Prohibited and Restricted Imports
Customs regulations prohibit the following items from being imported into Bahrain:
- All types of narcotic drugs (marijuana and CBD oil, heroin, cocaine, hashish, pills having drug effects, etc.)
- Used and reconditioned tires
- Cultured pearls
- Advertisement material for all types of cigarettes
- Radio/ remote controlled model aircraft
- Children’s toy guns capable of firing projectiles
- Printed publications, photographs, pictures, books, magazines sculptures and mannequins which contradict Islamic teachings, decency, or immorality
- Seditious or treasonable material
- Asbestos or items containing asbestos
- Raw ivory, ivory articles and rhinoceroses’ horns
- Live swine
- Any other items, whose importation is prohibited under Kingdom of Bahrain customs laws, or any other laws of the country
The following items are restricted and their import into Bahrain is allowed only with a No Objection Certificate (NOC), valid permit, or approval document issued by the relevant regulatory authority:
- Live wild animals, including horses (excluding circus or performance animals)
- Animals, birds and their by-products
- Animal or vegetable fertilizers
- Insecticides and fungicides
- Meat and meat products
- Fish and seafood products
- Fruit and vegetables
- Plants
- Radioactive chemicals and active isotopes
- Food products (processed and unprocessed)
- Pharmaceuticals
- Medicines
- Unadulterated ethyl alcohol, iso-propanol
- Pedestrian-controlled four-wheel mini cars
- Handcuffs made from iron/steel
- Arms, ammunition, explosives and military weapons
- Magazines and publications
- Films and video
- Optical and magnetic audio-visual media
- Items infringing on intellectual property rights
- Telecommunications, radio and television receiving and broadcasting equipment
Specific Requirements related to imports of
- Pharma Products:
- The Bahraini government requires that pharmaceutical products be imported directly from a manufacturer with a research department and that the products be licensed in at least two other GCC countries, one of which must be Saudi Arabia.
- Drugs and medicines may be imported only by a drug store or pharmacy licensed by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) after approval by the Ministry of Health.
- Beef and Poultry products:
- All imported beef and poultry products require a health certificate issued by the country of origin, as well as a HALAL slaughter certificate issued by an approved Islamic center in the origin country which authenticates the Islamic standards for slaughtering animals and poultry.
- DG Cargo
- For all IMCO Class 1 cargo, the consignee must secure landing permissions from the Port Authorities, Public Security, and the Ministry of Interior prior to loading the shipment for Bahrain discharge.
- IMCO Class 7 Cargo (Radioactive Substances) landing permission for IMCO Class 7 cargo must be secured by the consignee from the Port Authorities and other relevant government authorities prior to loading the shipment for Bahrain discharge.
- For shipments with In Transit DG Cargo (IMCO Class 1 & 7), prior approval from the Port Authorities is mandatory. Each case will be assessed individually based on its specific circumstances.
Restricted Exports
For all scrap, exports related, approval must be obtained from the Supreme Council for Environment.
Weight Regulations
- The weight of each container must comply with the specifications indicated on its CSC plate.
- Direct delivery is mandatory for class 1 & 7 cargoes. All other IMCO class cargo is acceptable provided it complies fully with the IMDG Transportation Regulations.
- The terminal accepts break-bulk and heavy lift cargo subject to prior confirmation, which must be secured based on the provided cargo description, weight, lifting points, sketches, diagrams, and photographs. These details are required at least 48 hours before the vessel’s arrival.
- Max weight of OOG cargo SWL 65 tons / 100 tons with cargo beam.
