Kuwait sets three-step customs release process for imported chemical shipments

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 23: The General Environment Authority has outlined procedures and mechanisms for the release of imported chemical shipments at Kuwait’s customs ports as part of efforts to protect the environment and regulate the trade and handling of hazardous materials.

The authority said the customs release mechanism consists of three main steps designed to ensure safety, compliance, and transparency.

The first step involves verification and documentary scrutiny, including a comprehensive review of shipment data and accompanying documents such as import licenses and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

The second step involves laboratory compliance, during which samples are taken from shipments and tested at authority-accredited laboratories to verify compliance with approved specifications and environmental and health requirements.

The final step is technical approval, in which the Chemical Safety Department reviews and scrutinizes the complete technical file before issuing final approval for customs release.

The Chemical Safety Department said it remains committed to facilitating procedures and accelerating the documentation process for importing companies while ensuring full compliance with the Environmental Protection Law.