Shipping from Spain to Bahrain

What you need to know

Customs

Yes. Export declaration in Spain and import clearance with Bahrain Customs Affairs, through the OFOQ single window.

Documents

• Commercial invoice with description, value and tariff code, and a packing list.
• Export declaration (DUA) filed with the Spanish Tax Agency, which generates the MRN; the exporter needs an EORI number.
• Commercial invoice in English or Arabic, certified by the Chamber of Commerce. Legalisation at the Embassy of Bahrain is only mandatory if the importer asks for it.
• Certificate of origin from the Chamber of Commerce if the product does not bear a permanent origin marking, if a regulatory body asks for it or if customs has doubts about the origin. In some cases a legalised invoice showing the correct origin is enough.
• The invoice must include insurance. If it does not, customs adds 1% to the value to calculate the duty.
• Labelling in Arabic (or Arabic and English) for food, medicines and cosmetics.

Taxes at destination

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) common external tariff, normally 5% on the CIF value and higher on tobacco and alcohol. VAT of 10% on the customs value plus the duty (September 2026). Excise taxes of 100% on tobacco and energy drinks and 50% on soft drinks.

Agreement with the EU

There is no trade agreement in force. EU-Gulf Cooperation Council negotiations have been suspended since 2008. Of the Gulf countries, the EU has only resumed negotiations with the United Arab Emirates (2025).

Transport

Air freight and express courier service. By sea, since 28 February 2026 the conflict in the region has almost closed the Strait of Hormuz: shipping lines reach Bahrain by alternative routes (unloading in Oman or at Khor Fakkan, then by lorry), with variable transit times and surcharges. We confirm this in each quote (September 2026).

Cargo airports

BAH · Bahrain (Muharraq)

EU sanctions

No EU restrictive measures (sanctions) apply to Bahrain. For certain sensitive goods, the contract must include the 'no re-export to Russia' clause of Article 12g of Regulation (EU) 833/2014.