year of tolerance… - fca · 2019-06-23 · dubai customs thwarts attempt to smuggle 5000000...

While the world is in a state of conflict and unrest and rejection of the other, as usual, our wise leadership with wisdom; has taken a different approach to reverse the trend in order to correct the course and combat the prac-tices of extremism, and discrimination, achieving leader-ship in a new arena that raises the name of the UAE and glorifies its human values.At the beginning of this year, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan, has declared 2019 as the ‘Year of Tolerance’, highlighting the UAE as a global capital for tolerance, based on the principles and belief of His Highness that tolerance is a fundamental value in building societies, stability of nations. The importance of this Declaration, is that it links our past and the principles, upon which the UAE continues to set an example of tolerance, inspired by the legacy of the late founding fathers of the nation, a reality which is cherished by every Arab and Muslim, coexistence, pluralism and acceptance of the other, in our present and future in a unique historical continuum that may not be seen in our time.In this Declaration, the UAE adds a new page to its leadership and excellence pages, but this time in the human and religious ethics and behavior, this is tolerance, to con-vey its mission and moral, religious and humanitarian principles from local to global a new stage in history of human fraternity.It took only a few days of the year to make sure the whole world that the theme “Year of Tolerance” is not a dead letter. Where Abu Dhabi, the capital of international toler-ance, was adorned with the “ Human Fraternity meeting” between His Eminence the Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed At-Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar and His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church in a historic scene next to Zayed’s founding edifice, establishing new rules of coexistence and promoting the values of tolerance. The meeting coincided with the declaration of “Human Fraternity Document”, the document pledges to uphold instilling values of tolerance, the renunciation of violence and extremism, in addition to dialogue, understanding and the widespread promotion of a culture of tolerance, acceptance of others and of living together peacefully. Taking into account the protection of the rights of the elderly, the weak, the disabled, and the oppressed is a religious and social obligation that must be guaranteed and defended.Moreover, the meeting included the announcement of the first-of-its-kind prize of “Human Fraternity”. Granted in its first session for Al Tayyeb and Pope Francis for the efforts exerted by them to spread peace in the world. It was a historical moment to witness. The prize will be periodically granted to international figures, who play a role in bringing peoples together.With this event, the UAE has become a story of peace and harmony, and global plat-form for tolerance, regardless of color, gender, religion, geography and history. It has become a global platform to tackle extremism and terrorism in an enlightened intel-lectual approach that addresses the root of the problem and treats it as an intellectual phenomenon that engulfs the world, both Muslim and Christian, before it is a security problem.The theme of tolerance and the meeting of human fraternity in reality is a universal culmination of the principles and culture of fraternity, pluralism and coexistence estab-lished by our late father Shaikh Zayed, and his brothers, rulers of the emirates.There is no doubt that the goal of meeting tolerance is not to destroy religion as the ex-tremists fancy, and those who trade in religion, but to build the future on true religious, moral and humanistic concepts.“We are citizens of humanity, we are believers belonging to different religious tradi-tions or even people of goodwill. Let us build together human solidarity in order to heal the wounds of humanity.”

Year of Tolerance… is a celebration of humanity

Mohamed Juma BuosaibaThe published articles express the opinion of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of

the Federal Customs Authority

General Supervisor: H.E Ali Saeed Matar Alneyadi

Commissioner of Customs - Chairman of FCA

Advisory body:

H.H Sheikh Mohamed Bin Abdullah Al NoaimiChairman of Ports & Customs Department - Ajman

H.H Khalid Bin Rashid Al Mu’allaChairman of ports, customs and Free Zone Corporation

- Umm Al Quwain

H.E Rashed Lahej Al MansooriDirector General of General Administration

Customs – Abu Dhabi

H.E Mohammed Meer Abdul Rahman Al SarrahDirector of the Department of Seaports and Customs-

Sharjah

H.E Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al MehreziDirector General of Customs Department - RAK

H.E Rashid Mohammed HammadDirector General of Customs - Fujairah

Editor -in-chief: Mohamed Juma BuosaibaDeputy Editor-in-chief: Ahmad Abdulla Bin Lahej

Executive Editor-in-chief: Hassan El Kamhawi Legal Consultant: Ahmed Mohamed Albakr

Financial administration: Mohamed AlmarzooqiMarketing and Communication: Asmaa Alawadhi

Designer: Abu OmarTranslation: Ala’ Abu Rezeq

Correspondence:Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, P.O.Box

35000 – TEL: +9712-6979700E-mail: [email protected]

A quarterly magazine specializedin customs affairs,

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Manifest

UNIFIED STRATEGYSUPPORT COMPETITIVE-NESS, SECURITY AND A STEP TOWARDS INTEGRA-TION

06

UAEtransfers AED 1 billion customs duties for the GCC in 2018

Dubai Customsthwarts attempt to smuggle 5000000 Captagon pills

12

26

90’s Day of Customs


Reports

7 ISOcertifications raise customer satisfaction and perfor-mance level

18Reports

28

“Federal Customs” completesthe development marchacross 5 strategic objectives Support food security through tariff

exemption and data provision

Ali Al-Neyadi:

�� Abu Dhabi (Emirates Customs)

HE Ali Saeed Al Neyadi, Chairman of the Federal Customs Authority, affirmed that the UAE’s keenness to adopt technology and modern agriculture methods within the framework of the Government Ac-celeration Program, promotes the economic diversification policy ad-opted by the wise leadership in the vision of the UAE 2021 and UAE Centennial 2071 and the national agenda, as well as supporting the issue of food security through pro-viding healthy and safe food and agricultural products.His Excellency said that the gov-ernment accelerators program is a civilized approach that contributes to the future vision and plans that enhance the economic, security and social potential of the state in all sectors and raise its competitive ad-vantage in global indicators, added that, with its success, represents a model for major strategic gov-ernment action at the regional and global level.The country’s customs sector plays an important role in the food security system, and is a strategic partner of the Ministry of State for Food Secu-rity and related parties in this field, where the Authority and the local customs administration’s control the movement of the import and export of food commodities at the border crossings, preventing the entry of prohibited goods and commodities , combating counterfeit and imitated food brands in addition to providing food trade data on a regular basis which benefit and protect society and the consumer alike.He added: “The Authority contrib-utes with the Ministry of Food Se-curity to work within a team to fi-nalize the goals and objectives that the ministry seeks to reach within

its strategic plan. The Authority is also an active member of the Gov-ernment Acceleration Team on the subject of developing an open data framework and an interactive panel in providing an electronic platform fed by customs data, supported by Harmonized System codes which will benefit investors in the food sector. HE Ali Al Neyadi explained that the customs sector is exerting its national role in enhancing the coun-try’s food security system by work-ing on two objectives: the main one is to provide a range of facilities that contribute to the rapid release of shipments of incoming and out-going food shipments, and the ap-plication of unified Gulf evidence for the requirements of the clear-ance of imported foreign goods and food control through the first entry points in the countries of the Gulf Customs Union, as well as the im-plementation of the recommenda-tion of the directors of the general customs in the GCC countries to speed up customs procedures to re-move perishable materials.He added: “Among the customs facilities provided for food deliv-eries is what the local customs ad-ministration s are providing such as shaded and air-conditioned places to inspect and finish cus-toms procedures, such as Khalifa

Port Customs, Jebel Ali Port and Al Ghwaifat Port, giving priority to the clearance and completion of cus-toms procedures for shipments con-taining animals and live birds, fresh and chilled vegetables and fruits.His Excellency Chairman of the Authority said that the customs tar-iff for the GCC countries includes special facilities for food commodi-ties trade by granting exemption from customs duties for about 317 basic commodities out of 1122 food items, while 805 items are subject to customs duties of only 5% which means that the wise leadership and the customs administration s in the State and the GCC countries are keen on taking into account the social dimensions of this type of goods and provide the quality of life for citizens and residents alike.HE Ali Al Neyadi pointed out that the second objective of the customs work related to the import and ex-port of food stuffs is providing peri-odic data and statistics on the state trade in this field through various border crossings, thereby enhancing the decision-making process for the food security system and the con-cerned state`s institutions,as well as helping investors and private sector institutions to make the right invest-ment decision, thus contributing to making the business environment in agriculture and food processing a stimulating and attractive environ-ment for local and foreign capital alike.On the other hand, data from the FCA indicated that the volume of foreign trade of foodstuffs amount-ed to 231.6 billion dirhams from 2016 to the end of the third quar-ter of 2018, where imports reached 173 billion dirhams and exports amounted to 29.2 billion dirhams and re-exports reached 29.3 billion dirhams.

AED 231.6billion in foreign trade volume of foodstuffs

during 3 years

2 3Emirates CustomsEmirates Customs January 2019January 2019

Contents

10 initiatives to raise the competitiveness of agricultural products and

achieve food security

Mohammed bin Rashidbriefed on the results of the work of government accelerators

�� DUBAI (Emirates Customs)

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Presi-dent, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said that the UAE Govern-ment is keen to achieve the highest levels of national food security and ensure its sustainability as it is a key for the life quality in the UAE so-ciety.Sheikh Mohammed noted that it is also a key requirements for the com-prehensive sustainable development to further boost the UAE’s ranking in the global food security indices, hence, turn it into a global hub for food security that is based on inno-vation.His Highness’s comment come as he reviewed the results of Govern-ment Accelerators Working Groups to adopt Modern Agricultural Tech-nology.

“Achieving food security is key for the UAE Government. We want the UAE to be pioneer in food security through the development of a com-prehensive and sustainable work process for food security that use future technology in finding solu-tions for the challenges related to securing food sources. We are aware that achieving food security to our society is a key pillar for our com-prehensive sustainable journey,” His Highness said.He added, “We want a better future for the next generations, where ev-ery member of the society will re-ceive a secured healthy food. We want to develop the tools and so-lutions to overcome the challenges related to food security, and create solution and models and process to improve agriculture sector in the country, and provide trusted sus-tained resources.”

Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the 10 strategic initiatives that were developed by Government Accel-erators team to adopt Modern Agri-cultural Technology, and aims to de-velop creative solutions to increase the efficiency and competitiveness of locally produced food products, through providing supports and at-tracting investments to set up sus-tainable agriculture projects that en-sure food security for the UAE, and support economic growth.Accompanying Sheikh Moham-med were H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Mak-toum, Crown Prince of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; and H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Achieving the highest levels of national food security and ensuring its sustainability as an important pillar for the quality of UAE`S society life.

Strengthen the state’s position in food security indicators and transform the state into a leading global innovation center.



5 OBJECTIVES& 26 INITIATIVES

TO ENHANCE CUSTOMS EFFICIENCY UNTIL 2021

UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF H.H. SHEIKH MANSOUR BIN ZAYED AL NAHYANFCA LAUNCHES THE FIRST UNIFIED GOVERNMENT PLAN AT THE UAE STATE LEVEL


On Sunday, 04 November 2018, The Federal Customs Authority, launched the country’s first unified national customs strategy in Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with local customs administrations, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presiden-tial Affairs, and with the attendance of its strategic partners.In his opening speech at the launch, Ali bin Subaih Al Kaabi, previous Customs Commissioner and Chair-man of the FCA, said that the strate-gy is a key step in unifying the coun-try’s customs sector, and is part of the UAE Vision 2021 and the UAE Centennial 2071.Al Kaabi stressed that the strategy includes one vision and mission, and five institutional values that the national customs sector and local customs administrations must aim to achieve through 5 strategic objec-tives, which will involve 26 initia-tives and 68 activities that will be measured by 18 indexes.He also pointed out that the strategy aims to improve the level of local, federal and international customs work, and establish a joint security system between all customs admin-istrations in the country. In addi-tion to supporting the government’s

guidelines the field of competitive-ness and innovation, the future and the fourth industrial revolution, and the flow of customs information and accessibility.

Mounting challenges HE previous Commissioner ex-plained that, local and international customs administrations are facing a series of mounting challenges, due to regional and global security and economic developments, as well as increased competition between countries on global competitiveness indicators including indicators re-lated to the work of customs. Al Kaabi thanked the country’s wise leadership for its directives and sup-port for the customs sector, as well as Sheikh Mansour for sponsoring the strategy, launching the ceremo-ny, and supporting the authority’s plans, which aims at raise the level of performance in the entry points. HE also praised the cooperation of the directors of the local customs administrations, all partners, and the preparation team of the FCA, their cooperation, and their efforts in car-rying out the strategy.The launch of the unified customs strategy included a video presenta-tion on the most important features, objectives and initiatives of the strategy. It also included honoring the Authority’s strategic partners

from the ministries, federal entities and local customs administrations.

No new feesMoreover, during a press conference that was held on the sidelines of the strategy’s launch, Ahmed Abdullah bin Lahej, Executive Director of the Customs Affairs Sector, stated that the strategy will not include any new customs fees or a raise in any current fees, and will not affect the collection of customs fees and rev-enues, since local administrations that currently collect these fees will continue to do so.“the strategy aims to achieve five strategic objectives the main pur-pose of these objectives is to strengthen the customs security role and ensure the sustainability of so-cial protection. The strategy aims to achieve this principle through four key initiatives: developing customs risk management system, raising the efficiency of the ports, managing customs investigation and occupa-tional safety and providing statisti-cal security data.” noted Bin Lahej.

Facilitate trade and travelThe second objective is to develop customs work to facilitate trade and passenger traffic. This objective is to be achieved through the imple-mentation of seven initiatives within five years, namely the development

and standardization of policies and procedures, the unification and in-tegration of customs regulations to support trade facilitation, the quali-fication and training of national staff to improve customs performance , the development and implementa-tion of benchmarking studies, the provision of electronic intelligent services, the provision of statistical information and data, and providing customs training.For the third objective, HE Bin Lahej pointed out that the strategy aimed to build strategic relation-ships and partnerships to provide the competitive advantage for the UAE by implementing two initiatives: managing regional and international relations, enhancing competitive-ness, and developing relationships with partners and clients.It was agreed that these three ma-jor objectives will be implemented jointly by the Federal Customs Au-thority and the local Customs Ad-ministrations, while The FCA will implement the fourth and fifth objectives namely. The fourth objective is to ensure that all administrative services are provided in accordance with quality, compe-tency and transparency standard this will be achieved through the imple-mentation of 11 initiatives: • Corporate Risk Management and Internal Audit, •Legal Issues Management,

• Media, Institutional and Commu-nity Relations enhancement,• Strategic Plan follow up and Insti-tutional Performance Management, • Quality and Institutional Excel-lence standards application, • Human Resource Best Practices, • Training and Staff Development, • Operations Management of finan-cial resources efficiently and effec-tively, contract and suppliers man-agement in accordance with best practices,• The application of best practices in the field of information technology.The fifth objective is to foster the culture of innovation in institutions work environment, through two ini-tiatives: creating a stimulating work environment for innovation and fos-tering the government’s innovation culture at the FCA.

Competitiveness indicatorsHE Bin Lahej confirmed that the implementation of the objectives and initiatives; will enhance the country’s position in global compet-itiveness indicators, especially with regard to logistic support indicators, Coordinated management, commu-nity and security stability and the attractiveness of the business envi-ronment.He revealed that the total number of customs operations carried out by the customs sector in the coun-try ranges from 30 to 35 thousand

customs operations on average per day, pointing to the high volume of customs seizures at the level of the state by up to 35% because of rais-ing the efficiency of customs entry. In addition to increasing awareness among traders, importers, exporters and customs brokers.

Clearance time average The Federal Customs Authority is working with the local customs administrations to implement the unified customs window project to enable traders and dealers to com-plete their transactions through one window, thus saving time, effort and costs.He pointed out that the customs sec-tor in the country has made signifi-cant progress in customs clearance time. He pointed out that the aver-age customs clearance time in local customs departments is 15 minutes according to the latest measure-ment, while the world average is 28 minutes.The number of customs officers in the country is more than 6,300 em-ployees, of which the observers and customs inspectors are about 70%, stressing that the percentage of Emi-ratization in the inspection sector amounted to 100%.The strategy preparation team ad-opted an eight-phase timetable to achieve its achievement. It started analyzing the customs work en-vironment in the country and the world, through defining the vision, mission, institutional values, stra-tegic objectives and initiatives, and reaching the approval of the Cabinet Office. Which is already done in the first quarter of this year.Electronic and smart transformationFor his part, Ahmed Abdul Salam Kazim, Director of Strategy and Corporate Excellence at Dubai Cus-toms, said that other key objectives of the strategy are the electronic and smart transformation of customs operations, and offering unified cus-toms services throughout the coun-try.

The strategy will not include any new customs fees or a raise in any current fees,

establish a joint security system between all customs administrations in the country

8 activities to implement initiatives and 18 indicators and criteria for measuring performance and evaluating results



SUPPORT COMPETITIVENESS, SECURITYAND A STEP TOWARDS INTEGRATION

UNIFIED STRATEGY


The unified customs strategy launched by the Federal Customs Authority recently, in cooperation with the lo-cal customs administrations, raises many questions about the importance and usefulness of the customs sector in the country, especially the national economy in general. As well as its ability to support the state security system and enhance the role of customs in the fight against drug trafficking, fraud, counterfeiting, and the protection of in-tellectual property rights, other mains is to its importance of enhancing the state’s competitiveness and to foster the culture of innovation and raise the level of community happiness.In response to these questions, HE Ahmed bin Lahej, Ex-ecutive Director of Customs Affairs Sector, Head of the Preparation Team for unified Customs Strategy, said that the strategy has succeeded in achieving coherence and complementarity between the work themes, and objec-tives and initiatives in the federal and local customs work; thus enhancing the capabilities of the country’s customs work, to be able face the increasing challenges and risks.The strategy includes objectives and initiatives related to strengthening the security and customs system, more co-operation in customs risk management, combating smug-gling and fraud, and exchanging experiences and infor-mation. As well as trade facilitation and the movement of goods and passengers. The interview included:

X What is the role of the FCA and the role of local customs in implementing the strategy?

In general, and in accordance with Law No. (8) of 2015 on the Federal Customs Authority, the Authority shall develop policies, strategies, laws and legislation, in co-operation with the Local Customs Administrations, and monitor their implementation. Therefore, the Authority develops, approves and monitors the implementation of the strategy, while the implementation of the initiatives carried out by local customs.In addition, it also includes objectives and initiatives that the Authority cooperates with the local customs adminis-trations, from the first to third objective aimed at strength-ening the customs security system, developing customs work to facilitate trade and building strategic relations and

partnerships. The fourth and fifth objectives are to ensure the provision of administrative services in accordance with quality standards and institutional excellence and instilling a culture of innovation in the institutional work environment.

X What is the benefit to society and the national economy and individuals behind the implementa-tion of this strategy?

Customs sector in the country and the world is facing great challenges because of the security, economic and trade developments in the region and the world. There-fore, a unified vision and strategy was necessary to meet these challenges. As I mentioned earlier, about the objec-tives and initiatives, all this contributes positively to the national economy, and increases the strength of the econ-omy and the attractiveness of the business environment in the state and thus attract foreign capital and businesses.

X To what extent will this strategy contribute enhancing the country’s competitiveness in global competitiveness indicators?

The unified customs strategy will have a positive impact on the national economy and society. The implementation of the objectives and initiatives to strengthen the security system, facilitate trade and passenger movement, reduce the customs clearance time, provide administrative ser-vices according to quality standards and establish a cul-ture of innovation. As well as the provision of manage-ment services in accordance with quality standards and the consolidation of the culture of innovation, all of which will strengthen the position of the State in the global com-petitiveness indicators.

X You say that the strategy is aimed at protecting the security of society... How is that? What are the initiatives adopted by the Strategy in this regard?

Protecting the security of the society is one of the most important objectives and axes of customs work in any country in the world. It is one of the strategic objectives of the unified customs strategy. We aim to strengthen the security system in the country through cooperation and partnership in implementing four major initiatives:1- Developing customs risk management system.2-Raising the efficiency of customs ports by training and exchange of experiences, using modern and sophisticated

equipment and the use of customs dogs’ k9 unit.3- Management of customs investigation and occupation-al safety system.4- Providing statistical data security.• Among the initiatives proposed in the strategy is the re-habilitation of national cadres. Are there statistics on the percentage of naturalization in the country’s customs sec-tor?Thanks to God, then to the wise leadership directives of the state and to the supreme leadership of the Authority and to local customs administrations, citizens are play-ing a very important role in the country’s customs sec-tor. The customs sector has succeeded in achieving high internalization rates at the general level. In the inspectors sector and in the leadership and supervision categories, the Authority and the local customs administrations have achieved 100% internalization. The total internalization rate in the Authority alone was more than 80% during 2018.

X The government aims to raise the level of em-ployee and community happiness... What is the role of the unified customs strategy in this area?

Community happiness is one of the most prominent stra-tegic objectives of the federal government and local gov-ernments, as I stated earlier; the unified customs strategy aims to strengthen the security system of the state as well as facilitating the movement of trade and travelers, and also provide services according to the highest standards of quality and establish a culture of innovation, where there is stability in the security of society with the facilitation of trade and the movement of passengers and providing easy and convenient services with no increase in fees, all of this will have a positive impact on the level of happi-ness of society certainly.

X Does the unified customs strategy mean the integration of the objectives and initiatives of the Federal Customs Authority and the local customs administrations into one?

In principle, the axes and strategic objectives of the cus-toms work are one, not only at the state level, but glob-ally. We in the UAE are distinguished by the presence of a federal government and local governments that coordi-nate and cooperate among themselves for the sake of the nation’s prosperity.The strategy is a step towards integration between the Au-thority and the local customs administrations, and aimed primarily at harmonizing and conformity of objectives and strategic initiatives at the state level. Each Party has the right to initiate and implement specific detailed initia-tives as long as they are in the interest of the overall stra-tegic objectives of promoting security, facilitating trade, building partnerships, strategic relations, service develop-ment, and innovation.

X Do you think that this strategy is a step in the way of merging the customs work at the federal and local level to become a unified customs?

As I mentioned previously, the unified customs strategy is an important step towards integration and harmonization between the Authority and the local customs administra-tions. Integration is a political decision and direction is-sued by the wise leadership rather than the local authority or administrations.

X What role this strategy can play in combating drug trafficking?

In the first objective, the strategy aims to strengthen the security system. Combating drug trafficking through cus-toms outlets is one of the most important initiatives and objectives related to this objective, moreover, the process of combating drug trafficking through customs outlets has a high priority in customs work in the country. It is note-worthy that the disturbing index of crime control, which the Ministry of Interior monitors and implements, has given the country’s customs sector an important role in the fight against drug trafficking. The sector’s share in the index is about 33%.In addition, during the past two years, the Authority has implemented a plan to support customs ports with the lat-est radiological examination equipment, whether related

The customs sector faces great challenges as a result of global security, economic and trade developments and a unified vision of confrontation is needed

Important role for citizens in customs work in the Authority and the local administrations

Strengthen the customs security, developing customs risk management system, exchanging information and facilitate trade, to support the national economy



to drugs or explosive weapons, including the visceral examination system. The unit also established a customs dogs which starts its executive work at some customs out-lets in the country as a training course. The exercise of this unit for its actual work will have a positive impact in the field of combating drugs and dangerous substances smuggling.

X What is the fate of the smart services provided by the Authority and those provided by local cus-toms under the implementation of this strategy?

The strategy aims to provide services according to qual-ity standards and government excellence. Therefore, it is expected that the strategy will have a positive effect on the level of service delivery. Under the strategy, the Authority and the local customs administrations will develop and expand services, especially smart ones, according to the plans adopted in this regard.

X Will the unified strategy contribute to increased customs revenues? Will the unified strategy include the unification of the collection body so the Author-ity will be responsible for collection or will collection be at the federal level?

The strategy does not address the subject of customs rev-enue at all and that is of no concern to it. The customs administrations are the right holder in accordance with the laws in force in the State in the collection and disposal of customs revenues.The strategy does not aim to increase customs duties on commodities and exported goods. There is a Gulf mecha-nism to determine customs duties on commodities and goods at the level of the Gulf States. As you know, the

volume of foreign trade is one of the most important fac-tors affecting the volume and value of customs revenues. If the volume of trade increases, revenues increase and vice versa.

X Does the Common Customs Strategy include the increase in tariffs for customs services currently provided?

I emphasize that the unified customs strategy does not aim to increase fees for services or revenues and is not inter-ested in this aspect. I remind you that there is a decision by the Council of Ministers not to increase government fees within 3 years.

X How does the strategy help to facilitate the movement of trade, and what is the size of the country’s trade with the world during the first half of 2018?

As I mentioned in the response to a previous question, the strategy includes the implementation of seven initiatives under the second objective of developing customs work to facilitate trade and the movement of passengers. These initiatives are: developing and standardizing customs policies and procedures, consolidating and integrating customs regulations to support trade facilitation, rehabili-tation and training of national cadres to improve customs work, development and implementation of benchmarking studies, providing electronic services, providing statistical data and information and providing customs training.The volume of non-oil trade during the first half of 2018, according to preliminary statistics of the Authority amounted to 784 billion dirham.

The percentage of Emiratization in the inspection and the leadership and supervisory category reached 100%

Ahmed bin Lahej and Ahmed Kazem during the press conference

10 Emirates Customs January 2019


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The Federal Customs Authority an-nounced that the total value of cus-toms duties transferred by the UAE to the GCC countries amounted to about one billion dirhams in 2018, as well as transfers from the GCC to the local customs administrations. Through the implementation of 168726 transactions in the Automat-ed Transfer Customs Duty (ATCD) system, which was launched in Oc-tober 2015.In its report, the Authority stated that the value of customs duties transferred by the UAE to the Gulf States for goods and commodities that entered the GCC countries through customs entry points in the UAE amounted to AED 866.4 mil-lion, representing 84% of the total amount transferred during the year 2018. This reflects the processing of 134.3 thousand transactions. The customs duties on goods and commodities destined for the UAE transferred from the GCC coun-tries to the local Cus-toms Administra-tions in the UAE amounted to AED 136.8 million. This reflects pro-cessing of 34.4 thousand transac-tions representing 14% of the total amount trans-ferred during of the year.HE Ali Al Ney-adi, Commis-sioner of the A u t h o r i t y , stated that the

ATCD system is one of the latest technical tools that contribute to enhancing GCC customs coopera-tion by shortening the time taken for dutys transfer. This took a year under the previous clearance system (Makassa) and is now only 30 days.HE stressed that high volume of re-mittance reflects the key role of the UAE in the GCC Customs Union in implementing the system. The country is the first gateway to the GCC countries as well as being a regional trading hub for the Middle

East and neighboring regions. He added, “The ATCD reflects the positive contribution of the UAE to GCC customs work and the coun-try’s pivotal role in supporting the GCC economic, trade and security cooperation,” HE Ali Al Neyadi mentioned, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has the largest share of total customs duties transferred by the UAE to the Gulf countries during 2018, its share of total transferred fees was AED 456.1 million, representing 52.6%. Followed by Oman with a share of AED 241.4 million dirhams or 27.9%. Kuwait came third with a share of AED 118.1 million, repre-senting 13.6%, and Bahrain’s share of total remittances reached AED 48.3 million, representing 5.6%. “The ATCD system includes an ad-vanced mechanism for the transfer of data on goods and commodi-ties moving through customs entry points between the UAE and the GCC. The digital system links the systems of the Federal Customs Au-thority and the systems of the Lo-cal Customs Administrations in the

UAE with the Information Center of the General Secretariat of the

GCC States and the Gulf Cus-toms administrations.HE mentioned that the Fed-

eral Customs Author-ity ATCD system has

won the Emirates Idea Award 2017 organized by the Dubai Quality Group, of innova-tion category in the field of Smart Government.

By processing 168.7 thousand trade transactions

UAE transfers AED 1 billion customsduties for the GCC in 2018

Ali Al Neyadi: The high amount of remittance reflects the pivotal role of the UAE in the GCC Customs Union In order to protect the national industry and anti-dumping

UAE doubles import duty on rebar to 10%�� Abu Dhabi (Emirates Customs)

Customs entry points of the UAE began early January to implement the Cabinet decision to increase im-ports duties on iron and rebar from 5% to 10%; to provide trade protec-tion for national iron products and anti-dumping practiced by some in-ternational companies producing im-ported iron in local markets.HE Ali Al Neyadi, Customs Com-missioner, and Chairman of the FCA said in a press statement that the lift-ing of customs duties on rebar and iron comes within the framework of the GCC initiative to be implement-ed at the level of the GCC countries. Not only the UAE, in order to protect the national industry and anti-dump-ing in the GCC.HE pointed out that the increase in duties comes in implementation of the decision of the Committee on Fi-nancial and Economic Cooperation of the GCC countries to approve the lifting of tariffs on imports of iron and rebar from 5% to 10% on early January 2019. As well as the agree-ment of the HS Committee for the classification of goods in the GCC countries at its forty-fourth meeting. So that, customs entry points in the country have taken the necessary

customs procedures to implement the decision at the state level.His Excellency stressed that the de-cision will be implemented for one year and that the Ministry of Econo-my will evaluate the results, then the results will be submitted to the Coun-cil of Ministers to take the appropri-ate decision.“The customs sector plays an impor-tant role in enhancing the competi-tive advantage of national products and protecting them against harm-ful commercial practices especially dumping, through the use of cus-toms duties as a protection tool and achieving fair competition between national and imported products in lo-cal markets” said, Al NeyadiHE mentioned using customs duties as a tool for the protection of national products is a universal principle ad-

opted by the international trade and customs agreements issued by the WTO and the WCO, and all coun-tries are entitled to apply it in the case of proven dumping.However, HE added that the iron and steel industry is one of the basic industries in the national economy. UAE iron products have become a distinctive brand, it plays an impor-tant role in supporting the process of sustainable development in the coun-try, which requires protection from the dumping practices of some im-porters, producers and international companies that resort to selling iron in the country’s markets at reduced prices compared to the prices of the national product, despite the superi-ority of the national product in ad-vantages and characteristics.On the other hand, the statistical data of the Authority showed that the val-ue of the country’s trade of rebar and iron reached to 1.1 billion dirhams (444.4 thousand tons) during the first 9 months of 2018 while the value of the country’s imports amounted to 656 million dirhams (268 thou-sand tons). However, the value of the country’s exports amounted to 392 million dirhams (168.4 thousand tons) and the re-export value is AED 26 million (8,000 tons).

Ali Al Neyadi: The decision comes within the framework of the Gulf initiative to protect national products of iron and control in dumping practices in the local markets



FCA marks the Commemoration Day FCA celebrates the 47th National Day of the UAE


On November 29, Fed-eral Customs Authority has organized an official ceremony to observe UAE Commemoration Day (Martyrs’ Day), at FCA’s headquarters. In recognition of the sacri-fices of the UAE martyrs of the country for their sake of the nation’s up-liftment, preserve its soil and its capabilities, and enhance security and stability.As part of the initiative of the Federal Govern-ment, the Authority raised the Flag at half-mast on its headquarters in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. HE Ali Saeed Al Neyadi, Customs Commissioner, and Chairman of the Au-thority, and HE Moham-med Juma Buosaiba, Di-rector General, invited all employees to observe a minute of silence to honor our martyrs.On this occasion, HE Ali Al Neyadi said that, “Marking the Commem-oration Day reflects the great appreciation of our wise leadership for our martyrs and their fami-lies, and their honor sac-rifice. And the values of loyalty, dedication and belonging which were instilled in us by the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Na-hayan, And brothers of

the founding fathers.”Moreover, HE added, “the people of the UAE have made great sacri-fices in order to uphold the values and principles on which the Union

State was established and to safeguard the se-curity of the country and the region, who wrote with their pure blood the greatest chapters of courage, glory and pride

for a bright future for the UAE.”HE Ali Al Neyadi pointed out the great ap-preciation of our wise leadership for our mar-tyrs’ sacrifices and our nations and they always strives to preserve the lives of UAE citizens and ensure a decent life. As well as their keen-ness to provide security and safety for them, and urged them to educa-tional attainment and improve their work and obtain the highest grades of scientific degrees.His Excellency praised the initiatives launched by the wise leadership to honor the families of the martyrs and provide assistance to them and their children. Stressing that these initiatives con-firm the solid values of social responsibility and cohesion of the UAE so-ciety.HE added, “On this day, we renew our loyalty to our wise leadership, and pledge to remain loyal to our country.”His Excellency extended sincere greetings and ap-preciation to the moth-ers, fathers and families of the martyrs for their sacrifice and patience for the homeland, stressing that these sacrifices will remain in the memory and its children through-out history.


On 26 November, the FCA celebrated the 47th National Day of the UAE, as part of the State’s celebrations on the 47th anniversary of the establishment of the Union State, in rec-ognition of the spirit of loyalty, belonging to the State and faith in the wise leadership.HH Ali Saeed Al Ney-adi, Commissioner of the FCA, extended his sincere congratulations to HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan, President of the UAE, HH Sheikh Moham-med bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Presi-dent and Prime Min-ister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and to HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Su-preme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, He further extended congratulations to their brothers, the Rulers of the Emirates, members of the Supreme Coun-cil. In addition to the Crown Prince and the people of the UAE, on the 47th National Day of the UAE.He added, “On the 47th National Day we renew our loyalty to our wise

leadership and our hon-orable Sheikhs. We af-firm that we are moving along the path of glory behind our state lead-ership to consolidate their human, economic, social and political val-ues”. Moreover, HH stated that the UAE’s growth today reflects the great-ness, of its founders and leaders in building, planning ability, and the depth of the future

vision. Added the 47th National Day comes as the UAE has leaped up into the skies with the launch of khalifaSat the first satellite that is 100% Emirati-made. In a clear message to the whole world that the ambition of the UAE knows no limits.HE Mohammed Juma Buosaiba, Director General of the Author-ity, said that the con-tinuing progress of the

Union State represents a human and civilized model in building and giving emphasizing the coherence between the leadership and the people. He stressed that the founding fathers, led by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, May God rest his soul, have succeeded in building a modern state based on the citizens and worked for their well-being and happiness.HE praised the achieve-ments of the State in all economic, commercial and social sectors, es-pecially in the customs sectors of the UAE, dur-ing the current year.Stressing that the guid-ance of the wise lead-ership has enabled the Authority and the local Customs Administra-tions in the state to set and achieve accurate goals. These have con-tributed to the UAE’s position as the world number 1, in the index of the effectiveness of customs authorities dur-ing 2018.

The Authority’s cel-ebrations include na-tional anthem and en-tertainment programme related to the UAE’s folk and cultural heri-tage, as well as compe-titions and Emirati food corner.

Ali Al Neyadi: Our brave martyrs made great sacrifices in order to uphold the values and principles of

the Union State and to safeguard the security of the country and the region

Buosaiba and staff during the event at Abu Dhabi headquarter

Ali Al Neyadi: We renew our loyalty to our wise leadership and stand ready to make a great sacrifice in

the name of our state.HE Buosaiba during

the ceremony



Hamdan Bin Mohamed Cruise Terminal welcome 2.3 million tourists sincethe inauguration in 2014

�� Dubai (Emirates Customs)

Dubai Customs launched a new sophisticated smart inspection de-vice that features 3D CT scanning as part of its incessant efforts to keep abreast with the latest technologies in this field today. Abdullah Mohammed Al Khaja, Executive Director of Clients Man-agement Division launched the new device at Um Al Rumoul post office in the presence of a number of heads of customs departments and centers in Dubai Customs. “The advanced technology incorporated in this new device will be a turning point in the inspection field and will significantly support Dubai Customs inspection officers in their work. There are 944 in-spection systems used in Dubai Customs: 6 container scanning sys-tems, 24 small shipment scanning systems, 23 drug and explosives detectors, 4 big shipments scanning systems, and 700 radioactivity detectors, plus 187 communication devices” Al Khaja explained. Al Khaja added: “This supports our vision of becoming the lead-ing customs administration in the world supporting legitimate trade, and our mission of protecting the society and sustaining economic development through compliance, facilitation and Innovation. For that we dedicated AED 79m between 2018 and 2021 to purchase and develop new systems”. Engineer Adel Al Suwaidi, Director of Technical Support Depart-ment pointed out the new smart inspection device is the first of its kind in the Middle East and the second in the world. Humaid Al Rashid, Director of Air Customs Centre Management at Dubai Customs said the new system will considerably enhance inspection performance and will enable inspection officers do their job more efficiently.Dubai Customs inspection officers made 1,628 drug seizures in 2017 compared to 1,347 seizures in 2016


DP World with a world class infra-structure and a strong robust growth of Dubai as an established cruise hub in the region, Hamdan Bin Mo-hammed Cruise Terminal the big-gest cruise terminal in the world in term of size and handling capacity, receives more than 2.3 million tour-ists since its inauguration in 2014 and up to till end of 2018.Robust Tourist Growth Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal recorded a milestone with 172 percent increase in Cruise tour-ists’ numbers from 2014 with a 232.6 thousand visitors to 2018 with 632.7 thousand visitors, in addition of re-corded significant growth of vessels calls from 94 calls in 2014 to 120 calls in 2018. In the year 2015 Ham-dan Bin Mohammed Cruise Termi-nal received around 270.9 thousand visitors, 564.2 visitors in 2016, and

602.4 visitors in 2017.DP World will continue provide the support thru the development of in-frastructure, Terminals, and berth-ing with a length of 1900 meter can accommodate up to 7 mega ship at a time carrying more than 18,000 passengers. This number of cruise visitors arriving in one day can be smoothly handled with the 70 thou-sand square meter of car parking can take up to 36 big buses, 150 taxis, and sufficient number of private

cars. Mina Rashid Cruise Terminals recorded for 10 consecutive years as a Middle East Leading Cruise Port by the World Travel award. 5 Cruise ShipsDubai, UAE 5th January 2019: DP World welcomed five international Cruise Liners at the Hamdan Bin Mohamed Cruise Terminal 3 carry-ing 23,317 visitors, announcing the start of a cruise tourist season with Cruise Vessels Aida Prima with 6700 visitors, MSC Splendida with 7918 visitors, MscLirica with 3860 visitors, Costa Mediterranea with 5,550 visitors, Horizon with 3700 visitors.Achieving the Objective of DubaiMohamed Abdulaziz Al Mannaei Executive Director Mina Rashid and CEO of P&O Marinas Said: DP World is keen to develop Cruise Ter-minal Facilities to the world highest standards and actively contribute to attract more of international cruise

Dubai Customslaunches new AI inspec-tion system

lines to Dubai to support vital role of the tourism sector in promoting economic growth. As continues development in Hamdan Bin Mo-hamed Cruise Terminal meets the requirements of major international cruise ships, to promote the location of Dubai as a central hub on the map of cruise tourism regionally and globally.Dubai’s vision is to welcome a mil-lion Cruise Tourists by 2020, as confirmed by 10 international com-panies to keep Dubai as their main destination for the winter season 2020-2021, which will support to arrange 10 international cruises starting from Dubai. A variety of sizes of cruise ships between me-dium, luxury and Mega to meet the various budgets and geographical areas, and explained that the tourist visa which allows them to enter the country multiple times has been an important factor in efforts to attract the Cruise tourists from around the world. Hamad Bin Mejren, Senior Vice President, Stakeholders, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Com-merce Marketing said: “Dubai is fast becoming a favoured destina-tion amongst international cruise lines and cruise tourists, and we are dedicated to showcasing the robust growth of the city as an es-tablished cruise hub for the wider region. We are delighted with the arrival of five more cruise ships in a single day during this season, fur-ther cementing Dubai’s position as a prime gateway to a cruising holiday. Moreover, this season and every weekend starting in December 2018 through March 2019 we will have 4 ships in-port. Indeed, this latest suc-cess can be attributed to the contin-ued contribution being made by our valued network of industry partners and various public and private sec-tor stakeholders, and is a reflection of our commitment to work within a collaborative framework to boost the growth of the emirate’s cruise in-dustry and tourism sector at large”.

Total tourist number increased by 172% as 633 thousand passengers via 120 Cruise vessels in 2018

5 giant cruise ships carrying 23 thousand tourists



The list of ISO certificates obtained by ISO from the international or-ganizations includes the ISO Se-curity Information Certificate ISO 27001:2013، ISO / IEC 20000-1: 2011 Electronic Services Certificate, ISO 10015: 1999 training certifica-tion, ISO 9001: 2015 certification, ISO certificate of customer satisfac-tion ISO / TS 10004: 2012, ISO certif-icate of complaints and suggestions ISO 10002: 2014, ISO risk manage-ment certificate ISO 31000: 2009.Information security 27001On 16 October 2015, FCA has ob-tained the ISO 27001 certificate and renewed it annually in compliance with all the criteria required by that standard.ISO 27001 is a global best practice to maintain information security. The Authority is keen to implement its standards because of the increasing volume and number of projects and electronic systems in the Authority, and the importance and sensitivity of data related to those projects and systems taking into consideration the future electronic projects and the ex-

pansion of the databases. As well as the multiplicity of the Authority’s systems which related to external partners and the accredi-tation of accredited partners to the regulations applied by the Authority through the Internet, which requires to secure these data and to establish standards and policies that ensure the confidentiality and integrity of these information in accordance with ISO 27001 standards.Customer Satisfaction 10004on February 5, 2016 the FCA ob-

tained the ISO 2014: 2012 certificate of customer satisfaction, through the implementation of the best interna-tional standards to measure the cus-tomers happiness after succeeded in the implementation of all items of the system of monitoring and measuring the customers happiness ISO 10004, Identifying customer requirements, establishing mechanisms for iden-tifying and measuring customers’ happiness, monitoring and follow-ing up on the levels of service pro-vided, analyzing and evaluating in-formation related to their happiness, continuously checking their needs and setting goals for monitoring and measuring their satisfaction and hap-piness.Complaints and suggestions 10002On February 5, 2016, the Authority also received the ISO 10004: 20120 as a result of its success in applying all standards and requirements for obtaining the certificate, which pro-vides guidelines to enhance customer satisfaction by creating a customer-centric and open-minded environ-ment (including Complaints), and to

find effective solutions to received complaints.The implementation of the stan-dards of this certificate contributes to enhancing the Authority’s ability to improve its services and develop standards of customer service. This certification requires the participa-tion of senior management and its commitment to ensure that services beyond customer expectations are met through optimal recruitment and distribution of resources, facilitation of procedures and providing of staff training programs.The certificate also covers the needs and expectations of complainants and provides an open, effective and user-friendly complaint and analysis mechanism to improve product qual-ity and customer service, as well as to review and audit complaints pro-cessing and to review their effective-ness and efficiency.ISO 10015 - TrainingOn 8 May 2016, the FCA obtained the certificate of conformity with ISO 10015 of the Training Management System, having successfully imple-

mented all the required standards and requirements in the field of training,.HE Ali Al Kaabi, former Chairman of the Authority, received the cer-tificate from the British Institution for Standardization (PSA Group) at a ceremony at the Authority’s head-quarters in Abu Dhabi, in the pres-ence of His Excellency Mohammed Juma Buosaiba, Director General of the Authority and directors of depart-ments, and officials of the British Foundation.The Authority completed all the re-

quired standards to obtain this certifi-cate, after the Human Resources and Financial Affairs Department of the Authority carried out a project took about 3 months to implement and develop all procedures and processes required. The project has been imple-mented in several stages, including identifying training needs of the staff and linking them to required compe-tencies, ensuring the quality of train-ing design and planning, focusing on the implementation of various train-ing programs, support to all parties, evaluation of training results and out-puts, as well as continuous improve-ment in training.Electronic services 20000Federal Customs Authority has also obtained the certificate of confor-mity with the international standard ISO 20000 for the management of IT services on 7 November 2016 af-ter successfully implemented all the required standards and requirements in the application of IT services in accordance with international best practices.HE Mohammed Juma Buosaiba,

ISO certifications raise customer satisfaction and performance level

FCA Obtained from international institutions within 3 years

Certificates include information security, electronic services,training, operations, customer satisfaction, complaints, suggestions and risk management


The Federal Customs Authority has strengthened its in-stitutional, administrative and operational system over the past years with by gaining a total of 7 ISO certificates from October 2015 to the end of 2018 within the pursuit

of the high leadership, strategic and future management and other departments of the Authority; to enhance the strategic performance, and upgrade it to higher levels, control practices and processes and provide services in accordance with the highest standards of quality and ex-cellence.

The increasing volume of projects, electronic systems, the importance of data exchange and the multiplicity of partners required ISO standards of information security 27001 application.

The application of ISO standards complaints and suggestions has contributed to improving services, exceeding customer expectations and optimal allocation of resources

Buosaiba receives ISO risk certificate in the presence of a number of department managers


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received from the Elite Systems Company the certificate given by the Lloyd’s Register (LRQA) at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi, in the pres-ence of Ahmed bin Lahej, Execu-tive Director of the Customs Affairs Sector and Mohammed Ibrahim Al Marzouki, Director of Financial Re-sources Department, Halima Al Bal-ushi, Director of IT Department, and a number of staff members.HE Mohammed Juma Buosaiba stressed the keenness of the Authority to apply the best international prac-tices in the field of information tech-nology and to raise the efficiency of the systems and applications that are applied in the Authority. He said that the implementation of the ISO 20000 standards contributes to achieving the Authority’s strategic objectives, digi-tal and electronic transformation, im-proving the level of service delivery according to the highest standards of excellence and quality and increasing the level of satisfaction of employees and customers alike because of im-proved operational performance and increased production capacity.ISO operations 9001:2015As well as obtaining the new version of the ISO 9001: 2015 certificate of compliance on 11 December 2017, having successfully implemented all the required standards and require-ments for obtaining the certificate and completing the internal and external audit of ISO operations according to the best international practices.As part of its preparations for the evaluation related to that certificate, the Authority has updated the pro-cedures of all departments (79 main procedures) in order to comply with the Authority’s terms of reference in the new law No. (8) For the year 2015 and its new organizational structure.ISO risks 31000In August 2008, the Authority ob-tained the ISO 31000 compliance certificate, having successfully im-plemented all the required standards and requirements for obtaining the certificate and completing the inter-nal and external auditing of the stan-

dard according to the best interna-tional practices.HE Mohamed Juma Buosaiba, re-ceived at the Authority’s headquarters in Dubai an ISO risk certificate from Engineer Lamis Merkha, Managing Director and Regional Partner of Tuv Interest, Germany in the presence of His Excellency Ahmed Abdullah bin Lahej, Executive Director of the Cus-toms Affairs Sector and a number of Department Directors.

HE Buosaiba said that the implemen-tation of the ISO risk criteria sup-ports the Authority’s capacity to im-prove operational efficiency through the introduction of preventive man-agement, and the development and implementation of a risk manage-ment policy that promotes customer and stakeholder confidence in addi-tion, the implementation of HACCP controls reduces losses to the low-est level and increases the ability to respond effectively to changes and contingencies, he explained that the Authority has undertaken a set of measures to enhance its risk man-agement capabilities, including the development of a comprehensive plan to implement ISO 31000 stan-dards, update the risk management record, procedures and policy and the introduction of the General Risk Management Framework Manual, the Authority has also carried out internal audits to monitor risk work with the concerned departments.

The Authority is keen to apply the best international practices in the field of operations and to improve the efficiency of procedures, systems and applications

Ali Al Kaabi receives ISO certification training

Buosaiba receives ISO 20000 certificate in the presence of Ben Lahej

The program provides operational advantagesand incentives for companies in both countries

UAE and China sign action planfor AEO agreement�� Abu Dhabi (Emirates Customs)

The UAE and Peoples Republic of China (PRC) have signed a plan of action for the development of an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) pro-gramme between the two countries which will lead to the implementation of a Mutual Recognition Ar-rangement (MRA) for the AEO program approved by the two countries. It includes five phases for the development of detailed procedures in preparation for signing the MRA between the two countries.The plan of action was signed during the visit of the UAE Customs delegation to the PRC the Mu-tual Recognition Arrangement. The delegation was headed by Suoud Salim Al Agroobi, Director of International Relations of the FCA, accompanied by Eman Al Suaidi, Director of Customs Declara-tion Management and Dubai AEO Program, Huda Al Wadi, Senior Officer Client Accreditation, and Anood Al Ali, ADT Senior Executive at FCA. HH Ali Al Neyadi said that the plan of action rep-resents an important new step in the process of en-hancing Customs relations between the two broth-erly countries and represents the preliminary stage for the implementation of the MRA element of the AEO programme. He underlined that the Customs administrations of the two countries aimed to pro-mote increasing in country trade and exchange of, best practices, customs expertise and knowledge. Thus removing obstacles from trade movement and increasing the participation of the private sector in the customs process.Moreover, HE Al Neyadi explained that the Author-ity has developed the program in the UAE, in co-operation with the Local Customs Administrations. It offers advantages and facilities, such as cost and timesavings for traders and external partners who have a strong compliant history in the supply chain and business regulations. In addition, it aims to enhance the security role of customs and facilitate trade by strengthening the supply chain safe and providing a range of secure facilities for operatorsHe added, “China is a strategic trading partner of the United Arab Emirates and the volume of non-oil

foreign trade in general between the two countries is witnessing an increased growth, indicating the existence of huge opportunities for economic and commercial gains that would bring the two coun-tries closer and strengthen Customs cooperation.”China has maintained its position as Dubai’s big-gest trade partner in recent years, where non-oil foreign trade (direct trade, free zone and customs warehouses) has reached AED 974 billion (U.S $ 267 billion) in the period from January 2013 until the end of June 2018. “

Ali Al Neyadi: Huge opportunities for economic and commercial growth that would bring the two counties closer and strengthen customs cooperation

Suoud Salim Al Agroobi during the signing of the Action Plan in Beijing

20 Emirates Customs January 2019

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initiatives enhances the Saudi-Emirati determination

“fast track system”to facilitate the flow of traffic at the entry

points and coordination for the application of the Authorized Economic Operator

�� ABU DHABI (Emirates Customs)

The Executive Committee of the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council held its first meeting in Abu Dhabi with the participation of all 16 mem-bers from both sides to follow up on the execution of the joint initiatives outlined in the Strategy of Resolve.The strategy includes areas of col-laborations and sets forth the joint vision of economic, social and mili-tary integration between the two countries.The committee, headed by Mo-hammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and The Future, from the UAE side, and Mohammed bin Mazyad Altwaijri, Minister of Economy and Planning, from the Saudi side, announced the launch of seven strategic initiatives that reflect the bilateral integration in the fields of services and financial

markets, tourism, aviation, entre-preneurship, customs and security, among others. The committee is tasked with ensuring the implemen-tation of the joint initiatives.The Saudi-Emirati alliance is one of the strongest economic alliances in the world. The combined sover-eign wealth funds of the Kingdom and the UAE are ranked second in the world. The two countries rank eighth globally in terms of exports of goods and services according to the World Bank data. The market capitalization of listed companies in the two countries is the 17th glob-ally, and the two countries have an oil reserve accounting for about a quarter of the world’s total stock, which amounts to 24.3 percent.The seven announced initiatives are: Saudi-Emirati Pilot cryptocur-rency the first of its kind joint pilot cryptocurrency was launched during

the meeting. The cross-border digi-tal currency will be strictly targeted for banks at an experimental phase with the aim of better understanding the implications of Blockchain tech-nology and facilitating cross-border payments. The virtual currency re-lies on the use of a distributed data-base between the central banks and the participating banks from both sides. It seeks to safeguard customer interests, set technology standards and assess cybersecurity risks. The project will also determine the im-pact of a central currency on mon-etary policies.Facilitated flow of traffic at the entry ports This initiative facilitates the flow of traffic at the entry ports be-tween both countries and at customs outlets through the adoption of the fast track system and the application of the “Authorised Economic Oper-ator” framework. The initiative will

contribute to smoother operations between customs and commercial establishments, and facilitated trade between the two countries. The number of companies listed in the Authorised Economic Operator is 41 from Saudi Arabia and 40 from the UAE.Joint platform to support SMEs The establishment of a joint platform that allows registered Saudi and UAE SMEs to benefit from the gov-ernment procurement allocations from both countries and to compete on terms of reciprocity on federal government procurements.Financial Awareness Programme for Children The Financial Awareness Programme for Children aims to promote the basic financial concepts youngsters between 7 and 18 years old. The programme will enable them to simulate the business world to learn about saving and smart spending, as well as understand the culture of entrepreneurship through customised training courses.A joint exercise to test the supply se-curity system The joint training ex-ercise is aimed at testing the supply chain security systems in the vital sectors of the two countries during a crisis or natural disasters, and to identify the points of improvement and develop an implementation plan accordingly. The joint exercise will contribute to building a mechanism

for direct communication and con-trol of risks between the relevant units in both countries during emer-gency times, as well as the sharing of expertise, knowledge and experi-ence on supply chain security and risk management.Enhancing the travel experience of People of Determination The initia-tive seeks to enhance the experience of travelers from the People of De-termination category by ensuring the compliance of disabled-friendly airports in both countries. The ini-tiative will also standardise travel procedures and regulations for ac-companying members. Other ele-ments outlined in the initiative in-clude the training of airport crew to implement adequate standards that guarantees People of Determina-tions all their rights.Common Market for Civil Aviation The Saudi-Emirati common market

for civil aviation aims to achieve comprehensive integration and coop-eration in the civil aviation sector in vital areas including air navigation, safety and security, and investigation of air accidents. The common avia-tion market is considered to be an ad-vanced stage of economic integration as both countries combined have the largest economies in the region.During the meeting, the Joint Sup-ply Chained Security Cooperation Programme was signed between the Kingdom and the UAE. Saif Sul-tan Mubarak Al-Ariani, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for National Security, signed on behalf of the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Author-ity in the UAE, and Mohammed Al Tuwaijri, Minister of Economy and Planning on behalf of the Na-tional Risk Unit in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The programme aims to enhance the coordination in the areas of security and safety and to enhance readiness in cases of crises and disasters.The meeting of the executive com-mittee of the Saudi-Emirati Coordi-nation Council was concluded by a visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and to the “Roads of Arabia: Archaeologi-cal Treasures of Saudi Arabia” exhi-bition which showcases the vibrant archaeological history of Saudi Ara-bia and the region.

The initiative will contribute to promote the concept of partnership between customs and commercial establishments, and support global supply chain security


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The Customs Sector reviews the system of smart services and electronic systems to mark the International Day

As part of the second UAE Customs Week 2019


On January 26th the Federal Cus-toms Authority and Local Customs administrations (FCA) celebrated the International Customs Day and for a whole week as part of the ini-tiative of the UAE Customs second week 2019 which coincided with the World Customs Organization (WCO) celebrations and customs administrations around the world under the theme “Smart Borders for Seamless Trade, Travel and Trans-port”.The celebrations of the customs sec-tor in the country included a variety of activities and workshops related to smart services, development of procedures and customs awareness of the community and students of schools, universities, establishment of specialized exhibitions and hon-oring distinguished employees.In addition to reviewing the proj-ects and innovations that show the technical and technological devel-opment in the completion of the customs work, future plans related to customs services, intelligent transformation in the field of termi-nation of procedures and unification of systems of clearance, inspection and control. The celebrations also included several land, air and sea customs ports.HE Ali Saeed Al Neyadi, Chairman of the Authority, said in a press state-ment that the UAE plays an impor-tant role in the global trade system in light of the country’s high eco-

nomic and trade competitiveness, diversification and strong economic growth, as well as its important role as a regional hub and a commercial crossing between East and West, re-flecting the size and role of the cus-toms sector and its mission to main-tain security and facilitate trade not only at the state level, but globally.He explained that the WCO celebra-tion of International Customs Day this year under the theme “ Smart Borders for Seamless Trade, Travel and Transport “ reveals the nature of the global trends in upgrading the level of customs work and the tools that are being worked on in the fu-ture at the level of the international customs administrations; to enhance the customs role in maintaining se-curity, facilitating trade, reducing supply chain costs and logistical support, shortening procedures and clearance time.

HE Ali Al Neyadi stressed that the use of the latest technologies and the development of systems and networks for commercial data col-lection represents an important tool in the modern era to enhance the system of customs risk management and to meet the challenges related to security and trade together, as well as protecting consumers from harm-ful business practices.He pointed out that data represent one of the most important tools of management knowledge and build-ing strong economies where it has become a major source in defining the features and standards of eco-nomic and trade forces in the world; without information and data analy-sis the present cannot be understood nor the future can be predicted.He continued, “The WCO celebra-tion under the theme” Smart Bor-ders “reveals the future vision of our wise leadership and its ability to an-ticipate the future and develop nec-essary plans and programs to meet the expected challenges and seize opportunities to support sustainable development.Our wise leadership has recognized early the importance of data and the digital and intelligent transforma-tion in the development of nations and peoples and the development of customs work in the country. Therefore, years ago, intelligent and e-government initiatives were launched which contributed to transforming the work environ-ment in the country in general and

the customs sector in particular into an electronic and intelligent envi-ronment giving the UAE the global leadership in this field. “He added “The UAE Customs Sec-tor has succeeded in adopting and enabling technology in all areas of business, based on the vision of the UAE 2021 which aimed at build-ing a knowledge economy based on knowledge and technology, result-ing in creating advanced systems and intelligent services in the field of inspection and investigation, Cus-toms clearance, exchange of statisti-cal data and information, electronic connectivity, customs inquiries, etc.His Excellency stressed that the cus-toms sector in the country is enter-ing a new stage of development in light of the direction of the Author-ity and the local customs adminis-trations towards the use of modern technologies such as Artificial Intel-ligence and Block chain in devel-

oping customs work and raise the level of performance in the field of inspection and control and customs clearance.On this occasion, HE Commissioner Ali Al Neyadi presented a letter of thanks and appreciation to the local customs departments and partners at all levels in recognition and ap-preciation of the Authority for their efforts in providing smart customs services and enabling technology at all levels of the customs sector in the country which has had the most impact in enhancing the competi-tiveness of the UAE in the global economic, trade and security indica-tors.HE Mohammed Juma Buosaiba, Director General of Authority said that the initiatives of digital and in-telligent transformation at the level of the customs sector in the coun-try have resulted in an integrated system of electronic and intelligent

systems that shortening customs clearance time. In addition combat-ing counterfeit and fake goods and controlling the movement of dual-use goods, thereby enhancing the security of society. He pointed out that the system of electronic sys-tems includes all stages of customs work, starting from the clearance procedures and risk management, ending with the disclosure for cash amount and the transfer of customs duties between the GCC countries.He added, “The Authority and the local customs administrations are proud of the network of electronic and intelligent systems and applica-tions that are being implemented in the country’s customs sector, a net-work that is less likely to be found in our Arab and regional environ-ment.” More systems are being de-veloped and implemented as part of our strategic plan and the UAE 2021 vision”.

Ali Al Neyadi: We have achieved leadership in providing smart services and enabling technology in the customs sector based on the guidance of the wise leadership and vision of the UAE 2021


Reports


Cooperation between different cus-toms departments and good plan-ning have led to thwarting an at-tempt to smuggle large number of Captagon pills at Jebel Ali & Tecom Customs Center, just a few days be-fore 2019 unfolds.The illegal shipment was tracked by customs intelligence personnel who shared the information and images of the shipment through the Re-gional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO). The Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO) is a regional centre for collecting and analysing data, which also disseminates informa-tion throughout the global customs network. As a fundamental pillar of the World Customs Organization (WCO)’s Enforcement Strategy, Intelligence and Information Ex-change is facilitated through eleven (11) RILOs covering the six (6) re-gions of the WCO.The RILO informed of a drug ship-ment in a nearby country, and by

analysing and comparing the data, the team at Jebel Ali & TECOM Customs Center decided to track similar shipment coming into Dubai in a container that had vehicle spare parts from a country that doesn’t normally trade with spare parts. The container was tracked through the smart Vessel Tracking System, de-veloped by Dubai Customs. The container was scanned, and with the help of the customs K-9 Dog unit, 5 million Captagon pills that weighed 500 kg were seized. This raises the number of Captagon pills seized since January 2018 to 15 million pills. Jebel Ali & TECOM Customs Cen-ter has made 19 seizures between 2016 and 2019. These included 225

million narcotic pills and 51 kg of other drugs. Commenting on the seizure, Di-rector of Dubai Customs Ahmed Mahboob Musabih pointed out all customs departments work and co-ordinate together to combat illegiti-mate trade and thwart any narcotic drugs smuggling attempt. “We are vigilant and well prepared to all attempts of bringing these il-legal contrabands into the UAE through Dubai entry points. The high sophisticated level that Dubai Customs reached in terms of infra-structure, equipment and the skills of their customs officers have led to more control over the emirate’s en-try points and borders following the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mo-hammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai” says Musabih.Shuaib Al Suwaidi, Customs Intel-ligence Director at Dubai Customs revealed they track shipments on their way to Dubai’s entry points based on numerous data and intel-ligence resources.


Director of Dubai Customs, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih re-vealed they have thwarted 922 smuggling attempts including 355 drug contrabands (38.5%) from January to the end of Sep-tember 2018. “We facilitate trade and traffic of passengers without compro-mising security of borders and entry points, and with the grow-ing number of passengers and air shipping size in the last years we continue to have full control on all our checkpoints” Musabih ex-plained. “There are challenges facing cus-toms authorities in countries that have strategic locations. Dubai is not an exception. It’s stra-tegically located between east and west and has spent billions of dirhams to develop its infra-structure, ports and airports. The emirate has also provided an un-precedented host of services and products including the ideclare application which significantly reduces passengers’ time needed to declare different belongings.

These advanced services will fa-cilitate passengers’ entry into the country, especially for visitors of EXPO 2020” he added.

25KG marijuana Inspection customs officers at Dubai International Airport thwarted an attempt to smuggle 25.5 kg of marijuana which were concealed carefully inside loud speakers in the passenger’s suit-case

Lyrica pills Inspection officers’ vigilance and effective training has also led to thwarting a smuggling of 6720 Lyrica pills which were skillfully

concealed in bags of nuts.

275 cases of customs duties evasion Ibrahim Al Kamali, Director of Passenger Operations at Dubai Customs revealed they checked around 30.2 million suitcases between January and the end of September. “Dubai International Airport deals with large number of pas-sengers annually. Around 74.5 million passengers used the air-port in the first ten months of 2018, which means 248,000 pas-sengers a day. These passengers hail from different backgrounds and they all deserve a good and warm welcome” he said. During the first 9 months of 2018, 3 counterfeiting and 275 customs duties evasion cases were recorded.“Thanks to our inspectors’ vigilance we are closely in full control of all checkpoints. Our inspection officers receive best training on body language and different types of drugs, and how to distinguish fake brands from genuine ones” Al Kamali added.

Dubai Customs thwartsattempt to smuggle

Captagon pills

Dubai Customs discusses means of growth with businesses in Dubai


Reports

In 2018, the Authority completed its development in the field of customs risk management, control and audit-ing, and the deployment of Customs observers at customs outlets in coordi-nation with the local customs adminis-trations, and contributing to raising the efficiency of customs ports by provid-ing many ports with the latest inspec-tion and detection devices, developing of the customs investigation system , management of standards of health, safety and customs security, develop-ment of customs security systems and providing of statistical security data.Within the framework of its plan to strengthen the security system and inspection at the customs outlets, and during the year the Authority imple-mented the procedures to equip the headquarters of the police dogs unit the K9 of the Authority in Umm Al Qu-wain, with 50 selected dogs for detec-tion, 25 for drug detection and 25 for explosives detection, also the staff (50 trainers) and training supervisors with experience and competence in the field of dog training were chosen, in addi-tion to adopting a special uniform for the trainers of the customs dogs.In October 2018, the Authority started the first customs inspection by using the federal customs dogs at Ras Al Dara port of the Customs Department of Ras Al Khaimah the framework of the Authority’s plan to start field work for its K9 customs unit at all customs outlets in the country.In October, the Unit of customs dogs (K9) received the International Ac-creditation Certificate from the In-ternational Police Organization for American Police Dogs (IPWDA). The unit is the first institution in the UAE

and the Middle East to receive such ac-creditation.Distribution of observersWithin the framework of its strategy to support customs ports in the country by customs observers in order to enhance customs control of these ports and to support the inspections and preview operations, the Authority appointed 19 new customs inspectors in 2018, thus increasing the number of inspection observers of the Authority at different customs outlets at the state level by the end of the year to 66 customs observ-ers compared to about 43 observers in 2017.The Authority and through customs su-pervision and inspection department, management of operations and cus-toms control, exchanged information on more than 15 hints on the smug-gling of prohibited materials and eva-sion of customs duties, which resulted in strengthening the system of customs risks and customs inspection.In the course of 2018, the Authority

sought to increase the efficiency of its customs observers. It implemented a plan for the training and rehabilitation of observers through 45 customs and security training courses in coordina-tion with the competent governmental bodies. The number of participants in these courses was 137 participation by Customs observers (some observers at-tended more than one course).Inspection devicesIn the framework of its implementa-tion of the plan to support the customs ports approved by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, the Federal Cus-toms Authority completed in 2018 the evaluation of various customs centers in the country to determine their needs of inspection devices and to supply of such devices in accordance with the in-ternational and local standards in this regard.In this regard, the Authority carried out field visits to land, sea, air and postal customs centers to determine their needs of the equipment based

In 2018, the Authority undertook to complete its career in the development of the customs sector in the country, supervise, and control the local authorities and border customs out-lets, pursuant to Law No. (8) For year 2015 concerning the Federal Customs Authority.Based on its strategic plan adopted for the period 2017-2021, the Authority worked dur-ing the year to achieve five strategic objectives that seek to strengthen the security role of the customs sector in the country and to support efforts to protect the country borders from harmful practices and to meet the challenges and security risks resulting from instability and political unrest in the region and many countries of the world.The Authority has also sought to accomplish dozens of plans and initiatives aimed at de-veloping the objectives of customs work in the country to facilitate trade as a strategic objec-tive with its positive effects in upgrading the competitiveness of the state and its advanced classification in the global competitiveness in-dicators.In cooperation with local customs administra-tions, the Authority has already succeeded in

achieving local and international achievements in the said year through the signing of interna-tional bilateral customs agreements and the de-velopment of customs relations with partners locally, regionally in addition, internationally.During the year, the Authority also completed its work in building its institutional capacities and the customs sector in the country and rais-ing the efficiency of the employees sector at the state level in all elements and on all of customs work objectives through implementing train-ing plans and attracting the best national com-petencies.Ensuring presenting all administrative servic-es in accordance with the standards of quality, efficiency and transparency, and raise the level of happiness of employees, customers, partners and suppliers alike, in response to the state’s trends in happiness, as well as instilling a cul-ture of innovation in the institutional work en-vironment, this file monitors the main points of the work carried out by the Authority and the results achieved in each objective in detail.

2018

“Federal Customs” completes The

Further support for the security and customs system, trade facilitation and building partnerships and capacities.

strategic objectivesacross

Monitor achievements: Hassan Elkamhawi

Continuous effortsto strengthen the security and customs system and sustain the security of the community.

Providing ports with the latest inspection and detecting devices, developing the investigation system and managing the standards of health, safety and customs security.

29Emirates CustomsJanuary 201928 Emirates Customs January 2019

The File

on the facts of the actual work. De-tailed reports of these visits were pre-pared, including the actual needs of the equipment. Fourteen inspection and screening devises were provided for a number of ports Customs during the year.Control and inspectionThe Federal Customs Authority (FCA) exercised control over the customs ports during 2018 on two levels, first through the Customs Control and Inspection Department through the management teams to evaluate the customs inspection work sites based on the standards of evidence and the approved checklists and the extent to which customs outlets comply with in-spection standards, occupational safety and customs control. The second is the customs security team formed by the Authority and the local customs administrations and the relevant authorities such as the Interior Ministry and the General Authority for the Security of Ports and Security Ser-vices.At the first level, which is the level of control through the control and cus-toms inspection teams, the Authority succeeded in evaluating all 64 ports in the country during the year. With re-gard to the assessment of the customs security team at the State level, the team succeeded in assessing 24-target-ed ports in four customs departments.Through the support of Customs ports and customs inspectors and by using the latest inspection and detecting de-vices, the Authority was able during 2018 to complete a large number of inspections, and to takedown a signifi-cant number of cases of smuggling of customs and customs seizures, and to release seizures records for such cases.Customs seizuresThe Federal Customs Authority (FCA) adopted the models of Customs sei-zures statistics collected by Local Customs Administrations during the first quarter of 2018. The total customs checks that the Authority was able to enumerate at the state level during the first quarter of 2018 were 3696 sei-zures and 2540 seizures in the second quarter, while the number of seizures during the third quarter was (4575) sei-zure.

In 2018, the Authority worked on a number of initiatives, plans and pro-grams to achieve its second strate-gic objective of developing customs work to facilitate trade and passenger traffic. The most important of these are removing trade barriers with the world countries enhancing customs partnership with them, develop-ment and unification of policies and customs procedures, development of electronic systems to support trade fa-cilitation in the State and the sim-plification of customs clear-ance procedures, the evaluation and mod-ernization of the mechanism for the direct automatic transfer of cus-toms duties be-tween the GCC States, providing of electronic ser-vices and customs training ,the cus-tom training and the statistical data.Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and in the presence of the stra-tegic partners of the Authority, and In early November in Abu Dhabi, the Federal Customs Authority, in coop-eration with the local customs author-ities, launched the unified customs strategy as the first unified strategy at the level of the customs sector in the UAE.The strategy includes one vision and one message and five institutional values for the country’s customs

sector, which the Authority and lo-cal customs services are seeking to achieve through five strategic ob-jectives, including 26 initiatives, implemented through 68 activities, measured through 18 indicators and benchmarks for measuring perfor-mance and evaluating results.Application of “Altir”The United Arab Emirates, repre-sented by the Federal Customs Au-thority and the Emirates Automobile

and Tourism Club, in coopera-tion with the Federal Au-

thority for Land and Maritime Transport,

Dubai Customs and the Port and Customs Depart-ment in Sharjah, launched on Sep-tember 20, 2018, The first export shipment of In-

dos International from the country to

abroad in accordance with the international

road transport system “Al-tir.”

During the year, the Authority achieved tangible achievements in implementing the system of econom-ic operator adopted in the country, notably the adoption of the policy of the national program of the economic operator adopted at the state level, and the signing of mutual recognition agreements with several countries.

40 companies have been approved as part of the economic operator pro-gram approved in the UAE, and 60 companies are currently joining the

program in the UAE. The fifth World Economic Operator Conference will be hosted by the UAE in 2020 in the Emirate of Dubai.The Authority participated actively in the meetings of the unified Arab Cus-toms Law Committee, which was held in Cairo during the year. The Commit-tee finalized the draft Arab Customs Law, the Executive Regulation and the Explanatory Memorandum and submitted it to the Economic and So-cial Council for adoption; it was also agreed on the unified Arab customs tariffs in principle.The customs duty category is being negotiated, and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has been mandated to study it within the draft terms of reference for the study of the Arab Customs Union, at a time when work is being done to unify Arab customs procedures and to unify the Arab customs declaration.During the year, the Authority was keen to complete the requirements of implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement issued by the World Trade Organization after the ratification of the UAE as the first Arab country. The percentage of application of these re-quirements during the year was about 92.7% of the target items; work is un-derway on the remaining of 3 items out of 41 items representing the total items of the Convention.Automatic fee conversionIn the framework of its keenness to implement the system of automatic transfer of customs duties between the GCC countries, during 2018, the Authority completed the operational activities and the corrective actions of the system by 100%.

In this context, the total value of the customs duties transferred by the UAE to the GCC States in addition to the transfers of the GCC countries to the local customs service reached about AED 1 billion in 2018 through the implementation of 168 thousand and 726 transactions (maturity num-ber).Circulation systemThe statistics of the Authority indi-cate that the number of circulars is-sued through the system increased to about 286 circulars dur-ing the period from 2013 until the end of 2018. The total number of bodies that were linked with was 27 government agen-cies; the latest was the Federal Tax Authority, which was linked in 2018.In addition, the to-tal number of users of the system from the Federal Customs Author-ity, federal agencies and local customs administrations was more than 100 users. The system operates 24 hours a day for a week to publish circulars; concerned can also access and use the system around the clock during and after official working hours.Exchange of statistical dataIn 2018, the Authority completed its efforts and initiatives in the field of developing the electronic statisti-cal system and taking the necessary measures to issue a new generation of the system, which includes full

electronic statistical connectivity with the local customs administrations. This will allow the flow of customs dispatches data and the movement of goods and commodities directly and promptly upon end of entry or exit of such goods from and to the country`s various outlets. During the year, the Authority worked on completing the new generation project of the statis-tical system in light of the trend to-wards the unification of the customs system in the country.During the year, work was carried out on the project of Electronic Cus-toms Direct Linking Project with the statistical systems at the customs ad-ministrations to establish the largest central customs statistical database in the country that contributes to the formulation of policies, planning and decision support in various fields. The technical steps to implement the link with Abu Dhabi Customs in 2019 are now under process.During the year, the Authority issued

about 18 statistical publications related to foreign direct

non-oil trade, the trade of free zones in the

country, in addi-tion to issuing the annual statistical report. The an-nual statistical report on the disclosure of du-al-use goods was

also completed.Air Sports

A memorandum of understanding has

been signed between the Interior Ministry, the General

Authority of Civil Aviation, the Fed-eral Customs Authority, the Emir-ates Authority for Standardization and Metrology and the Telecommu-nications Regulatory Authority. The memo aims to enhance technical and institutional cooperation to regulate air sport practices, consolidate efforts, exchange knowledge and experience among government institutions, and apply laws and regulations to limit illegal practices of practitioners, and exchange experiences and opinions on related topics.

17 objectivesto facilitate trade and passen-ger traffic at border crossings

The adoption of 40 companies in the State and the signing of mutual recognition agreements with States within the approved economic operator program.


The File

In 2018, the Authority aimed at build-ing the financial and administrative ca-pacities of the Authority, enhancing the information security system, upgrading the level of the employees’ and custom-ers happiness, increasing the efficiency of the employees in the customs sector in the country, developing the skills of its observers at customs outlets and ex-changing experiences and knowledge through a number of ways, and notably the launch of the Professional Diploma Program as the first federal vocational program, in cooperation with the Inte-rior Ministry to train customs inspectors in the country (males and females) to serve as customs inspectors through the study for approximately 3 months, which serves the security system of the state.During the year, the Authority succeeded in completing the job description of the customs inspector in the country as a requirement for the implementation of the customs professional diploma. The job description of the customs inspector includes criteria relating to the scope of application, the administrative category, labor relations, tasks, responsibilities, skills, basic materials required and mate-rials for inspectors of land, sea and air-ports.Training of observersDuring the year, the Authority organized a training program for its customs ob-servers as well as customs observers of the local customs administrations, with the aim of increasing the operational effi-ciency of the observers at the work sites.The number of training courses organized by the Authority or in which the Author-ity and the local customs administrations participated during the year 40 sessions attended by more than 343 members of the Authority and the local customs ser-vices.The Authority also implemented an in-ternal training program for its customs inspectors and 66 inspectors and observ-

ers, in order to raise their knowledge of the customs procedures, the Harmonized System and the customs regulations in force in the Authority, and other objec-tives of work.Also, during the year, the Authority suc-ceeded in implementing 23 specialized training courses for the Authority`s em-ployees within the training plan adopted by the Authority.During the year, the Authority has also developed a technical and information security infrastructure through the imple-mentation of the smart pass by100% on smart e-services, and the implementation of ( focus) System for Strategic Planning, the implementation of the National Cus-tomer Relationship Management Project in the Authority at 100%, the measure-ment of the customers’ happiness with respect to smart electronic services, the activation of the linkage with my ser-vice system for the Cabinet Office, the completion of the technical infrastructure upgrade plan in accordance with the best technical practices applicable to informa-tion security.HRDuring the year, the Authority imple-mented a number of plans to develop policies and procedures related to human resources, which contributed to improv-ing the level of satisfaction with the work environment in the Authority and en-hancing the belonging of employees and raising the level of employee satisfaction. In this regard, the percentage of Emirati-zation during the year reached 78.4% 13 administrative posts and 28 posts were appointed in the Customs Control and In-spection Department.During the year, the Authority was able to conduct 303 functional interviews through 33 interview committees, thus finalizing recruitment procedures for the 2018 recruitment plan within the time limit and according to the requirements identified. In addition, 24 functional de-

scriptions were developed and updated in 2018 according to the functions defined by the Authority based on the organiza-tional structure.In the financial field, the Authority has successfully implemented an initiative to rationalize expenditures by 5% based on the directives of HE the Commissioner, Chairman of the Authority, expenses were rationalized in a range of items by between 5% and 87%. During the year, the Authority achieved a higher than ex-pected personal income.Institutional ExcellenceIn terms of strategy, institutional excel-lence and internal auditing, the Authority has undertaken a number of initiatives during 2018, most notably the participa-tion of the Mohammed bin Rashid Award for Government Excellence in 2018, in addition, 12 monthly reports were issued during the year on institutional perfor-mance within the Ministry of Finance’s INJAZ system, in addition to 8 reports related to the results of performance in-dicators.The ISO 31000 International Standard, which aims to implement global practic-es in internal auditing and corporate risk management, was completed in August 2018. The internal and external audits of ISO 9001: 2015, ISO Customer com-plaints 10002: 2014, ISO customer satis-faction 10004: 2012, were completed and there were no cases of non-conformity.During the year, the Government’s Com-munications Department succeeded in implementing a series of media, insti-tutional and community initiatives and activities. The most prominent of these activities are the adoption of the 2018 Government Communication Strategy, the issuance of more than 90 news stories and reports, more than 24 statistical bulle-tins from UAE Customs and Free Zones, updating and rating the lists of partners, honoring them and implementing the ap-proved annual community events plan.

In the year 2018, the Authority achieved many accomplish-es and achievements in building relations, strategic partner-ships and global competitiveness in cooperation with the local customs administrations by working to strengthen customs relations locally, internationally and regionally, and by entering into bilateral and international agree-ments and by developing customs relations with the state’s trading partners.During the year, the Authority sought to ex-pand the scope of partnership with the out-side world by signing a target number of bilateral technical and administrative cus-toms cooperation agreements. In this re-gard, the number of bilateral agreements signed by the Authority reached 25 agree-ments by the end of 2018, 12 of which are

already ratified and applied, Customs cooperation agree-ments were signed in 2018 with two countries, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Seychelles.During the year, the Authority completed the procedures for hosting the Regional Office for Capacity Building for North

Africa and the near and Middle East region. The Author-ity also participated in WCO teams and commit-

tees, the participation of the Authority in the meetings of the World Customs Organiza-

tion contributes to enhancing the UAE’s standing in the organization, highlighting the achievements of the UAE Customs as the best international practice, as well as benefiting from the customs objectives discussed for the development of customs work in the UAE.

Within the framework of the State’s efforts to promote a culture of in-novation in the institutional work by providing a work environment con-ducive to innovation, development and improvement of the work proce-dures, the Authority has worked on more than one objective to achieve this goal in 2018, in this regard, im-portant achievements were achieved, notably the first place at the level of the federal government in the ratio of electronic and intelligent transforma-tion of government services achieved 100%, while the average result of the indicator in the federal authorities reached 97.85%.

The Authority came in fourth place at the level of the federal government in the index of customer’s happiness dealing with electronic and smart ser-vices reaching 89%. Fifth place at the government level in the index of pub-lic awareness of electronic and smart services, achieving 78%.While the Authority was ranked sixth in the government level in the index of the commitment of government services to quality standards by 93% , it came in eighth place at the govern-ment level in the index of the use of government services and by 93% as well.In February 2018, the Authority orga-

nized a series of events as part of its participation in Emirates Innovation Month.According to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority assessment for 2018, the index of happiness for elec-tronic services through the website of the Authority reached about 89%, while the average index of happiness for electronic services through smart applications reached 90%. The mobile application was evaluated on the Ap-ple, Google and Windows platforms in a 5-star category, and the artificial in-telligence service was used to analyze customer satisfaction.

Raising the efficiency of employeesand providing administrative ser-vices in accordance with quality and transparency standards

Build relationshipsand strategic partnerships at home and abroad to support competitive advantage.

Various activitiesto instill a culture of innovation in work environment.

Dozens of training courses for observers and employees, upgrading the information technology infrastructure and applying the ISO standards


God has blessed us since the establishment of the Union State by a unique leadership that did not stop at the glories of the past and history, but has made the past the boost for the con-struction of the present planning for the future with a special Emirati flavor. The result was a national model of construction and a pioneer-ing country in predicting the future that was able to break the rules of the ancient geogra-phy and overcome the traditional frameworks of building civilizations.The most important thing that distinguishes the development process of our wise leader-ship is that it starts out from the fragrant of the past and its cultural and religious heritage, to build the present according to the latest technological development in order to make society happy and improve the quality of life of citizens.The march of our development leadership does not stop at the present borders and boasts of the achievements that preceded the other countries of the region and the world over 25 years, our leadership has taken the achieve-ments of the present to prepare for the future, until the UAE, as His Highness Sheikh Mo-hammed bin Zayed Al Nahayan, said “the most important center in the region for devel-opment and innovation,”If you want to know the future and see with your own eyes as a reality, then turn your head toward the UAE, where it alone knows its fea-tures, issues, challenges and orientations. The future is here and not in any other place.This is not the only important thing that dis-tinguishes our leadership march towards de-velopment, but more importantly, it aim not to build a personal historic glory for the ruler, but rather it starts from the interest of the citizen as a basis for building and providing decent means of living for him, man is the principle and the tools in the work and the achieve-ment, and he is also the final destination, and the best evidence of this is what His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed said at the clos-ing of the World Summit of the recent govern-ments in Dubai, where he said: “ No govern-ment can function efficiently without taking

into account the interest of its citizens. “I say to those who are afraid to be convinced of the excellence and leadership of our de-velopment path despite its crystal clarity, just consider the achievements of our wise leader-ship during the first 45 days of 2019 only, to ensure the comprehensiveness and the deep-rootedness of our development process and the truth of what we mentioned above.On the humanitarian and religious level, our country witnessed during that period the launch of the initiative of tolerance and brotherhood, connects with the people of the homeland in many social events. At the level of politics and good governance, rela-tions with the regional and African neighbors countries have been strengthened and the is-suance of the document of the fiftieth book “My story and the restructuring of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and at the educa-tional and cultural level, the UAE University and the Zayed Center for Desert Sciences were visited, the national program “UAE Experts” was launched, the General Union of Arab Writers and Authors Conference was hosted.At the historical and heritage level the visit to Zayed`s tomb the founder, , the visit of Al-Muwaiji Palace, Mabzzaret al khadra , Hafeet mountain and the archaeological site of the oldest mosque.On the economic side, the strategic part-nership in the field of oil refining between ADNOC, ENI and the Austrian OMV was launched.The merger of the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, the National Union and the Crescent has been announced in one giant entity, in ad-dition to the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.Militarily, an integrated weapon system de-veloped by the UAE was launched in the Black Hawk aircraft, and at the sports level, the 2019 Asian Cup, Camel Racing, Capabil-ity and other sporting events were hosted. So that our wise leadership concludes the activi-ties of this short period with the jewel of the crown and the symbol of the future and its icon, the World Summit of Governments.

Our developmental march

The Meeting is renewedAli Alneyadi

year of tolerance… - fca · 2019-06-23 · dubai customs thwarts attempt to smuggle 5000000...

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