What is Bahrain's de minimis import threshold?

Bahrain's de minimis threshold is set by Bahrain Customs Affairs; verify before shipping.

Is VAT or GST charged on imports into Bahrain?

VAT 10% (raised from 5% in January 2022). Applied to imports plus customs duty under GCC Common External Tariff (5% MFN baseline).

Who is the customs authority in Bahrain?

Bahrain Customs Affairs — https://www.bahraincustoms.gov.bh/.

What categories of goods are restricted from importing into Bahrain?

Restricted categories include: Firearms / ammunition (Ministry of Interior permit); Pharmaceuticals (NHRA permit for personal imports above 90 days); Currency over USD 16,000 (declaration).

What is prohibited from importing into Bahrain?

Prohibited categories include: Narcotics and psychotropic substances; Pork products (importer must hold separate licence — non-Muslim retail channels only); Materials offensive to Islamic values; Counterfeit branded goods; Pornographic material; Israeli-origin products (residual GCC boycott — relaxed since Abraham Accords 2020).

IMPORT DESTINATION

Importing Into 🇧🇭 Bahrain

CUSTOMS AUTHORITYBahrain Customs Affairs

STANDARD VAT10%

DE MINIMIS (USD)US$0

De Minimis Threshold

THRESHOLD (USD)

US$0

LOCAL CURRENCY

Commercial parcels assessed at value

Shipments below this value may enter without customs duty. VAT may still apply depending on local rules.

Bahrain applies the 5% GCC Common External Tariff on all commercial parcels. 10% VAT applies on top of customs duty (raised from 5% in January 2022).

As of: 2023-01-01

VAT / GST on Imports

10%

STANDARD VAT / GST RATE

Applied on the customs value (CIF — cost, insurance, freight) plus any applicable duties.

Required Documentation

#	Document
01	Customs declaration form
02	CPR / passport for residents
03	NHRA permit for prescription medications above 90-day supply
04	Cash declaration for amounts over USD 16,000

Requirements vary by shipment value, HS chapter, and origin country. Learn about each document type →

Restricted Import Categories

⚠Firearms / ammunition (Ministry of Interior permit)
⚠Pharmaceuticals (NHRA permit for personal imports above 90 days)
⚠Currency over USD 16,000 (declaration)

Prohibited Import Categories

✗Narcotics and psychotropic substances
✗Pork products (importer must hold separate licence — non-Muslim retail channels only)
✗Materials offensive to Islamic values
✗Counterfeit branded goods
✗Pornographic material
✗Israeli-origin products (residual GCC boycott — relaxed since Abraham Accords 2020)

Special Notes

01Bahrain participates in the Abraham Accords; commercial trade with Israel has normalised post-2020 — goods declared as Israeli-origin clear normally.
02King Fahd Causeway connects to Saudi Arabia; GCC residents drive across daily. Alcohol carriage from BH to KSA is illegal; both directions screen baggage.
03Bahrain joined the GCC VAT framework with a 5% rate in 2019, raised to 10% in January 2022.