VI.  TRADE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS

Customs Valuation

Customs duties are five percent of foodstuffs and non-luxuries, ten  percent
on general luxuries, 20 percent on cars, 50 percent on cigarettes and tobacco,
and 125 percent on alcoholic drinks.  No tax or duty is payable on imports of
raw materials or semi-manufactured goods for manufacture, on imports required
for development projects, transshipments or re-exports.


Import Licenses

Import licenses are issued only to locally-established companies (including
foreign-owned companies.)  For imports, Bahraini Customs requires commercial
invoices in duplicate in Arabic or English; a certificate of origin in Arabic
or English (produced by a Chamber of Commerce and endorsed by an Arab
Embassy); a copy of insurance policy, if applicable; and bills of lading (four
copies), including gross weight and dimensions.  All imported beef and poultry
products require a health certificate from the country of origin and a halal
slaughter certificate issued by an approved Islamic center in the country of
origin.  Import of irradiated food products is prohibited.


Labelling, Marking Requirements

Food labels must have production and expiry dates, country of origin, name of
manufacturer, net weight in metric units, and a list of ingredients and
additives, if any.  All fats and oils used as ingredients must be specifically
identified on the label.  Labels must be in Arabic or Arabic and English.
Bahrain strictly enforces labeling requirements.  Small quantities not meeting
requirements may be approved for import on a per case basis, for test
marketing purposes.


Prohibited Imports

Private importation of all types of weapons is generally prohibited, except
under special license, and only one private company if authorized to import
explosives.


Standards

Imported and exported goods are classified according to the Standard
International Trade Classification (SITC), Revision 1.