President of the UAE Issues Law to Reorganize General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: In his capacity as the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a law reorganizing the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs.
Under the provisions of the law, the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs operates under the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and holds an independent legal personality. The administration is responsible for proposing general policies and strategic plans for customs affairs in the emirate, facilitating trade flow, ensuring compliance with customs regulations, and supporting the protection of society from unlawful practices.
Additionally, the administration manages and operates customs offices across the emirate, implements customs policies, and has the authority to propose the establishment or closure of customs offices. It also collaborates with relevant authorities to regulate, prohibit, and restrict the import, export, and transit of specific goods.
The law further mandates the administration to conduct inspections and valuations of authorised goods, collect customs duties, taxes, and other applicable fees, and oversee free zones, free markets, and customs warehouses in accordance with relevant regulations. The administration is also tasked with coordinating and organising all processes related to the movement of goods and the logistics chain across customs ports and free zones in the emirate.
To regulate customs clearance, the administration will issue the necessary permits and instructions and monitor the activities of customs brokers. Furthermore, as part of its commitment to combat smuggling and customs-related crimes, the administration, in coordination with relevant authorities, investigates, detects, and combats customs violations and smuggling offences, enforcing necessary legal measures against violators.
The administration will also manage conciliation settlements, oversee the sale of seized, abandoned, and confiscated goods, and implement customs exemptions as per the applicable legal framework.
The reorganization of the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs underscores the emirate’s commitment to enhancing efficiency in customs operations, fostering economic growth, and ensuring compliance with international trade and security standards.
