Documentary requirements
Commercial invoice
No prescribed form. Two copies are required by customs. The customer should advise the number of additional copies. The top copy must be an original. Photostat copies are considered original if they are stamped 'Original', and bear the original official stamp and signature of the exporting company. Fax copies are not acceptable.
The commercial invoice must contain accurate descriptions of the goods, country of origin, marks and numbers, rebates and discounts, and the name and address of the manufacturer. It is important that details of the CIF value and gross and net weights of each separate commodity (especially on mixed consignments) should be provided by the exporter on invoices and shipping documents to enable the importer to clear the goods.
The commercial invoice must bear the following certification: 'We hereby certify that the goods enumerated in this invoice are not if Israeli origin nor do they contain Israeli material and are not being exported from Israel.' It must include an endorsement to the effect that all particulars given in the invoice are true and correct, and must state whether it was prepared by the manufacturer or by the exporter.
Certification by an Arab representative may be requested; if so, follow importer's instructions.
Bill of lading
To Order bills are acceptable.
Goods may be consigned directly to Bahrain or In Transit, in which case, the words In Transit must appear on the lading document if the destination of the goods is beyond Bahrain. Some merchants may require all documents to be stamped In Transit, in which case, the words In Transit should be entered in the Leading Marks column. Bahrain should be entered as the port of delivery.
Freight charges must be prepaid for CIF invoices (Incoterms 1990) or else a separate invoice for freight must be included, to enable collection prior to clearance of the goods.
The CCCN heading must be included on at least one copy of the bill of lading.
Packing list
A packing list is not compulsory but it facilitates clearance.
Certificate of origin
One copy is required. This must indicate: country in which the goods were manufactured, the name of manufacturer or supplier and that no material of Israeli origin was used in their manufacture and that they are not being imported from Israel.
It must be certified by an approved authority prior to consular legalisation.
Insurance
Normal commercial practice. However, insurance must be arranged with a company with no Israeli connections.
Weights and measures
The metric system.
Public health requirements
The import of animals and animal products, plants and plant products (including seeds, fruit and vegetables) require health certification from an approved authority in the country of origin. In Australia this is usually the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS), Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry or relevant state department of agriculture. Livestock also requires prior permission from the Bahrain Government.
Only licensed merchants may import food, drugs or pharmaceuticals. A certificate of freesale may also be required. These certificates are issued by the approved authority in the country of origin, (proving that the product is allowed to circulate in that country). In Australia the issuing body is generally either the Therapeutic Goods Administration or the National Registration Authority for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals.
The import of products containing phenylbutazone and oxyphenbutazone is prohibited.
Imported food products must be accompanied by a certificate, issued by a 'reliable authority', stating that the products contain no cyclamates.
Air shipment
Original, printed, signed, legalised invoice is required clearly mentioning the manufacturer's name, country of origin, harmonised commodity code, packing list, purchasing terms.
The commercial invoice (one original + two copies) duly signed showing specific name, address and country of manufacture with description of goods and showing terms of purchase.
Certificate of origin is also required, if available.
Legalisation is required. Commercial invoice and Certificate of Origin is to be legalised at the Bahrain Embassy in the Country of Origin. If the Bahrain Embassy is not available, legalisation can be done at any Arab embassy. There will be a fine if legalisation is not done.
Limited pre-inspection facilities and Transhipments / transit are available at the Bahrain ports of entry, subject to restrictions applied as per IATA Rules Books for Bahrain.
Ocean shipment
The following shipping documents should be forwarded at least 72 hours prior to the arrival of shipments to Bahrain:
- Original carrier master bill of lading
- One full set of house bill of lading
- Freight invoice (if any freight collection at Bahrain)
- One set of freight/cargo manifest (cargo destined for Bahrain only)
Carrier master bill of lading should show the shipper name and consignee name (destination agent's name). House bill of lading should show full style address of the actual consignee in Bahrain (with contact details) prompt dispatch of cargo arrival notices.
All cargo documents must show the following details clearly:
- Correct address of consignee / notify party (not bank's address or to order only)
- Number of packages
- Weight and measurements
Original, printed, signed, legalised invoice is required clearly mentioning the manufacturer's name, country of origin, harmonised commodity code, packing list, purchasing terms.
Legalisation is required. Commercial invoice and Certificate of origin is to be legalised at the Bahrain Embassy in the country of origin. If the Bahrain Embassy is not available, legalisation could be done at any Arab Embassy. There will be a fine if legalisation is not done.
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