How do you import a car from Japan to Bahrain, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
5% GCC customs duty on CIF, then 10% VAT on (CIF + duty) — combined effective burden about 15.5% of CIF. LHD only (RHD not registrable) and vehicles should be ≤10 years old.
Car import duty calculator for Bahrain
Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive. We do not convert steering. For Bahrain we can only source the limited left-hand-drive cars that come up at Japanese auctions, mostly European and American imports, so choice is narrow and prices are higher than for ordinary Japanese stock.
Bahrain is the smallest of the GCC states but punches above its weight in automotive demand — it has one of the highest car-to-population ratios in the world, and Japanese vehicles hold strong brand loyalty with Bahraini buyers who value reliability and competitive running costs. Bahrain drives on the right and applies GCC standards, so right-hand-drive Japanese domestic stock is not registrable. Bahrain's compact size means that once your vehicle clears port, delivery to anywhere in the country is straightforward.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Bahrain?
- Steering
- Left-hand drive only
- Age limit
- Used passenger cars generally must be ≤10 years old (relaxed in recent years from the previous 5-year cap). Classic/vintage cars older than 10 years may be allowed with prior permission. Bahrain drives on the right — LHD only.
- Inspection
- Vehicle examination / roadworthiness test at the General Directorate of Traffic before registration; GCC-spec compliance expected.
- Restrictions
- Right-hand-drive (RHD) vehicles cannot be registered — Bahrain is a left-hand-drive country like all GCC states. Salvage/rebuilt titles are problematic.
- Special rules
- GCC Common Customs Law applies (5% Common External Tariff). Bahrain introduced VAT in 2019 and raised it to 10% on 1 Jan 2022.
- Entry ports
- Khalifa Bin Salman Port (Hidd)
How do you import a car from Japan to Bahrain, step by step?
Check the import rules
Used passenger cars generally must be ≤10 years old (relaxed in recent years from the previous 5-year cap). Classic/vintage cars older than 10 years may be allowed with prior permission. Bahrain drives on the right — LHD only. Bahrain requires left-hand-drive vehicles, so ordinary right-hand-drive Japanese stock cannot be registered there.
Buy the car and obtain the export certificate
After purchase in Japan the car's registration is cancelled and an export certificate is issued. An English translation of it is needed for customs and registration in Bahrain.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Bahrain: Vehicle examination / roadworthiness test at the General Directorate of Traffic before registration; GCC-spec compliance expected.
Ship to Khalifa Bin Salman Port (Hidd)
Cars from Japan arrive at Khalifa Bin Salman Port (Hidd). Sea transit is about 22–32 days. The shipping line issues the bill of lading, which customs needs for the entry.
Lodge the customs entry and pay the taxes
A licensed clearing agent lodges the import declaration with the invoice, bill of lading and export certificate. Customs assesses GCC Customs Duty and VAT; the rates are in the duty table on this page.
Register the car
After customs release and payment of port charges, the car is registered and plated by Bahrain's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Bahrain charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| GCC Customs Duty | 5% | CIF value |
| VAT | 10% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
GCC Customs Duty
Rate: 5%. Charged on: CIF value.
VAT
Rate: 10%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
Bahrain is a GCC customs union member and applies the common 5% import duty on the CIF value of imported passenger vehicles. Bahrain introduced VAT at 10% (raised from 5%); the exact VAT treatment for imported vehicles and any associated registration and compliance fees depend on the car's category and declared value.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Bahrain?
Worked examples are not shown for this market. Use the calculator below with your own car.
How long does shipping take, and which ports?
| Port | Method | Transit (days) | Freight from (sedan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khalifa Bin Salman Port (Hidd) | RoRo or container | 22–32 | US$1,050 |
Which cars from Japanese auctions can be registered in Bahrain?
- Models and prices
Ford Explorer
Sold new in Japan with left-hand drive, so used Explorers turn up in Japanese stock from time to time.
- Models and prices
Porsche Cayenne
Some Cayennes were sold new in Japan with left-hand drive and resurface in Japanese used stock in small numbers.
- Models and prices
Cadillac SRX
An American SUV sold new in Japan with left-hand drive; examples appear in Japanese used stock occasionally.
- Models and prices
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Left-hand-drive S-Class cars sold new in Japan appear in Japanese used stock, mostly older examples.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Bahrain?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manama | Khalifa Bin Salman Port (Hidd) | US$90 | US$120 | 1 |
| Riffa | Khalifa Bin Salman Port (Hidd) | US$100 | US$130 | 1 |
| Muharraq | Khalifa Bin Salman Port (Hidd) | US$90 | US$120 | 1 |
| Isa Town | Khalifa Bin Salman Port (Hidd) | US$100 | US$130 | 1 |
How do you avoid scams when buying a car from Japan?
- Check that the exporter is a registered Japanese company: look up its corporate number and address, and prefer members of the Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association.
- Ask for the original auction sheet and, after purchase, the export certificate. Both name the chassis number, which should match the invoice.
- Pay only to a company bank account in the exporter's name, never to a personal account or a money-transfer agent.
AVON INTERNATIONAL company and licence details are on the About page, and the JUMVEA member list is public. JUMVEA (exporters association) · About AVON INTERNATIONAL · Is buying a car from Japan safe?
Frequently asked questions
- Can I register a right-hand-drive Japanese car in Bahrain?
- No — Bahrain follows Gulf LHD conventions and right-hand-drive vehicles cannot be registered for normal road use.
- What duty and VAT do I pay to import a car to Bahrain?
- Bahrain applies the GCC 5% customs duty on CIF, plus Bahraini VAT (currently 10%). Registration and compliance fees also apply.
- How long does it take to get a car from Japan to Bahrain?
- Ocean freight from Japan to the Gulf takes several weeks; customs clearance, inspection and local delivery add further time.
Car import duty calculator for Bahrain
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Estimate only. Duties are assessed by customs on arrival, freight rates move, and rules change. Check current figures before you buy.