Government

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, has issued a new law to reorganize the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs, granting it independent legal personality and empowering it to streamline customs operations, protect society from illegal practices, and facilitate the flow of trade in the emirate.

The newly issued law aims to enhance the efficiency of customs operations in Abu Dhabi by ensuring strict compliance with customs regulations, while also promoting economic growth through regulated trade practices. The General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs, operating under the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), will now play a central role in ensuring secure and efficient trade operations across free zones, customs warehouses, and commercial ports.

Key Responsibilities of Abu Dhabi Customs

According to the newly enacted law, the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs will have the following key responsibilities:

1. Proposal and Implementation of Customs Policies: The entity will propose and implement customs-related policies and strategic plans aimed at enhancing trade operations in the emirate.
2. Inspection and Valuation of Goods: The administration will conduct inspection and valuation of authorized goods, ensuring compliance with customs laws and minimizing any potential unlawful trade activities.
3. Collection of Customs Duties and Taxes: It will also oversee the collection of customs duties, taxes, and applicable fees on imported goods while ensuring adherence to fiscal policies.
4. Management of Free Zones and Warehouses: The entity will regulate and oversee free zones, free markets, and customs warehouses in Abu Dhabi, ensuring efficient trade movement and adherence to legal regulations.
5. Combating Smuggling and Customs Violations: In coordination with law enforcement authorities, Abu Dhabi Customs will work towards detecting, investigating, and combatting smuggling offences and other customs-related violations.
6. Legal Enforcement and Penalties: The administration will enforce legal actions against violators of customs laws, manage conciliation settlements, and handle the sale of seized, abandoned, and confiscated goods.
7. Issuance of Customs Permits: The administration is also tasked with issuing necessary customs permits, monitoring the activities of customs brokers, and regulating the import, export, and transit of certain goods based on customs policies.

Ensuring Trade Flow and Facilitating Logistics Chain

A major focus of the law is to facilitate the seamless flow of goods across customs ports and free zones in the emirate. The General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs will now take responsibility for:

• Coordinating logistics and trade operations to ensure fast and secure movement of goods.
• Monitoring and regulating customs brokers' activities to promote compliance with customs laws.
• Streamlining customs clearance processes by issuing timely permits and clear instructions.
• Ensuring full compliance with customs regulations to protect the safety, economy, and society.

The law also mandates the administration to propose the establishment or closure of customs offices based on trade volume, regional demand, and economic development. This provision will ensure optimal operational efficiency and support the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's economy.

Combating Smuggling and Enhancing Security

To combat smuggling and customs-related crimes, the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs has been granted the authority to:

• Investigate and detect any customs-related offenses.
• Coordinate with law enforcement agencies to take legal action against violators.
• Implement legal settlements for customs-related disputes.
• Monitor the sale of seized, abandoned, or confiscated goods.

This approach is aimed at minimizing illegal trade practices, preventing the import of prohibited goods, and ensuring public health and security within Abu Dhabi.

Simplifying Customs Clearance and Trade Operations

The law emphasizes the importance of streamlining customs clearance processes by implementing a digitalized customs system, enabling smooth processing of import and export permits, reducing administrative burdens, and enhancing trade efficiency.

The administration will also play a key role in ensuring the movement of goods across free zones is aligned with Abu Dhabi’s trade regulations. Moreover, customs brokers will now operate under strict monitoring to ensure legal compliance.

Legal Measures and Penalties for Non-Compliance

As part of protecting Abu Dhabi’s economic ecosystem, the law grants the administration the right to:

• Enforce penalties and fines against customs violators.
• Manage conciliation settlements in case of customs violations.
• Oversee the sale of seized and abandoned goods as per regulatory policies.
• Provide legal protection and support to legitimate businesses operating in Abu Dhabi.

Promoting Economic Growth and Trade Facilitation

The law is expected to significantly enhance trade operations in Abu Dhabi, allowing seamless import and export operations while ensuring public safety and economic sustainability. By aligning customs regulations with international standards, Abu Dhabi will further strengthen its position as a global trade hub.

According to the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs, the implementation of this law will enhance the emirate’s economic competitiveness, boost the trade economy, and ensure faster customs clearance for businesses, ultimately improving international trade relations.

The administration is also expected to propose new strategic initiatives aimed at improving customs services, increasing trade efficiency, and minimizing potential logistics bottlenecks.

Conclusion

The issuance of this law by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlights Abu Dhabi’s commitment to promoting secure trade practices, preventing illegal trade activities, and ensuring public safety. With the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs now functioning as an independent legal entity, the emirate is set to witness enhanced customs services, faster trade clearances, and increased economic growth.

The new law will also allow streamlined customs processes, ensuring faster import and export operations, while simultaneously protecting Abu Dhabi’s society from smuggling activities.

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