Includes the barriers (tariff and non-tariff) that U.S. companies face when exporting to this country.
Last Published: 2/12/2019

Trade Barriers

The Bahraini Government prohibits domestic production of alcohol and tobacco.  For health and religious reasons, non-GCC alcoholic beverage imports are assessed a 125 percent customs duty and non-GCC imported tobacco products are assessed a 200 percent duty. 
The following items are restricted and their import into the Kingdom of Bahrain is allowed only with a valid permit or approval document from the relevant regulatory authority:
  • Live wild animals (for circus only) - horses
  • 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 car
  • 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 intellectual property rights
  • Telecommunications, radio and television receiving and broadcasting equipment

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.