Bahrain has imported four hi-tech scanners to screen containers and lorries. The Customs Affairs had signed an agreement with the Swiss-based Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) to import the latest models of the equipment. "The King Fahd Causeway and the Khalifa bin Salman Seaport will each get two scanners to screen trucks and containers," said Customs President Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
The new scanning equipment have fulfilled the second goal of the customs strategic plan (2017-20) to supply the vital sector with financial resources and cutting-edge technology.
The ministry had invited bids in mid-2017 to supply the Customs Affairs with the latest scanning equipment. The package was then awarded to SGS. The scanners are expected to be installed, along with their facilities and compartments, within 14 months. The customs officers will be able to process 120 trucks per hour on average using the new hi-tech devices, up from 20 lorries at present.
"The new scanners will cut the waiting time for checking goods and improve the Customs performance," Shaikh Ahmed said.