+1 781-491-0874
Home
Duties and Taxes
Bahrain

HELP CENTER

Bahrain Import Duties & Taxes Explained

Shopping from US retailers and shipping to

Bahrain

?

Here's what you'll pay in import duties,taxes, and handling fees — plus how Stackry helps you keep costs predictable before you checkout.

Overview

A 5% customs duty is paid when shipping items to Bahrain. It is important to note that when shipping to Bahrain using the Stackry service and you select Aramex as your shipping carrier, VAT is collected by Stackry and paid before the shipment is sent.

Your questions answered

Q1.

Do I need to pay VAT to Stackry before my Aramex shipment is sent to Bahrain?

Yes, for Aramex shipments to Bahrain, you are required to pay VAT to Stackry before your shipment is sent.VAT is charged at 5% and is calculated on the total of: Customs declared value+ Freight charges + Insurance costs

Q2.

How much is customs duty in Bahrain?

Customs duty in Bahrain is 5% for most consumer goods when your shipment exceeds BHD 300 in CIF value. U.S.-made items may qualify for 0% duty under the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement with a valid Certificate of Origin.

Q3.

What is the VAT threshold limit in Bahrain?

There is no official VAT threshold limit in Bahrain. VAT at 10% is generally charged on all shipments entering Bahrain, though very low-value items may be waived at customs' discretion.

Q4.

How is the VAT calculated on my shipment?

VAT is charged on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) plus any customs duties or excise taxes you have already paid. This ensures the tax applies to the total landed cost of your package.

Q5.

Can I get a 0% duty rate on items bought in the US?

Yes, many products manufactured in the U.S. may qualify for 0% duty under the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement if a valid Certificate of Origin is provided. This can significantly reduce your total import costs.

Q6.

Are there any fixed fees I should expect when my shipment clears customs?

Yes, non-GCC imports usually incur a BHD 3.500 Customs Stamp (Bayan) fee and a BHD 10.000 X-Ray fee for high-value shipments over BHD 300. These are standard processing charges applied by Bahrain Customs Affairs.

Q7.

Will my carrier charge extra fees for handling customs clearance?

Carriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS typically charge a Disbursement or Brokerage Fee for paying taxes on your behalf, starting around BHD 5.000. These fees vary by carrier and the amount of duties paid.

Q8.

Is there a minimum value below which I pay no taxes in Bahrain?

There is no official statutory VAT de minimis, meaning most personal shipments are assessed for VAT regardless of value. However, customs may occasionally waive fees for very low-value items at their discretion.

Q9.

Can Bahrain Customs change the declared value of my items?

Yes, Bahrain Customs reserves the right to re-value goods if they believe your declared invoice value is too low compared to market rates. Accurate declaration helps avoid unexpected delays or additional charges.

Q10.

How much are taxes in Bahrain?

Bahrain applies 10% VAT and typically 5% customs duty to your shipment, with a BHD 300 threshold for personal imports. Expect additional carrier fees around BHD 13.50 for customs stamp and X-ray processing on shipments exceeding the threshold.

Helpful Resources

The links below are external references to official Bahrain government sources. We recommend reviewing them for the most accurate and up-to-date information on taxes and duties for Bahrain.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended as a general overview of customs duties, import taxes, and related processes. It is not comprehensive and may not reflect the most current regulations.We recommend checking official customs or government sources to confirm the exact rules, charges, and requirements before making any purchasing or shipping decisions.While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee its completeness and are not responsible for any discrepancies or inaccuracies.

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for?

Contact Stackry customer support and our team will help.

Contact Customer Support
HOW TO GUIDES

Product Shipping Guides

POPULAR BRANDS

Shop the Brands Stackry Customers Love

We're proud to partner with