I did some asking around today - Paid a visit to DHL in Bahrain and asked about importing the SBS-1 and a VHF receiver. They said they had their own customs employees at the aiport
(dont know how that works) - and the chap had a look in some DHL manual that has all the control import/export lists for each country. Under the restricted & prohibited items for Bahrain, it had no mention of VHF recievers or any controls on aeronautical equiptment! So I think I'm going to see what goodies I can bring in via DHL!
TZZ: Many years ago i brought in a manual VHF airband scanner from england (it was only a 20 pound manual handheld one) and it looked like a pocket FM radio - anyways - It clearly said AIRBAND SCANNER which I covered up with a mickey mouse sticker and it looked so childish! I got it through with no problems.