1. Commercial Invoice

   Details of the Transaction:
   Include full buyer and seller information, a clear description of the construction machinery or heavy equipment, country of origin, HS codes, and the total transaction value.

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   Bill of Lading (BOL)

   Legal Transport Document:
   Issued between the shipper and the carrier, detailing the type, quantity, weight, and destination of the construction machinery or equipment being shipped to Bahrain.

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   Packing List

   Itemized Shipment Details:
   A detailed breakdown of all shipped goods, including dimensions, gross and net weight, packaging type, and identification numbers for construction equipment or parts.

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   Certificate of Origin

   Proof of Manufacturing Origin:
   Indicates the country where the construction machinery or components were manufactured. This document is often required and must be certified by the Chamber of Commerce and, in some cases, legalized for Bahraini customs clearance.

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   Import License

   Licensing Requirement:
   Certain categories of construction machinery or equipment may require an import license or prior approval from relevant Bahraini authorities, depending on the type and intended use.

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   Customs Declaration

   Official Declaration:
   Submission of an import declaration through Bahrain Customs via the OFOQ electronic customs system, detailing shipment value, HS classification, and importer information.

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   Technical Documentation

   Specifications and Compliance Documents:
   Includes technical specifications, operation manuals, conformity certificates (e.g., CE, ISO), and safety documentation required for regulatory approval and customs clearance in Bahrain.

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   Insurance Certificate

   Proof of Cargo Insurance:
   Documentation confirming coverage against loss or damage during transit, especially recommended for high-value construction and heavy equipment.

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   Harmonized System (HS) Codes

   Correct Tariff Classification:
   Accurate HS code classification under the GCC Harmonized Tariff Schedule is required to determine applicable customs duties and taxes in Bahrain.

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   Pro-forma Invoice

   Pre-shipment Commercial Offer:
   Issued prior to shipment, outlining pricing, equipment specifications, delivery terms (Incoterms), and payment conditions for the construction machinery.

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   Environmental and Safety Certifications

   Regulatory Compliance:
   Documentation confirming compliance with Bahraini environmental, emissions, noise, and safety regulations. Certain machinery may require conformity assessment under GCC or Bahraini standards.

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   Letter of Credit or Payment Terms Agreement

   Financial Arrangement:
   Defines the agreed payment terms between buyer and seller, including letters of credit (LC), bank transfers, or other internationally accepted payment methods.

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   Import Duties and Taxes Payment

   Proof of Payment:
   Evidence of payment of applicable customs duties, VAT (where applicable), and any additional government fees required by Bahrain Customs prior to cargo release.

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   Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

   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.

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   Compliance with Bahraini Standards

   Imported construction machinery must comply with Bahraini technical, safety, and operational standards. Certain equipment may require type approval, conformity assessment, or inspection before clearance.

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   Engage with a Licensed Customs Broker

   It is strongly recommended to work with a licensed customs broker or clearing agent in Bahrain, particularly one experienced in construction and heavy equipment imports, to ensure smooth customs clearance and regulatory compliance.

Commercial Invoice

Exporter Information

• Name and Address: Full legal name and physical address of the seller/exporter

• Contact Details: Phone number, email address, and fax number (if applicable)

Importer Information

• Name and Address: Full legal name and address of the buyer/importer in Bahrain

• Contact Details: Phone number and email address for official communication

Invoice Number and Date

• Invoice Number: Unique reference number for the commercial invoice

• Date of Issue: Date the invoice is issued

Purchase Order Number

• Reference Number: Buyer’s purchase order number, if applicable, for tracking and reconciliation

Description of Goods

• Detailed Description: Full description of the construction machinery or heavy equipment, including:

  • Equipment type (e.g., excavators, bulldozers, cranes, loaders)

  • Brand, model number, and serial numbers

  • Condition (new or used)

  • Any distinguishing characteristics

• Harmonized System (HS) Codes: Correct HS classification for each item

Quantity and Unit of Measure

• Quantity: Number of units for each item

• Unit of Measure: Units, metric tons, cubic meters, etc.

Unit Price and Total Price

• Unit Price: Price per unit

• Total Price: Line total per item and grand total of the invoice

Currency

• Currency Type: Transaction currency (e.g., USD, EUR, BHD)

Terms of Sale (Incoterms)

• Incoterms: FOB, CIF, CFR, DDP, etc., clearly defining cost and risk responsibilities

Shipping and Delivery Information

• Port of Loading and Destination: Origin port and Port of Bahrain (Khalifa Bin Salman Port)

• Estimated Shipping Date: Expected shipment date

Payment Terms

• Payment Method: Letter of Credit (LC), wire transfer, open account, net payment terms, etc.

Signature

• Authorized Signature: Signature, name, and title of the exporter’s authorized representative

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Bill of Lading (BOL)

Shipper Information

• Name and Address: Party responsible for shipping the goods

Consignee Information

• Name and Address: Receiving party in Bahrain

Carrier Information

• Name of Carrier: Shipping line, airline, or transport company

• Vessel / Transport Details: Vessel name (ocean freight), voyage number, or flight number (air freight)

Description of Goods

• Goods Description: Must match the commercial invoice and include brand, model, and equipment type

Gross Weight and Dimensions

• Weight and Volume: Total gross weight and total volume of the shipment

Freight Charges

• Charge Details: Indicate whether freight is prepaid or collect and the responsible party

Bill of Lading Number

• Tracking Number: Unique BOL number for shipment tracking

Date of Shipment

• Shipment Date: Date cargo is loaded onto the vessel or transport unit

Terms and Conditions

• Legal Terms: Applicable carrier and transport terms and conditions

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Packing List

Exporter Information

• Name and Address: Exporter’s full contact information

Consignee Information

• Name and Address: Importer’s full details in Bahrain

Shipment Details

• Reference Numbers: Related commercial invoice and BOL numbers

• Shipment Date: Actual shipping date

Itemized List of Contents

• Detailed List: Each item or piece of construction equipment or parts, including:

  • Serial numbers

  • Model and brand

  • Quantity

  • Description

Package Identification

• Marks and Numbers: Package markings, crate numbers, or container numbers

Total Weight and Volume

• Weight: Gross and net weight per item and total shipment

• Volume: Total volume in cubic meters or equivalent

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Certificate of Origin

Exporter Information

• Name and Address: Exporter’s complete details

Consignee Information

• Name and Address: Importer’s complete details in Bahrain

Goods Description

• Product Details: Description of construction machinery or parts, including HS codes

Origin Criterion

• Country of Origin: Declaration confirming the country where the goods were manufactured or assembled

Certification

• Authorized Signature and Stamp: Issued and certified by a recognized Chamber of Commerce and, where required, legalized for Bahrain

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Key Considerations for Construction Equipment Imports to Bahrain

Accuracy

All shipping documents (commercial invoice, BOL, packing list, certificate of origin) must match exactly to prevent customs delays.

Language Requirements

Documents are generally accepted in English; Arabic translations may be required for certain regulatory or government approvals.

Customs Compliance

Work with a licensed customs broker or clearing agent in Bahrain experienced in handling construction and heavy equipment imports.

Technical and Environmental Compliance

Ensure equipment complies with Bahraini and GCC safety, emissions, and operational standards, especially for used machinery.

Importer Registration

The importer must:

• Be registered with Bahrain Customs Affairs

• Hold a valid Commercial Registration (CR) issued by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC)