Bahrain Daily Tribune, 11 April 2026: Bahrain has referred proposed amendments to the GCC Unified Customs Law to Parliament under Bahrain Decree No. 23/2026, seeking to simplify customs procedures and improve trade efficiency.

The draft amendments would ease the transfer of goods between customs points by reducing documentation requirements. Under the proposed new wording of Article 72 of Bahrain Decree No. 23/2026, goods moved from one customs office to another would no longer require a full customs declaration at the point of entry. Instead, transfers would be processed under documents and conditions set by the Director‑General, introducing greater administrative flexibility.

The bill also proposes duty exemptions for imports by the armed forces and security agencies, including equipment and vehicles, subject to official approval. These measures aim to support operational readiness while maintaining regulatory oversight.

The amendments align with decisions of the GCC Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee and will take effect once approved by Parliament and published in the Official Gazette. Authorities stated that the changes are intended to enhance customs efficiency, reduce delays, and facilitate smoother trade flows across GCC borders.

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