Manama:The Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) has developed a new service for requesting permits to import chemicals subject to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), as part of ongoing government efforts to enhance service quality and streamline procedures.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the enhancements include reducing processing time from 20 working days to five, cutting the number of required documents by 50%, and decreasing the service-level agreement timeframe by 25%. The service has achieved full digital transformation, with improvements to user interface and experience, simplified procedures, and upgraded systems.
Application forms have been converted to electronic formats, and service information has been standardized across all channels, making the process more efficient and user-friendly. Amna Hamad Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the SCE, emphasized that these developments are part of broader efforts to improve regulatory efficiency and service quality for beneficiaries.
She stated that the new service accelerates review and approval procedures, enhances data accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements, and saves time and effort for businesses and investors. Establishments in Bahrain can apply for permits to import chemicals under the CWC, provided the chemicals are pre-registered and fall within approved annual quantities. Each shipment requires a separate application.
Al Rumaihi also noted that the SCE will continue to utilize digital solutions to improve service efficiency and simplify the experience for beneficiaries.
These improvements are part of a larger governmental initiative, where over 1,300 services have been documented, translated, and published. Of these, 800 services have been re-engineered across various sectors, based on feedback from the National Suggestions and Complaints System (Tawasul), investor feedback, and mystery shopper reports. These measures aim to enhance procedural efficiency and support the government¾¢s digital transformation.