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  Bahrain Import Regulations
1. Local representation / agents and distributors agency legislation
2. Import controls
3. Insurance of imports from the Europe
4. Local representation / agents and distributors agency legislation
5. Standards and technical regulations
6. Labelling and packaging regulations
7. Export Controls
8. Documentation
9. Customs duties
 
  1. Local representation / agents and distributors agency legislation
 

Goods are usually sold through a local agent who has exclusive rights to the distribution and sale of the relevant product.

It is not obligatory to have an agent in order to sell products in Bahrain, although establishing new business works best with a carefully chosen Bahraini partner or advisor, who is able to keep in contact with customers, seek business and provide information on the latest market trends.

A 'commercial agency' exists wherever a foreign company appoints a Bahraini agent as the exclusive representative of its product or service.

This relationship is governed by local law. Detailed investigation by the importer is necessary in order to find a good agent.

 
  2. Import controls
  Lebanon has an association agreement with the European Union (EU) under which Lebanese industrial exports and some agricultural exports have preferential access to the EU market.
  For the latest available information about import duties, import control regulations, taxes, and other legislation in Lebanon affecting UE exports, please contact your commercial attache.
 
  3. Insurance of imports from Europe
  Any Public or private insurance offers protection to companies and institutions concerned about the risks arising from political instability in Lebanon. Cover only extends to damage to physical assets.
 
  4. Local representation / agents and distributors agency legislation
  An agent is advisable, at least in the early days of business in Lebanon, to help navigate the particular regulations within the market. In contrast with Syria where agency regulations are more flexible and less bureaucratic.

Bidding for government contracts normally requires an agent.
 
  5. Standards and technical regulations
  European standards often quoted in local contracts.

Many local companies obtaining ISO accreditation
 
  6. Labelling and packaging regulations
  Products (particularly food and medicines) must be clearly marked, stamped, branded or labelled, to indicate the country of origin.

Use of English is acceptable, but for added safety, bilingual or even trilingual language (Arabic and French) labelling is advisable, particularly if the product is aimed at the mass market.
  Providing information on :
  • country of origin,

  • Placement of identification data

  • Identification of the manufacturer

  • Product information

  • Standard quality disclosures

  • Ingredients

  • Date of manufacture

  • Date of expiry (no goods are permitted with an expiry date of less than six months).
 
  7. Export Controls
  The European Government maintains export controls to prevent the export of goods, including technology, for a variety of reasons including:
  • the collective security of the UE states and its allies in NATO

  • national security and foreign policy requirements

  • international legal obligations and commitments

  • non-proliferation policy

  • If goods or technologies are subject to UE governement export controls, a licence is required to gain the legal authority to export them.
 
  8. Documentation
  Shipments must be covered by a commercial invoice and as many copies as the importer may require. The exporter's nearest Chamber of Commerce must certify the invoice in the firm's country of residence. The invoice must also be legalised by the Lebanese Embassy in your country.
  One copy of the invoice should contain a declaration by the exporter clarifying the price and country of origin of the goods, along with a statement that the goods do not originate from Israel. Note also that the vessel must not have docked in an Israeli port. Goods not accompanied by the correct documentation are subject to fines.
 
  9. Customs duties
  Three systems of custom exemption are in operation:
  • temporary admission

  • industrial warehouse status

  • free zone entry
  Temporary admission
Goods should be covered by a bank guarantee for the required amount of customs duty; once the goods have been re-exported the guarantee is cleared.
  Commercial samples/temporary imports
Samples of no trade value are exempt from all duties.
  Parcel post import regulations
The custom's authorities may inspect parcel post. The parcel post should manifest the bill of lading number, number of the remittent, name of the addressee, product weight and value of the goods.