GCC Customs Updates – Feb 2020
UAE & KSA aim to boost cross trade through the implementation of TIR operation, Abu Dhabi seems set to achieve 100% year on year growth in pre-clearance of goods and Oman suspends paper applications for tax and duty related matters.
UAE & KSA implement TIR customs transit + guarantee system
A TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) operation from Dubai, UAE to Amman, Jordan via the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) was successfully concluded in four days with the support of the respective nations guaranteeing association and customs authorities.
This implementation is an important cross-border solution for logistics in the Gulf region. The Governor of Saudi Customs – Mr. Ahmed AlHakbani stated “the TIR operation in the kingdom is an important step for Saudi Customs towards the harmonization and facilitation of customs transit procedures between TIR contracting parties. TIR will reduce the transport costs as well as the trucks waiting time and facilitate the transit movements in the kingdom, which will maximize the benefits and improve the investment attractiveness of this sector”.
As a key objective of Saudi Customs as part of the Vision 2030 strategy, Saudi Arabia aims to make the Kingdom a global logistics hub and premier destination for international logistics service providers.
Other benefits of TIR;
- Electronic Advance Declaration will reduce the waiting time at the Saudi Arabia border by approx. six hours.
- TIR international guarantee chain eliminates customs fees.
- Secured load compartment approved by customs authorities.
- The permitted use of sheeted transport compartments (swap bodies) through Saudi Arabia when using TIR
Source: Zawya
Abu Dhabi Customs authority aims to drive growth by pre-clearing goods
The General Administration of Customs – Abu Dhabi aims to boost trade within the capital of the United Arab Emirates by increasing the number of pre-cleared items to 15% of total registered items. Based on 2019 Dhabi records, this would mark a 100% increase in pre-clearance achieved at Abu Dhabi as it is revealed that only 8% of import shipments were pre-cleared last year.
Importers will now be able to submit goods declaration to Abu Dhabi customs before the goods arrive at an Abu Dhabi port, enabling importers to clear the required formalities and settle payments in advance. On arrival of the goods at the port, relevant security inspection is carried out to clear the goods faster.
The primary benefit of pre-clearance will be to importers as they can engage directly instead of reaching out to third parties for customs clearance.
Source: The National
Oman Customs Clearance applications to be processed online
Effective 7 February 2020, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Directorate General of Customs will accept customs clearance applications online through its Bayan online platform.
Paper applications for tax and duty exemption will be suspended.
Source: Times of Oman
