigarettes)
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to Bahrain from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2 months to complete the delivery.
