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Exporting and Importing to Bahrain
With its booming tech ecosystem, strong government support for innovation, and strategic position in the Gulf, Bahrain is quickly rising as a tech and trade hub in the MENA region. But navigating import compliance—especially in a highly regulated market—requires more than just ambition.
Tax
Up to 15%
Duty
Up to 5%
Lead Times
4-5 Weeks
Trade Restrictions
N/A
Best Carrier Option
Courier or Freight Forwarder
Non-Working Days
Friday, Saturday, Islamic and Public Holidays
Prominent Language
Arabic
Why Import to Bahrain?
Bahrain may be small in size, but it’s making big moves in the digital world. The government has rolled out bold initiatives like a nationwide 5G network and a “Cloud-First” policy to position the country at the forefront of digital transformation. Major global players like AWS and Microsoft are already investing in local infrastructure—signaling that the future of tech in Bahrain is bright.
For international companies, this translates to high demand for:
IT hardware and infrastructure
Cybersecurity solutions
Cloud and data center equipment
AI and machine learning technology
eCommerce platforms and digital payment solutions
But with opportunity comes complexity. If you’re unfamiliar with local regulations, importing into Bahrain can quickly become a costly, time-consuming challenge.
Population
1.65 M
Biggest Industry by Export
Petroleum
Capital City
Manama
Biggest Industry by Import
Machinery and Mechanical Appliances
Bahrain’s Import Compliance Landscape
While Bahrain is considered one of the most open economies in the MENA region, it still maintains strict import procedures to ensure compliance and safety. Here are a few things you need to know:
Customs Duties:
Bahrain applies a Common External Tariff (CET) on most goods imported from outside the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). However, goods originating from GCC countries and certain FTA partners (like the US, Singapore, and the UK) may be duty-free.
Restricted Items:
Telecommunications, broadcasting equipment, and certain tech-related goods may require import permits from Bahraini authorities.
Documentation Requirements:
- Original certificate of origin from an accredited chamber of commerce
- Import permit for restricted goods
- Copy of insurance policy
While some products for development projects and transshipments may be imported duty-free, the paperwork must be precise, complete, and in compliance with local regulations.
Top Trading Partners of Bahrain
North America
United States of America (USA)
Asia
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
IOR Services in Bahrain | Why You Need an Expert Partner
Being the Importer of Record in Bahrain means more than just getting goods through customs. You’re legally responsible for ensuring compliance with all local import laws and regulations. That includes paying duties, handling documentation, and ensuring proper product classification.
If that sounds daunting—it is.
At TecEx, we specialize in providing IOR services in Bahrain, so you don’t have to take on that burden. We act as your in-country legal importer, assuming all responsibilities for compliance and customs clearance.
That includes:
- Accurate pre-compliance checks
- Full DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping services
- All regulatory approvals
- End-to-end visibility and tracking
As your dedicated Importer of Record (IOR) in Bahrain, we make importing to this exciting destination fast, compliant, and stress-free. From complex customs paperwork to reliable last-mile delivery, we handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on growing your business.
Bahrain Export Landscape | Growing Beyond Oil
Traditionally known for its exports of aluminum and petroleum products, Bahrain is working to diversify. The country is fast becoming a regional re-export hub for technology, especially in products like mobile phones, computing equipment, and even four-wheel drives.
There’s a growing opportunity in:
- Exporting fintech services to the wider MENA region
- Re-exporting high-demand electronics to Asia and Africa
- Partnering with Bahraini firms to create innovative cross-border tech solutions
Whether you’re importing goods for sale or for re-export, TecEx ensures your compliance at every stage of the process.
Bahrain EOR Services | What’s the Difference?
While IOR services help you import hardware, our Bahrain EOR (Exporter of Record) services help you export goods from Bahrain with the same level of efficiency and compliance.
Need to ship out used or end-of-life IT equipment? Looking to manage a cross-border return or re-export? Our EOR services cover it all, seamlessly and legally.
Ready to Import to Bahrain?
If you’re planning to import into Bahrain, whether it’s for your next cloud rollout, data center expansion, or fintech solution—make sure you do it right.
Let us handle the regulatory red tape so you can focus on your bottom line.
