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1. GENERAL PRESENTATION:  1.1 General characteristics 1.2. General Information 1.3 Legal framework of trade relations*

  

2. TRADE STRUCTURE (1996):   2.1 Main imported and exported products 2.3 Trading partners

  

3. FOREIGN TRADE REGULATIONS:   3.1 Imports regulations 3.2 Exports regulations

  

4. FINANCIAL REGULATIONS OF FOREIGN TRADE OPERATIONS:   4.1 Banking system 4.2 Exchange system 4.3 Methods and means for international settlement

  

5. CUSTOMS TAXATION:   5.1 Applicable duties and taxes 5.2 Special provisions

  

6. FOREIGN TRADE LOGISTIC:   6.1 International transport 6.2 Telecommunications

  

7. USEFUL ADDRESSES: *

1. GENERAL PRESENTATION: 

1.1 General characteristics:

* Variable Dates

1.2. General Information

1.3 Legal framework of trade relations:

Bahrain is a member of the following international organizations:

World Trade Organization (W.T.O);

Organization of the Islamic Conference (O.I.C);

Gulf Co-operation Council

United Nations Organization (UN)

Economic and Social Commission for West Africa (ESCWA)

Bahrain is a member of the League of Arab States and signed economic and trade co-operation agreements with several countries, of which Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Turkey, China, India and Singapore.

2 TRADE STRUCTURE (1996): 

2.1 Main imported and exported products

2.3 Trading partners:

3 FOREIGN TRADE REGULATIONS: 

Customs barriers are customs tariffs fixed by the WTO.

3.1 Imports regulations

All products are subject to a detailed customs declaration made by the importer. The latter must have an authorization delivered by the trade register administration. He must also be a member of the Chamber of commerce of Bahrain. Products import require the authorization of the brand’s representati

The following products are prohibited or subject to restrictions: 

All obscene publications offending public decency, religion and traditions;

Arms and explosives;

Food products and beverages containing cyclamate.;

In spite of being packed in boxes, cigarettes and tobacco products must also bear a warning against the health damages of tobacco.

Licenses are required for the following products:

Horses;

Fresh eggs;

Slot machines.

The following documents are also required for imports:

A copy of bill of lading.

A delivery order issued by the carrier or its representatives

An original copy of the certificate of origin,

A copy of the insurance policy if goods are insured.

3.2 Exports regulations

Exports regulations are governed by a few formalities, the exporter must have: 

A registration number at the trade register delivered by the Ministry of trade;

A register number at the importer’s register issued by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bahrain;

A copy of the insurance policy of the concerned good;

4 copies of the bill of lading. The information in this document must include the overall weight along with measurements;

A certificate of origin in Arabic or in English delivered and certified by the Directorate of Customs and Ports of the Ministry of Finance and National Economy.

4 FINANCIAL REGULATIONS OF FOREIGN TRADE OPERATIONS: 

4.1 Banking system:

Bahrain is a regional financial center. The banking sector is among the most important economic sectors of the country. In Bahrain there are 17 commercial banks, 47 foreign banks, 22 investment banks, 38 agencies and 3 specialized banks

4.2 Exchange system:

There are no restrictions on exchange transactions made for the payment of imports 

The authority in charge of controlling exchange transactions is Bahrain Monetary Agency, but there is no legislation concerning this kind of control. 

Exchange authorization is valid for 360 days. 

The payment of an advance is allowed.

4.3 Methods and means for international settlement:

There are three methods for international settlement

Documentary credit

Check

Bank transfer.

5 CUSTOMS TAXATION: 

5.1 Applicable duties and taxes:

There are 5 products groups according to the rate applied for each product

5.2 Special provisions:

There is no particular tax 

Duties and taxes are imposed on an ad valorem basis; 

In 1983, customs duties on the imports of the products manufactured in the other GCC countries (GUL CO-Operation Council) were abolished; 

Samples that are not intended for sales are exempt from customs duties

6 FOREIGN TRADE LOGISTIC: 

6.1 International transport:

Maritime transport: Bahrain’s ports provide exceptional services

Capacity of receiving containers up to 50,000 tons/year;

Competitive tariffs for all services;

Long storage periods of containers;

Warehouses with a surface area of 115,000 square meters;

Facilities for ships maintenance.

The main port is Salmane Port

Land transport: Manama, the Capital is provided with a good road network. King Fahd Bridge, inaugurated in 1986 constitutes the main road which connects the country to Saudi Arabia.

Air transport: Bahrain international airport is 6.5 km North –East of El Manama, the capital. It is provided with banking service open round the clock.

6.2 Telecommunications:

There is only one Telecommunication Company in Bahrain; it provides a variety of services such as

A direct telephone connection and /or by fax with 156 countries and by telex with 216 countries;

A connection with international data bases;

A well developed telecommunication for banking operations.

Bahrain is the only Gulf country which uses numeric transmission in 90% of its network.

7 USEFUL ADDRESSES: