Navigate Bahrain's customs regime — from classification to exemption.
HS code determination per GCC Common External Tariff. Standard rate: 5% CIF. Tobacco products: 100%. Alcohol: 125%. Some items: 0% (e.g., certain raw materials). Binding rulings available from Customs.
Transaction value method (primary). Deductive and computed methods for related parties. Royalties and licence fees — includable in customs value? Freight and insurance to port of arrival. First sale rule for multi-tier transactions.
Industrial projects — duty exemption on machinery and raw materials. EDB-approved investors — partial or full exemption. GCC-origin goods — 0% duty (with certificate of origin). Re-exports from bonded warehouse — no duty.
Import VAT (10%) is calculated on the customs value + customs duty. This means the effective tax on imports is higher than 15% (5% duty + 10% VAT on duty-inclusive value = ~15.5%). Import VAT is recoverable as input tax if goods are for taxable business use. We help optimize your customs and VAT position together.
We reduce your duty burden through classification and exemption strategies.
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