1. Basic situation

The Kingdom of Bahrain (Bahrain for short) is an island country near the west bank of the Persian Gulf. Its capital, Manama, has a land area of 780 square kilometers. According to statistics from the International Monetary Fund, in 2024, Bahrain's GDP will be US$47.8 billion, a growth rate of 3.8%, its population is approximately 1.62 million, and its per capita GDP will reach US$29036. China and Pakistan have established trade relations since the 1950s. In 2024, China will be Bahrain's largest source of imports. The trade volume between China and Pakistan was US$1.48 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 15.1%. China's exports to Bahrain reached US$1.35 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 12.8%; China's imports from Bahrain reached US$130 million, a year-on-year decrease of 33.7%. China mainly exports mechanical and electrical products, high-tech products, clothing, etc. to Bahrain, and mainly imports organic chemicals, iron sand, etc. from Bahrain.

2. Automobile market situation

Bahrain is a left-hand-drive country with a car ownership of about 430 cars per thousand people. In 2024, Bahrain's automobile market grew by 19.4%, continuing five years of continuous growth. Judging from brand data, Toyota is still a popular brand, with a growth rate of 9%. This was followed by Nissan and Hyundai, with growth of 17.5% and 4.6% respectively. Lexus sales in Pakistan increased by 10.2%, and MG sales increased by 14%, ranking fourth and fifth respectively in the sales list. In terms of models, the Toyota Land Cruiser is a best-selling car, with sales increasing by 19.9%, followed by Toyota Hilux, with an increase of 39.3%, and Nissan Sunny, with an increase of 4.5%, ranked third in sales. Overall, China and Japan have become Bahrain's two major automobile importers, leading in both volume and import volume. China ranks first in terms of quantity, exporting 8978 cars to Bahrain, accounting for 25% of the total, with an export value of 50.2 million Bahraini dinars (approximately US$133 million).

2015-2024 New car sales in Bahrain in 2009

Bahrain mainly imports used cars through Bahrain Port. The main best-selling used car models in the region include Toyota Corolla, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Toyota Camry, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Mercedes-Benz GLK Class, Honda Accord, Mazda RX8, Nissan Navarra, etc.

3. Policies and regulations on used car import

1. Import policy Bahrain only allows the import of left-hand rudder vehicles. Due to the sharp increase in the price of used cars, the age of imported vehicles will be relaxed to 10 years according to the 2023 decision of the Bahrain Parliament. At the same time, imported vehicles must meet the following requirements:

● Imported vehicles require effective insurance

● The cargo owner must obtain a Central Population Registration (CPR) card through the employer's human resources department. After obtaining CPR, the cargo owner can obtain a temporary license plate

● Vehicle fuel tanks should not be full

● Cargo owners should obtain vehicle insurance directly from insurance companies

● If you do not have a residence permit, you will need to pay a deposit when customs clearance and shipping goods. The deposit will be refunded within approximately 2 weeks after the residence permit is stamped

2. Tax policy

Used cars imported into Bahrain are subject to an import duty of 5% of the CIF price.

3. Documents required for import

● Original or telex bill of lading (OBL)

● New car commercial invoice

● Insurance certificate

● Vehicle detailed information certificate provided at the customs port

● Certificate of ownership or export certificate from the country of origin

● Vehicle condition report

● Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Diplomat) No Objection Certificate (NOC)

● Residence permit is valid for at least 18 months (non-citizens)

Source: "China's Used Car Export Country Guide 2024"

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