BAHRAIN

Switzerland-Bahrain bilateral relations

Switzerland has had diplomatic relations with Bahrain since 1971.

Switzerland’s interests in the Kingdom of Bahrain are represented by the Embassy of Switzerland in Qatar. An honorary Consulate General is based in Manama, the capital of the Kingdom.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Paris is also responsible for Switzerland.

Economic cooperation

Bahrain is an important regional center that attracts Swiss financial circles. The two countries concluded a civil air traffic agreement in 1986, followed in 2004 by a convention against double taxation in the field of air and sea freight.

Contractual provisions

Customs Union: Bahrain, Katar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi-Arabien, United Arab Emirates Member of the Arab League. Use of the A.T.A. carnet.

Business languages

English.

Weights and measures

Metric system

Currency

1 Bahraini Dinar (BD) = 100 Fils. ISO code: BHD

Customs Tariff

GCC-based harmonized system

Import control

Importer must be registered. Licensing system: main import ban for goods from Israel i.e. “Black List” goods. Import licenses are required for only a few goods, e.g., alcoholic beverages, drugs, narcotics, methyl spirit. A number of goods are still subject to import bans. The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce advises placing orders through local dealers and not importing through agencies in other countries. Imported goods must have a “Bill of Entry” (“accompanying and shipping papers”). There are no known currency restrictions.

Payment terms and offers

It is usual to prepare irrevocable letters of credit with order confirmation to the bank concerned also for new transactions. Otherwise D/P Billing: €, US $.

Indications of origin

Origin data are required for all goods.

Marking/labeling

Normal trade-level marking requirements must be in English. Additional details of the port of discharge and receiving country are required. Do without a gulf marking, so far only “Arabian Gulf” must be used. Self-adhesive labels should be avoided. Attention should be paid to special labeling indications on drugs and food, in case ask the importer.

Original data and packaging

Use of ISPM No. 15 standards for wooden packaging. It is advisable to choose impact-resistant and waterproof packaging.

Patterns and samples of goods

Samples without commercial value are exempt from customs. Carnet A.T.A. should be used for samples to be exhibited and goods for trade show.

Shipping and accompanying documents

There is a ban on boycott declarations. As a consequence there is that the Chamber of Commerce can no longer legalize trade documents if discriminatory formulas are used. Shortcuts through notaries and courts or administrative offices must also be ruled out. Positive formulas must be used. All documents must be in Arabic or English. a) Invoices 3 English copies, detailed data with country of origin (in case of Swiss origin “Switzerland” or other country if applicable), legalized by the Chamber of Commerce (submit 4 copies). At the bottom of the invoice the following statement should be made, “We certify that the goods exported to Bahrain are of pure national origin of the . . . . . . . . . . (data of origin), name of manufacturer: (name of manufacturer).” Positive statements with similar content-if they do not conflict with the anti-boycott ordinance-can be accepted. Commercial invoices must be signed. Facsimile signature is not sufficient. b) Certificates of origin: 1 to 2 copies. For goods of Swiss origin, “Switzerland” or other country if applicable should be indicated. The same statement should be left on the back as on the invoice (see above) legally binding (entry in trade register) to be signed. Legalization through the Embassy of Bahrain. Forward in addressed and stamped envelope, size C 4. Cash payment of the amount by check to be credited. c) Order bills of lading allowed with a notification address. d) Postal consignments: packages: international parcel card; maximum weight 20 kg, 2 foreign parcel cards customs content declaration (English and Arabic). e) Detailed packing list (2 copies).