Key Documentation for Importing Oil & Gas Equipment into Bahrain

Commercial Invoice

Detailed invoice outlining the transaction, including buyer and seller information, full description of oil and gas equipment, quantities, unit values, total declared value, and currency.

Bill of Lading (BOL)

Legal transport document issued by the carrier, detailing the type, quantity, weight, and final destination of oilfield equipment destined for Bahrain.

Packing List

Itemized list of all cargo, including number of packages, dimensions, gross and net weights, and packing method. Essential for customs clearance and inspections.

Certificate of Origin

Confirms the country of manufacture of the equipment. Must typically be attested by the Chamber of Commerce and legalized by the Bahraini Embassy or Consulate, when required.

Import License

Certain oil and gas machinery, particularly specialized, high-capacity, or regulated equipment, may require prior import authorization from Bahraini authorities.

Customs Declaration

Formal customs submission to the Bahrain Customs Affairs under the National Bureau for Revenue (NBR), providing full shipment details for clearance.

Technical Documentation

Specification sheets, operation manuals, conformity certificates, and engineering drawings. Required for customs inspections, safety verification, and regulatory approvals.

Insurance Certificate

Proof of cargo insurance covering loss or damage during international and domestic transportation.

Harmonized System (HS) Codes

Accurate classification of oil and gas equipment under the GCC HS Tariff Schedule, determining applicable customs duties, VAT, and statistical reporting.

Pro-forma Invoice

Preliminary invoice used for approvals, financing arrangements, or advance customs processing, especially for long-lead or project cargo.

Environmental and Safety Certifications

Documentation confirming compliance with Bahrain’s environmental, safety, and industrial standards, particularly for drilling, exploration, power generation, and offshore equipment.

Letter of Credit or Payment Terms Agreement

Financial instrument or contractual agreement outlining payment terms between buyer and seller, often required by banks and customs authorities.

Import Duties and Taxes Payment

Proof of payment for applicable customs duties and VAT (typically 10%), as administered by the National Bureau for Revenue (NBR).

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Compliance and Regulatory Requirements for Oil & Gas Equipment Imports into Bahrain

Registration with Bahrain Customs

Importers must be registered with Bahrain Customs Affairs and hold a valid Commercial Registration (CR) issued by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC).

Compliance with Bahraini and GCC Technical Standards

Imported oil and gas equipment must comply with GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) regulations, including requirements related to:

• Industrial safety

• Electrical conformity

• Emissions and environmental protection

• Hazardous materials handling

Engagement with a Licensed Customs Broker

Due to the technical nature of oil and gas imports in Bahrain, it is strongly recommended to work with a licensed local customs broker experienced in industrial, offshore, and energy-sector equipment.

Commercial Invoice (for Oil & Gas Equipment)

Exporter Information

Name and Address: Full legal name and registered address of the oilfield equipment supplier/exporter.
Contact Details: Phone number, email, and fax (if applicable).

Importer Information

Name and Address: Legal name and registered location of the oil & gas company or buyer in Bahrain.
Contact Details: Email and phone number for local coordination.

Invoice Number and Date

Invoice Number: Unique reference number for tracking and recordkeeping.
Date of Issue: Date the invoice was generated.

Purchase Order Number

Reference Number: Buyer’s purchase order number, if issued, for procurement and internal tracking.

Description of Goods

Detailed Description: Include part numbers, model numbers, serial numbers, pressure ratings, power specifications, material grades, and specific oil & gas application (e.g., offshore drilling, production, refining).
HS Codes: Accurate Harmonized System (HS) codes as per the GCC Customs Tariff (e.g., 8431.43 for drilling equipment parts).

Quantity and Unit of Measure

Quantity: Number of units per item.
Unit: Units, kilograms, meters, sets, etc.

Unit Price and Total Price

Unit Price: Price per unit for each item.
Total Price: Line-item totals and overall invoice value.

Currency

Type: USD, EUR, or other agreed currency, clearly stated.

Terms of Sale (Incoterms® 2020/2024)

Examples: CIF Khalifa Bin Salman Port, FOB Houston, DAP Bahrain, defining cost, risk, and delivery responsibilities.

Shipping and Delivery Information

Port of Loading / Destination:
Examples: Houston → Khalifa Bin Salman Port, Vancouver → Mina Salman Port
Estimated Shipping Date: Projected departure date.

Payment Terms

Method: Letter of Credit (L/C), Telegraphic Transfer (TT), Net-30, or as per contract.

Signature

Authorized Representative: Signature, printed name, and title of the exporter’s authorized signatory.

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Bill of Lading (BOL) for Oil & Gas Equipment

Shipper Information

Full name and address of the equipment exporter or appointed freight forwarder.

Consignee Information

Full details of the Bahraini buyer, EPC contractor, or licensed customs broker.

Carrier Information

Name: Shipping line or logistics provider.
Vessel Details: Vessel name and voyage number for sea freight shipments.

Description of Goods

Technical descriptions such as drilling risers, blowout preventers (BOPs), compressors, pumps, generators, matching the commercial invoice exactly.

Gross Weight and Dimensions

Accurate gross weight, net weight, and dimensions (CBM).

Freight Charges

Charge Terms: Prepaid or Collect, including responsible party.

Bill of Lading Number

Unique BOL reference number for shipment tracking.

Date of Shipment

Date cargo is loaded onboard the vessel or released to the carrier.

Terms and Conditions

Reference to carrier liability, applicable conventions (e.g., Hague-Visby Rules), and force majeure clauses.

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Packing List (Specific to Oil & Gas Equipment)

Exporter and Consignee Information

Full names and addresses, consistent with invoice and BOL.

Shipment Details

• Commercial Invoice number

• Bill of Lading number

• Shipment date

Itemized Contents

• Equipment descriptions and part numbers

• Intended oil & gas application (offshore, drilling, production, refining)

• Quantity and packaging type (crates, skids, pallets, steel containers)

Package Identification

Marks and numbers (e.g., SKID 1 of 4, CASE A), clearly visible on all packages.

Total Weight and Volume

Total gross/net weight and total cubic volume (CBM).

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Certificate of Origin (Oil & Gas Equipment)

Exporter and Consignee

Full legal details of both parties.

Goods Description

Technical description, HS codes, and type of oilfield equipment.

Origin Criterion

Statement confirming country of manufacture (e.g., “Manufactured in the United States of America”).

Certification

Authorized signature and stamp, typically issued by the Chamber of Commerce and legalized when required for Bahrain customs clearance.

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Key Considerations for Oil & Gas Imports into Bahrain

Technical Accuracy:
All descriptions must match manuals, datasheets, and nameplates to avoid customs delays or inspections.

Regulatory Compliance:
Equipment must comply with Bahrain and GCC standards, including safety, pressure vessels, electrical conformity, emissions, and hazardous materials regulations.

Language Requirements:
English is generally accepted; however, Arabic translations may be required for certain safety, environmental, or regulatory documents.

Importer Registration:
The importer must hold a valid Commercial Registration (CR) and be registered with Bahrain Customs Affairs under the National Bureau for Revenue (NBR).

Work with Experts:
Engage a licensed Bahraini customs broker experienced in oil & gas and project cargo to manage permits, VAT, duty payments, and compliance efficiently.