Importing a car

Bahrain is a popular destination for expats to live and work in. Many expats move to Bahrain from other Gulf or Arab regions, while others come from as far abroad as Australia and South America. They are all employed in different sectors of the work environment. Some are single, some come with families. There is definitely a very diverse range of people that live in Bahrain. And all these people have different needs with everything that comes with being an expat, even their transportation.

Many people will come to Bahrain and rely on the public transport such as taxis and busses. Others will want to purchase a brand new or used vehicle when they arrive in the Kingdom. Some people will opt to import their vehicles into the Kingdom. Those that choose this option have a few procedures to follow. Luckily the Bahraini government has a comprehensive website with procedures on how to do this.

Before you decide to import your vehicle weigh up the pros and cons. For example, if you do not plan to stay in Bahrain for a long period of time then importing and then exporting the same or a different vehicle may not be worth the hassle or the money. Also ensure that you are familiar with the prices of vehicles before choosing to import as you may be able to find the same type of vehicle for a much lower price.

However, if you have decided to import your car into Bahrain, this is what you will have to do:

Documentation Requirements

In addition to submitting an Import Customs Declaration Form (CDF), you must provide the following:
1. Traffic Technical Inspection (Clearance Certificate must be included)

2. Obtain Inspection License Plate from Traffic Department at the Port which requires the following:
• Export License Plate
• A copy of the vehicle details prepared by the Customs Port
• Vehicle insurance certificate
• Identification Card

Importation Procedures and Customs Laws

1. Demurrage charges are accounted for when the vehicle is left within the Customs Points premises.

2. Customs duty is collected based on the invoice or on the valuation price determined by Bahrain Customs

3. Vehicles may be collected only by the owner or an officially authorized party.

4. U.S manufactured vehicles imported directly from the USA are exempted from customs duty.

5. Vehicles are exempted from customs duty in the case that a genuine reconciliation is available and is approximately equal to the invoice value or valuation price.

6. An authorization certificate is required from the General Directorate of Traffic when importing four-wheel tractors and two-wheel motor cycles.

Note
When importing through the sea port or air cargo, a delivery order, bill of lading and a clearance certificate must be included with the customs declaration; only then should the General Directorate of Traffic be approached in order to obtain an authorization certificate.
Demurrage charges at the sea port are collected by the General Organization of Sea Ports.
For more information visit the Bahrain customs website by clicking here>>