Doha: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) has announced the launch of practical training on an innovative device designed for rapid detection of hazardous chemicals at points of entry for goods and parcels.

According to Qatar News Agency, this initiative is part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight of the importation of dangerous and restricted chemical substances. In a statement Wednesday, the ministry noted that the device is the result of a strategic partnership with the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), following its selection under the Qatar Open Innovation (QOI) programme in 2022.

The ministry, in collaboration with the council and the implementing company, has overseen all stages of the device's development and successful completion, with official adoption expected in 2025. The ministry confirmed that the device is currently undergoing a trial phase, during which it has demonstrated efficiency in detecting sample substances.

It has been presented to relevant entities in the country to promote cooperation and integration among state institutions in protecting the environment and ensuring public safety. The MECC emphasized that the device represents a qualitative advancement in environmental monitoring. It enables early and accurate detection of hazardous materials, contributing to the reduction of potential risks to humans and the environment, and supporting Qatar's efforts to fulfill its commitments under international environmental agreements.