Your ultimate guide to shipping from Thailand to Bahrain

The trade relationship between Thailand and Bahrain has flourished significantly in recent years, highlighted by a remarkable $342 million in trade exchange in 2022, a 10% increase from the previous year. As Thai products gain popularity in the Bahraini market, this growth underscores the importance of understanding the shipping process for e-commerce businesses to ensure smooth and efficient delivery. Although navigating the complexities of international shipping can be challenging, having the proper knowledge enables businesses to make informed decisions and streamline their logistics processes.

For e-commerce businesses importing goods from Thailand to Bahrain and looking to optimize their international operations, this blog will discuss various shipping options available, outline the factors influencing costs, and provide practical tips to enhance your shipping strategy. Whether you’re an exporter or importer, grasping the nuances of shipping methods, cost factors, and best practices will help you navigate the shipping process effectively and efficiently.

Shipping to Bahrain: Choosing the right path for your cargo

Air freight

Air freight is known for its speed, making it an ideal choice for time-sensitive cargo. Typically, air shipments from Thailand to Bahrain can be completed in 2 to 5 days, depending on the route and airline. This method is particularly advantageous for high-value, perishable, or urgent goods like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and fashion items. 

However, the convenience of air freight service comes with a higher price tag than other shipping methods, which can be a significant drawback for businesses with tight budgets or large volumes. The cost of air freight can be several times higher than sea freight, making it essential to evaluate the urgency of the shipment against the expense involved.

Sea freight

Sea freight is a cost-effective solution for bulk shipments and larger items, making it the preferred method for goods that are not urgently needed. Typically, sea freight from Thailand to Bahrain takes 20 to 30 days, depending on the port of departure and arrival. 

Primarily, there are two types of sea freight options: Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL). FCL is ideal for large shipments that can fill an entire container, while LCL is suitable for smaller loads that share container space with other shipments. Generally, sea freight is more economical than air freight, making it a practical method for businesses looking to manage international shipping costs effectively.

Courier services

Courier services like DHL Express provide a convenient and reliable option for smaller packages and express international deliveries. These services offer door-to-door delivery, eliminating the need for businesses to handle transportation logistics themselves. With the added benefit of comprehensive tracking capabilities, customers can monitor their shipments in real time, ensuring greater transparency and peace of mind. While courier services are perfect for urgent, smaller packages, they can be more expensive on a per-kilogram basis compared to sea freight, making them best suited for time-sensitive and high-priority shipments.

Freight forwarders

Freight forwarders are crucial in managing the shipping process, from coordinating transportation to documentation and customs clearance. They can streamline the logistics process using their expertise and networks, often leading to more efficient and cost-effective shipping solutions. 

Freight forwarders are especially beneficial for businesses without the resources or knowledge to manage complex shipping requirements independently. However, freight forwarders usually don't own freight, aircraft nor shipping containers so they may face capacity challenge.

Essential customs documentation for shipping from Thailand to Bahrain

Here are the essential export documents you will need to ensure smooth sailing through customs when shipping from Thailand to Bahrain:

• Commercial Invoice: The commercial invoice is an important export document required during the international shipping procedure. It is a detailed record of the transaction between the seller and the buyer and lists the products being shipped, their value, and the terms of sale.
  
  Other essential information required on a commercial invoice includes the seller's and buyer's details, a description of the goods, their quantities, unit prices, and the total invoice amount. 

• Packing list: The packing list goes along with the commercial invoice by providing a detailed breakdown of the shipment's contents. It typically includes information on the number of packages, their dimensions, weights, and a description of the items inside each package.
  
  This document is essential for verifying the accuracy of the shipment and facilitating efficient handling and inspection by customs officials. By offering a clear inventory of the contents, the packing list helps ensure that all items are accounted for and can speed up the customs clearance process.

• Bill of lading/air waybill: The bill of lading (B/L) and air waybill (AWB) are key transport documents that serve as proof of contract between the shipper and the carrier, but they are different based on the mode of transport. A bill of lading is a requirement for sea freight and functions as a receipt for the cargo and a document of title, which can be transferred to others.  
  
  An air waybill is issued for air freight and is a receipt of goods and a contract of carriage but does not confer title to the goods. Both documents are essential for the shipping process in Bahrain, as they facilitate the movement of goods and are required for customs clearance and delivery.

• Certificate of origin: The certificate of origin is a crucial document that verifies the country in which the goods were manufactured or produced. It is significant in international trade as it helps to determine the associated customs duties and tariffs based on the origin of the goods.
  
  This document can impact the overall cost of importing goods, as some countries have trade agreements that reduce or eliminate duties on products from specific origins. Therefore, ensuring the accuracy and authenticity of the certificate of origin is important for compliance and shipping cost management.

• Other documents: Additional documentation may be required to meet regulatory and compliance standards depending on the nature of the goods being shipped. For example, agricultural products often necessitate phytosanitary certificates to confirm that they meet health and safety regulations.
  
  Similarly, other items might require specific permits, licenses, or certificates depending on their type, such as certificates of authenticity for luxury items or hazardous materials documentation for dangerous goods. Researching and including all necessary documents is crucial to avoid delays and complications in customs clearance.

Tips for successful shipping from Thailand to Bahrain

• Proper packaging: Secure packaging is essential to protect your goods during transit, especially when shipping internationally. Proper packaging ensures that products are safeguarded from damage caused by handling, weather conditions, and the rigors of transport.
  
  Use sturdy, high-quality materials and ensure that items are cushioned adequately within the packaging. Consider using additional protective layers like bubble wrap or foam for fragile items. Moreover, proper labeling and clear identification of the contents also help to avoid mishandling and ensure your goods arrive in the best condition.

• Accurate documentation: Complete and accurate documentation helps in smooth customs clearance and to avoid unnecessary delays. Double-check that all required shipping documents, such as the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, are filled out correctly and match the shipment details.
  
  Inaccuracies or missing information can lead to customs hold-ups, fines, or even the return of goods. Ensure that each document is precise and consistent to facilitate a hassle-free international shipping process.

• Consider insurance: Purchasing insurance for your shipment is a wise precaution to protect against potential loss or damage. International shipping involves various risks, including theft, damage, and natural disasters. Insurance provides a safety net, offering financial compensation if your goods are lost, stolen, or damaged during transit. Assess the value of your shipment and choose a shipping insurance policy that covers potential risks adequately. This added layer of protection can give you peace of mind and help reduce financial loss.

• Utilize tracking: Taking advantage of tracking services can significantly enhance your shipping experience by providing real-time updates on the status of your shipment. Reliable courier services such as DHL Express provide tracking options that let you check the location and progress of your goods throughout their journey. This transparency provides peace of mind and enables you to address any issues, such as delays or misrouted packages.

DHL Express: Your reliable partner for Shipping to Bahrain

If you are seeking a dependable partner for shipping from Thailand to Bahrain, DHL Express is the ideal choice. Renowned for its expansive global network, DHL Express offers unparalleled expertise in international shipping, ensuring that your goods reach their destination efficiently and on time. Our comprehensive range of services is designed to handle all your shipping needs, from standard deliveries to express options. 

Moreover, with advanced tracking capabilities, DHL Express allows you to monitor your shipment in real-time, providing transparency and peace of mind throughout the process. For reliable, timely, and hassle-free international shipping solutions, contact DHL Express today and let their expert team assist with your logistics needs.