Right to Product Safety in Bahrain
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Bahraini national legislation, decree-laws, and ministerial orders. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
All products sold in Bahrain must meet safety standards enforced by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) and the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) for food and health products:
- Safety standards: Products must comply with GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) standards and Bahrain national standards. The MOIC conducts regular market inspections and can pull non-compliant products.
- Arabic labelling: Every product must carry a label in Arabic showing the manufacturer, country of origin, ingredients or materials, expiry date (where applicable), and usage instructions.
- Mandatory recalls: When a product is found dangerous, the MOIC can order an immediate nationwide recall and require the seller to compensate affected buyers.
- Food safety: The NHRA oversees food safety from import to shelf, including hygiene standards for restaurants, cold storage requirements, and food handler certifications.
- Joint liability: Manufacturers, importers, and retailers are all liable for harm caused by defective or unsafe products — you can claim against whoever is easiest to reach.
When does it apply?
- You purchased a product that is defective, expired, or caused injury.
- A product has missing or misleading labels — no Arabic text, no expiry date, or false origin claims.
- You want to report a dangerous product you have seen on the market.
What to Do If You Bought a Defective or Unsafe Product and Need to Report It to the MOIC in Bahrain
- Stop using the product immediately if you suspect it is unsafe.
- Keep the product, packaging, and receipt as evidence.
- Call the MOIC consumer protection hotline at 17574999 or file a complaint through the Bahrain.bh e-government portal.
- If injured, seek medical treatment first, then document your injuries with photos and medical reports for a compensation claim.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not dispose of the defective product — you need it as physical evidence for the MOIC investigation.
- Do not buy products without Arabic labels — especially food, cosmetics, and electronics, as unlabelled goods bypass safety checks.
- Do not assume imported products meet local standards — check for the GSO conformity mark before purchasing.
Common Questions
When does it apply — right to product safety?
You purchased a product that is defective, expired, or caused injury.A product has missing or misleading labels — no Arabic text, no expiry date, or false origin claims.You want to report a dangerous product you have seen on the market.
What should I do if I purchased a product in Bahrain that is defective, unsafe, or has no Arabic labelling?
Stop using the product immediately if you suspect it is unsafe.Keep the product, packaging, and receipt as evidence.Call the MOIC consumer protection hotline at 17574999 or file a complaint through the Bahrain.bh e-government portal.If injured, seek medical treatment first, then document your injuries with photos and medical reports for a compensation claim.
What should you NOT do — right to product safety?
Do not dispose of the defective product — you need it as physical evidence for the MOIC investigation.Do not buy products without Arabic labels — especially food, cosmetics, and electronics, as unlabelled goods bypass safety checks.Do not assume imported products meet local standards — check for the GSO conformity mark before purchasing.