'Environment' sets 3 stages for releasing imported chemical shipments

The Public Authority for Environment has established a customs release mechanism for shipments of imported chemical materials through customs ports, as part of efforts to regulate the trade of hazardous substances and ensure their compliance with the environmental and health requirements in force in the country.

The approved procedures comprise three main stages. The first stage involves documentary verification, through the review of shipment data and accompanying documents, primarily including import licenses and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

The second stage entails sampling the materials and subjecting them to testing in laboratories accredited by the Authority, to verify their conformity with environmental and health specifications and requirements.

The final stage consists of a comprehensive review of the technical file by the Chemical Safety Department, paving the way for issuing final approval for customs release.

The Chemical Safety Department clarified that these procedures aim to strike a balance between tightening oversight of imported chemical materials and facilitating transactions, while working to accelerate the document processing cycle for importing companies, thereby ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Environmental Protection Law.