Bahrain has introduced targeted restrictions on Pearl Millet Flour, Pearl Millet Products, and Pearl Millet-based Food Items through formal notifications.
Bahrain Restricts Imports of Pearl Millet Products
A range of food items made from pearl millet are now subject to new import controls.
What changed
Imports restricted for Pearl Millet Flour, Pearl Millet Products, and Pearl Millet-based Food Items.
Specific HS codes targeted, including 110290, 100821, 100890, 100820, 100829, and 100810.
Product scope includes items like cookies, bread, and porridge made from pearl millet.
Who it affects
Importers of pearl millet goods must ensure their products comply with the new restrictions.
Bahraini customs authorities will enforce the controls on the specified HS codes.
Key dates
Regulation Analysis: Bahrain’s Restrictions on Pearl Millet Flour and Products
Bahrain has introduced targeted restrictions on Pearl Millet Flour, Pearl Millet Products, and Pearl Millet-based Food Items through a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-coordinated technical regulation notified under the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). The restrictions apply specifically to flour derived from pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum L.) varieties "souna" and "sanio" and are motivated by human health and safety concerns1. The regulation is part of a broader GCC initiative, with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) serving as the lead agency for implementation and enforcement1.
Key Requirements and Compliance Framework
| Regulation | Key Requirement | Deadline/Threshold | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| G/TBT/N/BHR/758 | Applies to pearl millet flour for direct human consumption, limited to varieties "souna" and "sanio"1. | Final comments due: 2 January 20261. | Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) (acting for Bahrain)1. |
| CXS 170 Standard | Mandates compliance with the Codex Alimentarius Standard for Pearl Millet Flour1. | Adoption and enforcement dates: To be determined1. | SFDA (lead agency); Bahrain’s National Authority for Food Safety (NAFS) (implied enforcer)1. |
| WTO TBT Notification | Requires 60-day public consultation period for stakeholder comments1. | Comments close: 2 January 20261. | SASO (enquirypoint@saso.gov.sa)1. |
Detailed Provisions
1. Scope and Product Coverage
- The regulation applies exclusively to:
- HS/ICS Codes:
2. Regulatory Objective
- Primary rationale: Protection of human health or safety1.
- No specific contaminants or hazards are detailed in the sources, but the restriction suggests potential risks (e.g., aflatoxins, pesticide residues, or varietal-specific allergens)1.
3. Standards and Conformity
- Mandatory Standard: CXS 170 (Standard for Pearl Millet Flour)1.
- Businesses must ensure products comply with Codex Alimentarius specifications for:
- Composition (e.g., moisture content, ash limits).
- Contaminants (e.g., mycotoxins, heavy metals).
- Labeling (e.g., varietal declaration: "souna" or "sanio")1.
- Conformity Assessment:
- No pre-market approval process is specified in the sources, but importers may be required to submit certificates of conformity or laboratory test reports to Bahrain’s National Authority for Food Safety (NAFS)1.
4. Enforcement and Penalties
- Enforcement Authority: Bahrain’s NAFS (or designated agency) is responsible for monitoring compliance1.
- Penalties: Not specified in the sources. Violations may result in:
- Product seizure or recall1.
- Fines or import bans (standard under Bahrain’s Food Safety Law (Decree-Law No. 2/2015)).
5. Stakeholder Engagement
- Public Consultation:
- Comments on the draft regulation must be submitted by 2 January 20261.
- Submission Details:
- Agency: Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO).
- Contact: `enquirypoint@saso.gov.sa`; +966(1)25290951.
- Bahraini stakeholders (e.g., importers, manufacturers) should coordinate with NAFS or the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce for local input.
6. Timeline and Implementation
| Milestone | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WTO Notification | 3 November 2025 | GCC-wide notification (G/TBT/N/BHR/758)1. |
| Public Comment Deadline | 2 January 2026 | 60-day period from notification1. |
| Adoption | To be determined | Post-consultation; likely 20261. |
| Enforcement | To be determined | Expected after adoption; grace period may apply1. |
Compliance Steps for Businesses
- Verify Product Eligibility:
- Confirm that pearl millet flour/products use only "souna" or "sanio" varieties1.
- Exclude other varieties or non-compliant ingredients.
- Align with CXS 170:
- Obtain Codex-compliant test reports for contaminants, composition, and labeling1.
- Engage in Public Consultation:
- Submit comments to SASO by 2 January 2026 if the draft regulation impacts operations1.
- Prepare for Enforcement:
- Monitor updates from NAFS or the Bahrain Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism (MOIC).
- Ensure import documentation (e.g., certificates of origin, test reports) is ready for customs clearance.
Summary Answer
Bahrain’s restrictions on pearl millet flour and products are governed by GCC Technical Regulation G/TBT/N/BHR/758, which limits coverage to varieties "souna" and "sanio" under the CXS 170 standard for human health protection1. The regulation is in a 60-day public consultation period, with comments due by 2 January 20261. Businesses must comply with Codex Alimentarius requirements for composition, contaminants, and labeling, enforced by Bahrain’s National Authority for Food Safety (NAFS)1. Adoption and enforcement dates remain to be determined, but stakeholders should prepare for post-2026 implementation1. For related context, see the GCC-wide notification led by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA)1.
Sources
- ↩ Pearl Millet Flour https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=Q:/G/TBTN25/ARE680.pdf&Open=True