Manama: As part of government efforts to develop and re-engineer services, the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) has developed the application service for importing refrigerants and units as a new digital service. The service enables establishments to apply for approval to import refrigerants, both quota-controlled and non-quota-controlled, as well as air-conditioning and refrigeration units. It aims to ensure compliance with environmental requirements and storage requirements, monitor imported quantities, and link them to approved licences and quotas.
According to Bahrain News Agency, under the enhanced service, the processing time for applications has been reduced from 20 working days to five working days through the automation of verification and review procedures. The service-level agreement has also been reduced by 25%, while achieving 100% electronic transformation of the service, standardising published service information across all channels, improving the user interface and experience, and simplifying procedures, contributing to greater service efficiency and an improved beneficiary experience.
Amna Hamad Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the SCE, affirmed that the service forms part of the SCE's adoption of innovative digital solutions. She said the development enhances the efficiency of monitoring the import of refrigerants and air-conditioning and refrigeration units by automating verification and review procedures, electronically linking import applications with licensing data and approved storage locations, and verifying compliance with requirements and conditions before the preliminary approval is issued.
The development also includes organising inspection and sampling procedures and electronically linking laboratory test results to import applications, contributing to expediting the issuance of final approvals, improving the accuracy and quality of data, and enhancing the efficiency of monitoring and compliance with approved environmental specifications, standards, and requirements.
Al Rumaihi explained that the launch of the service reflects the SCE's commitment to continuing to develop its services in a manner that reduces time and effort for institutions and enhances the effectiveness of the work system.
As part of ongoing government efforts to develop and re-engineer government services, more than 1,300 government services have been documented, translated, and published, with around 800 services undergoing development and re-engineering across various government sectors.
This is based on proposals and feedback received regarding government services through the National System for Suggestions and Complaints, Tawasul, investor feedback, and secret shopper reports evaluating government services, as well as the launch of guidance manuals and service level agreements.
These efforts contribute to improving procedural efficiency, enhancing service quality, strengthening beneficiary experience, and supporting the government's digital transformation journey.