Abu Dhabi’s Department of Finance and Abu Dhabi Customs have signed an agreement with the UAE Automobile and Touring Club (ATCUAE) to work together to introduce a global customs transit system in the Emirates.
Currently linking 73 countries worldwide, the International Road Transport (TIR) system is expected to reduce the time trucks spend waiting at UAE borders from days to hours.
Standardised inspection models and international customs documents known as Carnets, which will be issued on behalf of the International Road Transport Union (IRU), will also be introduced.
Speaking following the signing of the agreement, Mohamed Khadim Al Hameli, acting DG of Abu Dhabi Customs, said: “Abu Dhabi Customs was among the first government departments established in the Emirate, and this agreement reinforces our longstanding commitment to strengthen cooperation with neighbouring customs administrations, and reach the highest standards of safety and security in land transport movement in UAE.
“TIR system will reinforce the best global practices in road transportation in line with international agreements and covenants signed by the UAE. It will save time and effort, and will significantly reduce costs through expediting formalities and enhance their efficiency through the use of standardised inspection methods on trucks crossing the border, particularly to Saudi Arabia, which is witnessing the biggest movement of land transport within the country,” he added.
ATCUAE is already an active member of the IRU, having been appointed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to issue TIR Carnets for truck operators. The decision to implement the system in the UAE comes after months of discussions between the organisation and key Abu Dhabi policy makers.
“We are very happy to have formed a new working partnership with Abu Dhabi Customs, and are grateful for their invaluable support,” commented ATCUAE president, Dr Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
“We now look forward to reaching similar agreements with the customs authorities in other Emirates, and hope to be able to fully activate the TIR system in the UAE by the end of the year, and then immediately start issuing TIR Carnets,” he said.
The TIR system allows goods to transit from another country of origin to a country of destination in sealed load compartments, with customs control recognition along the supply chain. Consequently, duties and taxes at risk are guaranteed, and the need for physical inspections of goods in transit is reduced, lowering administrative and financial burdens.
“It cuts the time trucks spend at the borders from days to a matter of hours,” added Sulayem.
“This will benefit the transport industry overall, and will be welcomed by a huge range of goods manufacturers and suppliers, by customers, [and] each of the customs authorities,” he concluded.
An IRU team will visit the UAE shortly to introduce the computerised TIR system.
