Unified Customs Centre Goes Fully Digital

President of Customs, Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa, visited the Unified Customs Clearance Centre at Khalifa Bin Salman Port after it successfully fulfilled all requirements to transition into a remote electronic service centre under Bahrain's Government Service Centres Evaluation Programme.

The visit was attended by Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, Chief Executive of the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) and Chairman of the Government Service Centres Evaluation Committee, along with members of the committee. The delegation reviewed the centre's readiness and compliance with the programme's digital transformation standards.

Sheikh Ahmed described the completion of the digital transformation requirements as a significant milestone in the development of Bahrain's customs services. He said the achievement reflects Customs Affairs' commitment to adopting advanced digital solutions that deliver faster, more efficient and flexible services while improving the overall customer experience.

He noted that digital transformation has become a key pillar in enhancing the quality and efficiency of government services and meeting the evolving expectations of service users.

The Customs President added that Customs Affairs will continue expanding its electronic services by leveraging modern technologies and innovation across customs procedures. These efforts aim to simplify processes, reduce processing times and increase customer satisfaction in support of Bahrain's wider government development and digital transformation goals.

He also highlighted that the Unified Customs Clearance Centre is among the first operational customs service centres to join the Government Service Centres Evaluation Programme, launched in 2017 under the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The centre has now achieved 100% compliance with the programme's evaluation criteria.

Sheikh Ahmed further noted that the centre has maintained a strong record of excellence in the programme, winning the Silver Shield during its first participation in 2019 before earning the Gold Shield annually from 2020 to 2024, reflecting Customs Affairs' continued commitment to implementing international best practices and maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency.