Official: Role of customs authorities in environment voiced for first time at COP in Baku

Customs authorities must cooperate to control the entry of dangerous substances and prohibited products into the country, Shaikh Ahmed Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Customs Service and former Chairman of the Cooperation Council of the World Customs Organization (WCO), told Report.

The Bahraini official emphasized that government policy is important for promoting green chemicals, and customs acts as the main driving force in implementing this policy.

According to him, the role of customs authorities in the environment and the challenges they face and the Green Customs initiative were first voiced at COP29.

The customs chief noted that it is commendable that customs issues were included in COP agenda for the first time in Baku: "Customs is an organization with many employees. Workers there regularly use computers, which consumes a lot of electricity. Traditional fuel vehicles are also used. In this regard, we are looking for ways to become an environmentally clean organization. Several solutions were voiced in our discussions. This includes approaches such as transitioning to a paperless document system and intensive use of scientific technological systems. Discussions are also being held on ways to increase the professionalism and awareness of customs officers to combat chemical and dangerous substances entering countries. Also, increasing the use of electric vehicles in customs services and further greening of customs territories are the main focus areas."