Alcohol regulations in Bahrain

Licences needed

Not permitted for commercial beverage alcohol production

Authority

Ministry of Health (scientific/medical research only)

Documents

not confirmed

Fees

not confirmed

Time to obtain

not confirmed

Who can import

Only licensed commercial distributors holding a specialized commercial registration and liquor import authorization (e.g., BMMI, African & Eastern, Gulf Cellars)

Licences or registrations

Import License and specialized Commercial Registration (CR) with alcohol trading activity

Authority

Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) and Bahrain Customs Affairs

Documents

Commercial Registration (CR), Customs Import Declaration, Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading / Airway Bill, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Certificate of Analysis

Fees

Standard CR and commercial activity fees (BHD 25 to BHD 1,000 depending on entity setup), plus standard customs clearance fees

Time to obtain

not confirmed

Required

yes

Process

Shipments and products must be pre-approved by the importer of record through the customs clearance and regulatory inspection systems, adhering to GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) technical standards and MOIC import regulations.

Authority

Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) - Directorate of Testing and Metrology, and Bahrain Customs Affairs

Documents and samples

Certificate of Analysis, Certificate of Origin, label packaging artwork, commercial documentation

Fees

not confirmed

Renewal

not confirmed

Time to obtain

not confirmed

Alcohol can only be imported by a small oligopoly of licensed corporate distributors. Personal passenger import allowance is restricted to 1 litre of spirits or 6 cans of beer for travelers aged 18 and older. Standard commercial shipments require commercial invoices, certificates of origin, bills of lading, and compliance certificates. Physical fiscal tax strip stamps are not required.

225% customs duty ad valorem on CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value for distilled spirits and alcoholic beverages (HS 2208)

Standard VAT rate of 10% calculated sequentially on the CIF value plus customs duty. Bahrain's selective excise tax (100% on tobacco/energy drinks, 50% on soft drinks) does not separately apply to alcohol, which is taxed primarily via the 225% customs tariff.

Off-trade retail is restricted to a small number of dedicated, licensed standalone liquor specialty stores operated by authorized distributors (e.g., BMMI, African & Eastern). On-trade sale is limited to licensed 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star hotels, licensed private clubs, and select approved tourist restaurants. Sales are forbidden on religious holidays (e.g., Islamic holidays, Ramadan) and restricted from selling to Muslims; public consumption and public intoxication are illegal.

Allowed via authorized distributor platforms (e.g., BMMI Shops, African & Eastern). Deliveries are restricted exclusively to private residential addresses, barred near schools or religious facilities, prohibited during Ramadan and specific religious holidays, and require age verification (21+) upon purchase and delivery.

Must conform to regional GCC/GSO food and beverage labelling regulations: mandatory declaration of product name, alcoholic strength by volume (% ABV), net volume, country of origin, producer and batch details, and ingredients/additives. Labels must not include religious symbols or violate Islamic cultural norms.

Strictly prohibited; alcohol advertising, public billboards, sponsorships, and local promotional media campaigns are banned across all domestic public media and outdoor spaces.

Regulated under regional standards set by the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) and adopted by the Bahrain Directorate of Testing and Metrology, defining categories (whisky, vodka, gin, rum, brandy) and standard minimum alcohol strength requirements (generally 37.5%–40% ABV for distilled spirits).

The Muharraq Governorate operates under local municipal bans prohibiting alcohol service in hotels and commercial venues; residential neighborhoods, school perimeters, and areas adjacent to mosques and places of worship nationwide are strictly dry.

• Continued enforcement of the 225% customs duty and standard 10% VAT rate on alcoholic beverage imports.
• Implementation and expansion of Bahrain Customs pre-arrival clearance and electronic declaration processing for commercial goods under Decree No. 23/2026.
• Strict maintenance of municipal restrictions preventing alcohol service in Muharraq and near residential or religious zones.

Foreign distillers cannot sell directly to the market and must secure distribution agreements with one of the few established licensed distributors (such as BMMI or African & Eastern). Given the high retail prices resulting from the 225% customs duty and 10% VAT, exporter opportunities center primarily on premium and super-premium spirits targeting affluent expatriates and hospitality venues.

• Bahrain Customs Affairs (Ministry of Interior)
• Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC)
• Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA)

1. PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries - Bahrain: Other Taxes (Customs Duty & VAT)
2. Bahrain Customs Affairs - Customs Tariff Search
3. Lexis Middle East - Customs & Excise Duties Bahrain
4. US International Trade Administration - Bahrain Country Commercial Guide: Import Tariffs
5. BMMI Shops Bahrain - Terms and Conditions & Home Delivery Rules
6. African & Eastern Bahrain - Delivery FAQ and Retail Conditions