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:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
When the following are shipped to Bahrain, they will be allowed entry
as a document shipment:
- Airline tickets
- Annual reports
- Brochures, catalogues, and price lists
- Business cards
- Cash letters
- Charts and maps
- Cheques
- Computer print-outs
- Credit cards
- Diplomas
- Drawings and graphs
- Driver's licence
- Gift cards
- Invitations and greeting cards
- Labels
- Magazines, newspapers, and periodicals
- Manuscripts
- Negotiable bonds and drafts
- Pamphlets and publications
- Passports
- Photographs
- Proposals and bids
- Seismic data
- Specifications sheets
- Traveller's cheques
- Visa applications
The following items can only enter Bahrain if they follow the
restriction listed:
| Document Type | Restriction |
|---|
| Advertising literature | Only if it does NOT advertise cigarettes |
| Envelopes | Must be blank |
| Event tickets (stage performances, concerts, and
football/soccer matches) | Only if they are NOT shipped from a printing company to an
organiser or sales office of an event |
| Examination papers | Maximum shipment weight of 50 kg |
| Forms | Must be blank |
| Intercompany mail | Must be for non-commercial purposes and the package must state
'Intercompany Mail' |
| Manuals | Only if they are of a technical nature |
| Newsletters | Only if they are for company use |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
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: 28 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: 28 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 |
Sources:
https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/nbrproduserdata/media/qyWGr0DdJunvVN3ExMmlsnaFyU2WOtOlCMcCHd6U.pdf
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
Sources:
https://www.gcc-sg.org/en-us/CognitiveSources/DigitalLibrary/Lists/DigitalLibrary/Customs/1435652105.pdf
https://www.bahraincustoms.gov.bh/ar/special-instructions-relocating-bahrain
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa
1411 Rd 4626
Manama
Bahrain
Phone: +973 1753 6270 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 5 Pairs | Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
| IN | $40.00 |
| 1 Each | Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
| CA | $478.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Food may be shipped to Bahrain from Canada as long as they have been
commercially prepared and are in unopened packages.
You May Ship
- Candy
- Chocolate
- Foodstuffs in unopened, commercially prepared packages
Do Not Ship
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
- Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description
or Remarks section (see sample)
- Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the
country
- You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
- Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sources:
https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2016/SPS/SAU/16_5161_00_e.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa
1411 Rd 4626
Manama
Bahrain
Phone: +973 1753 6270 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
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 |
Commercial samples are shipped to solicit sales and promote products.
Samples may be shipped to a recipient in Bahrain from Canada exempt
from duty and VAT providing:
- The shipment has a value of 50 BHD or less (about $160 CAD)
- The total value of all samples shipped in a calendar year is no more
than 1,000 BHD (about $3250 CAD)
Samples of foods and beverages given away at exhibitions and displays
may enter Bahrain exempt from duty and taxes if:
- They are supplied at no charge to the recipient
- They are clearly advertising samples and are of no commercial value
- They are consumed at the event
- The amount shipped is suitable for the size of the event
Commercial Sample Checklist
- A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
- Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the
General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
- The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has
permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Sources:
https://icdt-oic.org/RS_67/Doc/Biz_Guide_BH.pdf
https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/nbrproduserdata/media/qyWGr0DdJunvVN3ExMmlsnaFyU2WOtOlCMcCHd6U.pdf
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/about-us/legal-instruments/~/media/2D53E23AA1A64EF68B9AC708C6281DC8.ashx
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
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: 28 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 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)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
- An ATA Carnet if applicable
Sources:
https://bahrainchamber.bh/en/content/ata-carnet-home
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/about-us/legal-instruments/~/media/2D53E23AA1A64EF68B9AC708C6281DC8.ashx
https://iccwbo.org/media-wall/news-speeches/bahrain-prepares-to-implement-ata-carnet-system/
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: 28 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 |
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
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.bh/index.php/en/temporary-import
https://www.gcc-sg.org/en-us/CognitiveSources/DigitalLibrary/Lists/DigitalLibrary/Customs/1435652105.pdf
https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/nbrproduserdata/media/qyWGr0DdJunvVN3ExMmlsnaFyU2WOtOlCMcCHd6U.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
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: 28 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 |
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. ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of the article however, you can find
more information here: http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/ 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
Sources:
https://www.bahraincustoms.gov.bh/en/temporary-import
https://iccwbo.org/media-wall/news-speeches/bahrain-prepares-to-implement-ata-carnet-system/
https://bahrainchamber.bh/en/content/ata-carnet-home
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
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: 28 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 |
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.
Sources:
https://www.gcc-sg.org/en-us/CognitiveSources/DigitalLibrary/Lists/DigitalLibrary/Customs/1435652105.pdf
https://icdt-oic.org/RS_67/Doc/Biz_Guide_BH.pdf
https://www.customs.gov.bh/index.php/en/faq
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: 28 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 |
