E-Commerce.. Customs challenges - FCA...The e-commerce market in the Middle East and the world is witnessing a remarkable increase in vol-ume as competition accelerates. Current predictions

The e-commerce market in the Middle East and the world is witnessing a remarkable increase in vol-ume as competition accelerates. Current predictions show, that the Middle East market is expected to grow by 16.4 percent in the next three and a half years to reach $ 48.6 billion in 2022. This represents an increase of $ 26.9 billion over the current year, according to a report produced by BMI Research.The report predicted that the UAE and Saudi Ara-bia would remain the largest and fastest-growing e-commerce markets in the region in the coming years, encouraged by the rapid developments wit-nessed by the two markets recently. Notably the launch of Noon.com, the signing of an agreement with the “eBay” China, the acquisition by Amazon of Souq.com, and the estab-lishment of the e-commerce board headed by the Saudi Minister of Commerce.So e-commerce expansion is a powerful wave sweeping the countries of the re-gion and the world, at a time when traditional trade is suffering from the con-sequences of the slowdown in growth of traditional trade due to the crises and economic challenges experienced by many economies, both major and micro.This growth in the e-commerce sector, whether in the Middle East or the world, faces a number of challenges; the most important of which is the lack of govern-mental preparation in many countries for the rapid growth of e-trade. Particularly with regard to the legislative and regulatory system required to govern electronic commerce. The system currently has many weaknesses that have a negative im-pact on the legal rights and the required litigation procedures between the parties to the commercial process. Other factors to be considered are the sharp slowdown in the growth of e-retail banking, especially debit and credit cards, the low levels of electronic security, increased piracy, and uneven levels of innovation in electronic advances in the region. Moreover, there has been an increase in customs duties in light of the increase in the volume of individual trade, and a reduced level of customs control over this type of trade. While customs are active in controlling physical goods within the e-commerce sector, they are more restricted in their ability to control virtual goods such as software applications and electronic games purchased directly online without crossing customs borders or ports.It is difficult to provide full consumer protection in this new retail sector. The product may not meet the safety and security needs of the consumer though mak-ing it unrealistic to monitor its production as can be done with traditional trade.These and other challenges can not hide the fact that e-commerce has become an important part of our lives, that future generations will not be able to live without it, or that in the coming decades it will become a significantly important arena for doing business and meeting the daily needs of the individual. These challenges must be dealt with wisely and innovatively, especially at the level of the customs sector in the countries of the region and the world.It is now time for the international customs sector to cooperate in the develop-ment of an international legislative framework that regulates the movement of goods and commodities (in kind and electronic) within the e-commerce sector, ensures their control, and collection of duties, and fees. It should also cooperate in the imposition of more stringent control mechanisms to ensure the compliance of the shipping and transport sector, especially maritime and air, which remain heavily used in e-commerce. In addition, there is a need for co-operation with other tax authorities for the optimal and facilitative collection of value-added tax on such goods to provide support for national economies.

E-Commerce.. Customs challenges

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 Bin Subaih AlKaabi

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

Copyeditor: Joe Kelly

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

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

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Manifest

�� Abu Dhabi (Emirates Customs)

In May 2018, in the presence of Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, (UAE ),and Minister of Foreign Af-fairs, Vladimir Makei ( Republic of Belarus), HE Ali bin Sabih Al Kaabi, Customs Commissioner and Chair-man of the Federal Customs Author-ity (FCA), and Yury Senko, Chair-man of the State Customs Committee of Belarus signed a Customs Coop-eration Agreement at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Abu Dhabi .His Excellency the Commissioner Ali Al-Kaabi said in a press state-ment that the agreement aims at en-hancing the economic partnership and trade between the two countries through facilitating customs proce-dures and raising customs efficiency through exchange of experience, vis-its, and participation in joint customs workshops. Moreover, the exchange of information on the routing and customs valuation of goods will en-

able close cooperation to combat smuggling, and detect counterfeit and fraudulent goods. In addition, the agreement will cre-ate a joint customs committee and appoint direct liaison officers in cus-toms administrations of both parties to address any obstacles to trade and any customs issues between the two countries.HE Ali Al Kaabi said, “The signing of the agreement comes within the framework of the Authority’s efforts to achieve its strategic objectives, to protect the security of UAE society, enhance cooperation with the outside world, facilitate trade and meet the objectives of the UAE Vision 2021,.”The agreement will enhance the exchange of experience, promote economic cooperation and increase trade between the two countries. It will protect the community against illicit trade practices through the ex-change of information and mutual customs operations between the two countries. It also contributes to the reduction of customs offences, which

disrupt the economic, commercial, financial, social and cultural interests of the two countries.In a meeting held on Sunday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and In-ternational Cooperation in Abu Dha-bi, Ali bin Sabih Al Kaabi discussed with Yuri Sinko, practical methods to enhance cooperation and exchange experience of joint customs work, increase the movement of trade be-tween the two countries and adopt mutual recognition of ِthe Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) pro-gramme...The meeting was attended by HE Ahmed Al-Tuniji, State Ambassador to the Republic of Belarus, Mona Al-Maeeni, Deputy Director of the Eco-nomic and Commercial Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, HE Ahmed bin Lahej, Executive Director of Customs Affairs Sector; Ahmed Al Khaili, Director of the Office of the Commissioner of Cus-toms. In addition to Vladimir Flynn, from the Embassy of Belarus to the UAE.

UAE and Belarus sign Customs Cooper-ation Agreement

In the margins of the joint committee meetings between the two countries

5 federalagencies collaborateto organize light air sports

0490’s Day of Customs

Ali Al Kaabiinspects the new K9 unit building in Umm Al Quwain

UAE and Japandiscuss the signingof a customs cooperation agreement

14

08

Reports


AED 1.612 Trillion UAE Non-Oil General Trade Volume Recordedin 2017

16Reports

18THE UAE TO FACECHALLENGES BY

A UNIFIEDCUSTOMS STRATEGY

2 3Emirates CustomsEmirates Customs July 2018July 2018

Contents 90’s Day of Customs


HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Na-hayan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior witnessed today, in Abu Dhabi, the signing of a Mem-orandum of Understanding, between the Ministry of Interior, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Fed-eral Customs Authority, the Emirates Standards and Metrology Authority and the Telecommunications Regu-latory Authority, to promote techni-cal and institutional cooperation in the regulation of the practice of air sports.The signing ceremony was attended by HE Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance, HE Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of Economy, HE Moham-med bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minis-ter of State for Defense Affairs, Ali Mohammed Bin Soubih Al Kaabi, Customs Commissioner -chairman of FCA- , and a number of officers of the Ministries of Defense and In-terior.The Memorandum of Understanding was signed for the Ministry of In-

terior, by Major General Dr. Ahmed Al-Riesi, Inspector General and Chairman of the Follow-up Com-mittee for the Implementation of the Light Air Sports System, for the General Civil Aviation Authority by HE Omar bin Ghalib, Deputy Direc-tor General of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, for the FCA by HE Mohammad Juma Buosaiba , the director General for the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology by the General Manager HE Abdulla Abdul Qadir Al Mu’aini, and for the Regulatory Authority of Telecommunication HE Mr. Majid Sultan Al-Mismar, Deputy General Manager. of The memorandum comes as a ma-jor step towards consolidating the efforts of, and integrating the knowledge and experience between government institutions. This is in accordance with the directives of the wise leadership and the current strategic plans of all parties to regu-late the practice of light air sports, ensuring consumer rights and safety requirements are met.The memorandum aims to enhance

coordination between the signato-ries in relation to their efforts, in the public interest, for the implementa-tion, and activation of the rules of light sports in the UAE initiated by the decision of the General Author-ity of Civil Aviation Authority No. 2 of 2015.It also aims to enhance cooperation and coordination between the con-cerned parties in light air sport to implement laws and regulations and limit illegal practitioners of these sports; it will also permit an ex-change of experiences and opinions on related topics.

The memorandum sets forth the ar-eas of cooperation between the sig-natories. These areTo review the legislation, laws, rules , regulations and publications related to light air sports, To create a mechanism for an elec-tronic link between the parties for the exchange of information on vio-lations of the law, To conduct joint workshops and training to empower staff in this area Co-operation in the field of accident

investigationCoordination of market survey/in-formation campaigns to ensure the exclusion of products that do not meet safety requirements.During the signing ceremony, the second phase of the Unified Pilot Products and Systems (UAV) Uni-fied Platform was launched. This is an electronic system for the registra-tion of those involved in the manu-facture of aircraft, the importation and exportation and the circulation of these products in the UAE.The project was implemented in two phases. During the first phase, the Emirates Authority developed the platform services for Standardiza-tion and Metrology (ESMA) with the General Authority of Civil Avia-tion and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority. The second phase is to extend this to include the other partners in the project. .His Excellency Ali Mohammed Bin Soubih Al Kaabi, Customs Com-missioner, Chairman of the FCA, expressed his pleasure to sign the memorandum of understanding with these strategic partners to improve

the regulation, control the air sports sector, and provide the necessary in-stitutional and technical cooperation.His Excellency said that the Author-ity aims to bring these sports to the appropriate level in the UAE, and to ensure that the equipment and ma-chines for these sports are not used for purposes other than those as-signed to them. The role of the Federal Customs Authority includes monitoring the import and export of relevant com-ponents and equipment to ensure the compliance of commercial exporters and importers. It also includes pri-vate importation by passengers. All will have to meet the conditions, specifications, and procedures is-sued by the Ministry of the Interior and the rest of the partners in this area. The role of customs in monitoring these components, equipment and devices is in line with the objectives of UAE Vision 2021, which aims to establish a safe society, increase, fa-cilitate trade, and enhance coopera-tion with international community.Major General Dr. Ahmed Al-Rissi,

Inspector General of the Ministry of Interior, confirmed that the memo-randum reflects the commitment of the government agencies to enhance their cooperation in the fields of public safety and provide legal edu-cation in the public interest. He un-derlined out the commitment of the MOI to strengthen it is partnerships to achieve the desired goals.“We are witnessing today the signing of this memorandum, which aims to strengthen and combine government integration efforts, in order to ensure the smooth implementation of laws aimed primarily at protecting people and their property and preserve the achievements of our beloved coun-try.”He added, “We are coming to the high point of our continuous work in the High Joint Committee to regu-late and activate the law of light air sports. The Memorandum of Under-standing will unite efforts and work to link the concerned parties and ac-celerate the decision making process. It will ensure the best results through the consolidation of the government vision in this area.”

5 federal agencies collaborateto organize light air sports

Saif bin Zayed and Nahayan bin Mubarakattend the signing ceremony of the MoU

The aim is to unite and integrate effort integration and to exchange knowledge and experience between government institutions with regard to the implemen-tation of the strategic plans and instruc-tions of the leadership.

The establishment of a mechanism for electronic linkage of the parties and the exchange of information on violations of the laws، the organization of workshops and staff empowerment.

Areas of cooperation include review of legislation، rules، regulations and publi-cations related to light air sports.

Launch of the second phase of the uni-fied electronic platform for the registra-tion of products and systems for UAVs and those involved in the manufacture of aircraft imports.



HE Mohammed Juma Buosaiba, Di-rector General of the Authority, said that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding to regulate the practice of light air sports between the five partners represents a model for institutional and technical coop-eration between the UAE govern-ment institutions. The light air sport market in the UAE is developing rapidly in the past years. In light of this technical acceleration in the in-dustry, the is a strong requirement to cooperate in monitoring the market and regulating the processes and exchanging information to meet the trade and public security challenges related to them.He pointed out that the Federal Cus-toms Authority is fully prepared to provide all necessary facilities to reg-ulate the light air sports sector and to play an effective role in monitoring the import and export of equipment and related devices through customs ports to ensure their compliance with the specifications and standards adopted in this field.He added that the MoU aims at mon-itoring these sports and exchang-ing information and experiences

among the relevant authorities in the UAE through an electronic link. He pointed out that the Authority will play an important role in raising the awareness of customs inspectors of the specific import and export rules through organizing Training courses in cooperation with strate-gic partners. The FCA will also be an active participant in efforts aimed at increasing the awareness of the participants in these sports, espe-cially young people, with the criteria and rules for the importation of the equipment and the controls on their usage.On his part, , Abdullah Abdulqader Al Meini, Director General of the Emirates Standardization and Me-trology Authority (ESMA), said that the unified platform for registering UAV products and systems in the UAE was the result of a fruitful co-operation between all parties, which meets the requirements of the Na-tional Agenda 2021. He pointed out “the ESMA is concerned substan-tially to raise the quality of life in the UAE. This is achieved through appropriate policies, legislation and regulations governing the relevant

sectors.”He explained, “Specialists in EMSA have noticed an increased develop-ment in the manufacture and trade of UAVs, and the multiplicity of meth-ods of their use. This has developed randomly in a manner that may pose a risk to the public safety, prompting us to respond quickly to this matter. We have conducted specialized tech-nical studies to develop the techni-cal regulation to control how these products are traded in the UAE. “He explained, “Traders, suppliers, individuals and business opera-tors within the vital field are now required to register their products through the unified platform. This will enable the EMSA team to over-come the challenges, which caused the uncontrolled spread of type of air vehicle in the UAE., This spread posed a threat to air navigation sys-tems , the safety of individuals, and public and private property.The first challenge was the need to provide clear legislation and control mechanisms on the life-cycle re-quirements of these products in the country’s markets in order to ensure that they provided safety and secu-

rity requirements for individuals and property. They indented clear product charac-teristics, which took into account the controls, procedures and regulations of the UAE, with regard to safety and privacy.The second challenge was that these drones and air vehicles posed a real threat to air traffic, the safety of pas-sengers traveling through airports and the resulting losses in travel time, as monitored through scientific studies. All products must, therefore, comply with a set of requirements before they are imported, sold, as-sembled or operated within UAE airspace, and must contain a certifi-cate of conformity from the Emirates Standards and Metrology Authority (ESMA).

The third challenge was that such aircraft were sold at cheap prices, and available to all social classes.

The fourth challenge was the lack of awareness by the operators of these aircraft on how to use them safely, and the consequences of using them in prohibited places, representing a navigational challenge in the air-space management environment, which threatened a number of com-mercial flights.He noted that the Authority has worked within the Federal Govern-ment team to develop the unified

electronic platform for registering UAV products and systems used in the UAE for recreational, service, and commercial purposes. Under the name “My Drone”, the system is in line with the UAE Government’s commitment to provide an safe aviation environment, and a safe so-ciety, t and provide these activities with a legal umbrella, and practices, without threatening the environment or harming the interests of society , or even encroaching on the privacy of members of society.AL Maini added: “The unified plat-form will allow all regulators in the UAE, such as the Ministry of the Interior, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, the General Authority for Civil Aviation and the Economic Development De-partment, to identify all necessary information about unmanned air-craft such as the factory, distributor, point of sale, individuals owners of the drones. This will contribute to regulating the circulation of these products in the market, identifying their end user and facilitating ac-tion against their use in incorrect or unsafe ways.




HE Ali Al Kaabi, Custom Com-missioner, Chairman of the Federal Customs Authority, discussed with a Japanese delegation how to enhance joint customs cooperation and pre-pare to sign an agreement for tech-nical and administrative customs cooperation. Additionally the mutual recognition of the authorized eco-nomic operator system (AEO) was proposed alongside exchange of ex-perience and increasing the trade be-tween the two countries.During the second week of May, HH Ali Al Kaabi supported by Ahmed Al-Khaili, Commissioner’s office man-ager, and Suoud Al Agroobi, Director of International Relations department. Received HE Yasuhisa Nako, Vice Minister of Finance for Internation-al Affairs, Kuturo Suzuki, Charge d’Affaires of the Japanese Embassy in the UAE, and Rio Ishi, Head of the Economic Section at the EmbassyHE the Commissioner, underline the

importance of Japan as a strategic trading partner of the UAE based on the historical relationship of coopera-tion and partnership between the two countries. He pointed out that the ex-perience of Japan in the development of the customs role and the manage-ment of customs risks is one of the most comprehensive in the world. It is, therefore, important to exchange experiences and best practices with them to improve the efficiency of the customs sector in both countries.Japan is one of the top 10 trading

partners of the UAE. The FCA’s data shows that the volume of trade exchange between the two countries amounted to 281.6 billion dirhams (77.2 billion dollars) during the pe-riod from 2013 until the end of 2017.The total volume of imports to the UAE from Japan, during the same period, was 263 billion dirhams ($ 72 billion), while the UAE’s exports to Japan were 10.7 billion dirhams ($ 2.9 billion). Additionally re-exports amounted to 8 billion dirhams ($ 2.2 billion).


The Federal Customs Authority met with the Dubai Police, dur-ing the first week of June at the Authority’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, to discuss ways to improve cooperation in the field of protec-tion of intellectual property rights and combating counterfeit and fake goods. The meeting also en-abled preparations to be made for the upcoming 12th International Conference of Law Enforcement Agencies to Combat Intellectual Property Crime, co-hosted by INTERPOL and the Emirate of Dubai on 25 and 26 September.HE Ali Al Kaabi, Customs Com-missioner and Chairman of the FCA chaired the meeting, in the presence of Ahmed bin Lahej, Executive Director of Customs Affairs Sector, Ahmad Al Khaili Director of the Office of the Chairman, Dr. Ahmed Al-Bakr legal Advisor to the Authority. The Police delegation was HE Dr.

Abdul Quddoos Al-Obaidli, As-sistant Commander for Excellence & Pioneering, Chairman of the EIPA, Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Maeeni, Director of the Inno-vation Center and Lt. Col. Faisal Khamiri, Director of Strategic Planning Department...The meeting reviewed a number of important topics, including en-hancing the country’s capacity in the field of intellectual property rights protection, it highlighted the role of the customs sector in this field, and how FCA employees have benefited from the services provided by Dubai Police aca-demic institutions. The meeting also discussed the achievements of the Dubai Police and the Soci-ety for the Protection of Intellec-tual Property Rights in the field of counterfeit and falsified goods, the structure of partnerships inside and outside the country and the memorandums of understanding that have been signed with them. His Excellency Ali Al Kaabi said

that the country’s customs sector plays an important role in protect-ing intellectual property rights and combating counterfeit and fake goods in the UAE. His aligns with the framework of the UAE Vision 2021 and the key indicators of the national agenda; contributing to building a diversified and knowl-edge-based competitive economy.HE explained that the strategy of the customs sector in the fight against fraud, counterfeiting and protection of intellectual property rights includes the application of the latest systems and techniques in the prevention and detection... He emphasized the cooperation and coordination between the customs administrations and rel-evant governmental departments, private sector institutions and in-ternational trademark owners, and the development of risk manage-ment systems to enhance the ef-ficiency of customs inspectors in the detection of counterfeit and fake goods.

281.6 billion dirhams of non-oil trade between the two countries in 5 years

UAE and Japan discuss the signingof a customs cooperation agreement

Key Co-operation on Protectionof Intellectual Property betweenthe Authority and the Dubai Police

Al Kaabi receives the Japanese delegation at the headquarters of the Authority in Abu Dhabi

HE Ali Al-Kaabi, Al-Obaidli, Al-Mu’aini and Bin Lahej during the meeting



Joint meeting with the General Directorate of NarcoticsControl and local Customs Administrations

“FCA” is strengthening cooperation in the fight against narcotics

During the eighth coordination meeting with local administrations

“FCA” discusses the unification of cus-toms clearance systems at the state level

�� Dubai (Emirates Customs)

The FCA, during a meeting held in mid-May at the headquarters of the Authority in Dubai, discussed with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control in the Ministry of the Interior and local Customs Adminis-trations in the UAE methods to strengthen cooperation in the field of narcotics control to protect society from the negative effects of this serious scourge. The meeting chaired by HE Ahmed Abdullah bin La-hej, Executive Director of the Customs Affairs Sector at the Authority, with participation of HE Brigadier Saeed Al Suwaidy, Director General of the General Di-rectorate of Narcotics Control, Mr. Saleh Al Mutawa, Director of Policies and Standards management, Mr. Mohammed Al Razzi, Head of Strategic Management. Mr. Mubarak Matar Al Mansoori, Chief Operating Of-ficer of Abu Dhabi Customs, Mr. Abdullah Al Khaja, Managing Director of Dubai Customs Department, Mohammed Abdul Rahman Al Awadi, Director of Customs Affairs at Ajman Port and Customs Depart-ment, Marwan Durbini, Director of Customs Affairs at Ras Al Khaimah Customs, Habib Al Ali of Ports, Cus-toms and Free Zone Corporation in Umm Al Quwain, Rashid Al Kindi, Deputy General Manager of Fujairah Customs, and a number of department directors, heads of departments from the Federal Customs Authority and local Customs Administrations.The meeting discussed methods of cooperation between the FCA, the local Customs Administrations and the

General Directorate of Narcotics Control in the Ministry of Interior, to enhance the role of the customs sector in combating narcotics, reduce smuggling operations and prevent the entry of narcotics into the state. This will protect society in general and youth in particular. It also reviewed the General Directorate of Narcotics Control efforts in the field of narcotics control. It stressed the importance of periodic meetings and exchange of infor-mation, expertise and training on the latest methods of narcotics smuggling and how to combat them. This will enhance the capabilities of all parties to combat narcot-ics smuggling and reduce their availability in line with the specific objectives of each party.HE Saeed Al-Suwaidy also stressed the importance of holding periodic meetings between all of the parties involved in narcotics and the need for prior coordina-tion. He praised the role of the FCA and the local Cus-toms Administrations in raising the index of narcotics seizures for the first quarter of the current year, 2018.HE Ahmed Abdullah bin Lahej pointed out that pro-tecting society from the negative effects of narcotics trafficking is one of the strategic objectives of the Au-thority and the local Customs Administrations. This is based on the principles of UAE Vision 2021, the indi-cators of the national agenda and the guidance of the wise leadership. He stressed that the Authority and the local Customs Administrations put the fight against narcotics trafficking through border crossings as a top priority because of its serious effects on youth and the security and stability of society.

�� Dubai (Emirates Customs)

The Federal Customs Authority (FCA) held its eighth joint meeting with the local Customs Administrations in the UAE on Sunday, May 13 at its head-quarters in Dubai. The meeting dealt with a number of issues on the agenda of joint customs work, most notably the latest develop-ments of the AEO system, the customs professional diploma, the results of the implementation of the first phase of the international road transport agree-ment (TIR), the K9 customs unit, and the unification of customs clearance systems at the state level. In addition, other issues that contribute to the im-provement of performance at border customs posts were discussed.HE Ali Al Kaabi, Customs Commis-sioner and Chairman of the Authority chaired the meeting, in the presence of HE Mohammed Juma Buosaiba, Director General of the Authority, Ahmed Abdullah bin Lahej Al Falasi, Executive Director of Customs Affairs Sector. The Customs Administrations were represented by Rashid Lahej Al Mansoori, General Manager of the General Administration of Customs -

Director General of Dubai Customs, Mr. Mohammed Mir Rahman, General Manager of Sharjah Customs, Sultan Saeed Al Ali, Executive Director of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Cor-poration, Umm Al Quwain, , Rashid Mohammed Saif Hamad, Director General of Fujairah Customs, Mar-wan Durbini, representing the Director General of Ras Al Khaimah Customs. A number of administrations directors also attended.The meeting reviewed a number of important topics, foremost of which is activating the role of customs in the face of drug trafficking and protecting society from its negative impact. Other major topics covered were:• The preparations of the Authority and customs administrations to orga-nize the second UAE Customs Week scheduled to be held in Fujairah in

January 2019. • The minimum tariff for tobacco and its derivatives, • The mechanism for collection of an-ti-dumping duties in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, the fees for ratifications of invoices and certifi-cates of origin.• The preparation of a unified customs valuation system at the state level pre-pared by the FCA to assist Customs officials in determining customs duties on goods and commodities imported into the UAE • The preparation of a National cus-toms database within the FCA for use by all local Customs Administrations, • Product classification of IQOS heat-ed tobacco coil.HE Ali Al Kaabi said that the Authori-ty is keen to organize regular meetings with the directors of the local Customs Administrations to unify visions and plans for future customs work and to improve the level of cooperation in achieving the goals of the vision of the UAE 2021. This must meet, the aspi-rations of the wise leadership in light of the increasing challenges facing the customs sector in the country in the ar-eas of security and trade.

Al-Suwaidy, Ben Lahej, Mansoori and Al-Khaja, and representatives of the Authority and local departments during the meetingAli Al-Kaabi chairs the meeting in the presence of Mohammed Buosiba and Ahmed bin Lahej and directors of local administrations

Ali AlKaabi:Need to unify visions and plans on developments in customs work to achieve the goals of Vision 2021



During the participation of the delegation of the State in the meetingof The 132nd Session of the World Customs Organization (WCO)

Emirates looking to strengthen customs cooperation with five countries�� Brussels (Emirates Customs):

The UAE participated in the 132 nd session of the WCO Council held at the headquarters in Brussels during June 2018.HE Mohamed Juma Buosaiba, Direc-tor General of the Federal Customs Authority, headed the delegation, which included Mohammed Mir Al Sarrah, Director of the Depart-ment of Marine Ports and Customs in Sharjah, Saud Salem Al Agroobi, Director of International Relations (FCA), and Fatima Mohammed Aqeel Abbasi, Executive Director of International Relations (FCA). During the meeting, they discussed bilateral customs relations, the op-portunities for exchanging customs expertise and information, and meth-ods of enhancing cooperation be-

tween the UAE and partner countries through the signing of customs tech-nical cooperation agreements.HE Mohammed Buosaiba said that the meeting represents an important opportunity to look at the latest de-velopments and issues effecting the global economic and customs areas... Pointing out that the participation of the UAE in the meeting reflects the commitment of the UAE to play its

active role in global trade manage-ment, and participation in its devel-opment. In addition, he emphasized the need to adapt and strengthen cus-toms work globally to achieve fair trade and a safe society...He explained that the meeting of the 132rd Session discussed several im-portant issues on the international customs agenda. He pointed out that the 48th Regional Meeting of Di-rectors of Customs in North Africa, Near and Middle East, held on the sidelines of the meetings, discussed several key issues; The most impor-tant of these are the developments related to the implementation of the WTO Agreement, cooperation be-tween customs and tax authorities worldwide and the role of customs in combating illegal financial flows. They also discussed measuring per-

formance, the review of the Revised Kyoto Convention and the WCO strategy for the coming years.The 132nd session agenda addressed a range of issues, including the report of the Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization on the mea-surement of performance, the strate-gy and work of the Organization, and cooperation with other international organizations. It also accepted the re-ports the latest technical committees on the Harmonized System, Customs Valuation and Rules of Origin.HE called on Member States to pay more attention to e-commerce, de-velop customs tools to keep up with advances in digital development. In addition, advocated the adoption of a framework of e-commerce standards by the Customs Cooperation Coun-cil.

At the end of the meeting, the Japa-nese candidate and current Secretary-General of the World Customs Orga-nization (WCO), Kunio Mikuriya, was re-elected for five years and En-rique Cannon, Chairman of the CCC, re-appointed as Chair of the Council for another term by acclamation.HE expressed sincere congratula-tions to the Secretary General of the Organization and the Chairman of the Customs Cooperation Council on the renewal of confidence in them by Member States. He stressed the aspi-ration of the UAE for further cooper-ation with the World Customs Orga-nization during the coming period to enhance and develop the role of cus-toms in the security of countries and communities and to facilitate trade in light of the increasing customs risks globally.

1.75m passen-gers used Hatta crossing last year�� Dubai (Emirates Customs)

A total of 1.75m passengers trav-elled through the Hatta border crossing in 2017, and more than 152,000 declarations were car-ried out, and 3904 seizures. Mohammed Al Muaini, Di-rector of Land Customs Cen-ters Management at Dubai Customs said that Hatta border crossing plays a major role in enhancing trade and passenger movement between Dubai and Oman and has become a main point for land transport.Al Muaini said that Hatta’s bor-der is important due to the ser-vices and facilities it offers to passengers and traders, goods and trucks.“Hatta Border Post has become one of the most important bor-der crossings linking UAE with Oman and Oman with the rest of the GCC region. Thanks to the most advanced services and the great facilities provided to pas-sengers, dealing with this heavy traffic of passengers and goods is smooth and streamlined” he added.Al Muaini pointed out these ef-forts are an integral part of Dubai Customs vision to be the leading customs in the world supporting legitimate trade through innova-tion in service delivery whilst protecting society from the per-ils of restricted and prohibited goods. An advanced electronic clear-ance system is in place and the center uses the latest container scanning systems in cooperation with the Technical Support De-partment in Dubai Customs.

Buosaiba:“Participation in the meeting reflects the UAE’s determination to play its full part in global trade”



Accompanied by a number of Directors Generalfrom local Customs Administrations

Ali Al Kaabi inspects the new K9 unit building in Umm Al Quwain

�� Umm Al Quwain (Emirates Customs)

HE Ali Al Kaabi, Customs Commis-sioner, Chairman of the Federal Cus-toms Authority, inspected the new premises for the Customs K9 unit on Sunday morning, 2 July 2018. The premises have been equipped by the Authority with the support of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs as the first federal unit of Customs K9 in the UAE. The inspection was in preparation for the full official inauguration of the building, which will take place shortly. The coming weeks.During the visit, HE was accompa-

nied by Jassem Hamad Al Zaabi, Di-rector General of the General Author-ity for the Security of Ports, Borders and Free Zones, Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori the Director General of the General Administration of Cus-toms –Abu Dhabi, Ahmed Mah-boob Musabih Director of Dubai Customs, Rashid Hamad, Director General of Fujairah Customs, Sultan Al Ali, executive director, Umm al Quwain Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation, Ahmed Abdullah bin Lahej Al Falasi, Executive Director of the Customs Affairs Sector, and Ahmed Al-Khaili, Director of the Office of the Chairman of the FCA A

number of representatives from local Customs departments also attended. Marking the occasion, HE Ali Al Kaabi thanked His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs for his unlim-ited support for the establishment of the Customs K9 unit within the Au-thority, and his donation to the new unit building.His Excellency said, “The Ministry of Presidential Affairs has been hon-ored by the directives of His High-ness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed to provide the necessary financial sup-port to establish and operate the unit.

This is based on his conviction of the importance of Customs through its role in protecting the security of so-ciety and strengthening control over customs ports to combat smuggling.During the visit, HE and his accom-panying delegation witnessed the training of customs dogs for the de-tection of drugs and explosives. They also inspected the training areas, the accommodation for trainers, the dog kennels and the modern vehicles spe-cially adapted for the transport of the dogs between customs ports.HE Ali Al Kaabi and his accompa-nying delegation praised the efforts of the customs affairs section and

the customs dogs unit k9 in order to equip the building in accordance with the best international standards and a manner that ensures the provision of an ideal work environment for train-ing of handlers and customs dogs.HE Ahmed bin Lahej and Abdul Salam Al Shamsi, Director of the Ca-nine Unit, explained the most impor-tant measures taken by the Authority in order to equip the building within a short period.HE the Commissioner explained that the Authority seeks to strengthen its supervision of and support for, the customs ports undertaking the tasks and responsibilities entrusted to them

in the light of the current scale of se-curity challenges and customs risks. The Authority is implementing an in-tegrated plan to support the customs ports across the UAE; this includes supplying them with the latest equip-ment and monitors, and customs dogs (K9), to strengthen the security of the country.As part of its procedures to equip the building, the Authority has recently imported a first batch of25 dogs to be trained in the detection of drugs and explosives in the UAE. The second batch of 25 dogs is scheduled to ar-rive in the coming months.

The FCA continues to strengthen the control of ports to minimize customs risks


Reports

1% Growth during the yearUAE Non-Oil General Trade Volume Recorded AED 1.612 Trillion in 2017

�Abu Dhabi (EMIRARES CUSTOMS):

UAE General Trade volume keeps growing during the year 2017, de-spite the decline in the growth rates of the global economy during the year 2017.The preliminary statistical data of the Federal Customs Authority revealed that UAE General Trade volume during year 2017 amounted to AED 1.612 trillion, compared to 1.599 tril-lion during the same period of 2016, with 1% growth.H.E. Commissioner Ali Al Kaabi, head of the Federal Customs Author-ity, said in a press statement yester-day, that UAE non-oil foreign trade growth in 2017 reflects the impor-tance of UAE position in the world trade exchange map. and its leader-ship as a regional Trade center and trade gateway.His Excellency Al Kaabi added “the non-oil trade activity reflects an im-provement in UAE trade balance with many world countries. And as-

sure traders and investors confidence in UAE economy.UAE direct non-oil foreign trade formed 67% of total volume of gen-eral trade, valued AED 1.075 trillion, while the share of free zone trade was 31% valued AED 497 billion, and the value of trade from customs ware-houses is AED 39.4 billion.The total weight of the country’s non-oil foreign trade during the year was

220.3 million tons, of which 106.2 million tons were imports, 96 million were export weights and 18.4 million tons were re-exports.FCA preliminary data indicated that the share of imports of the UAE total non-oil general trade during the year witnessed a decline of 2% compared to the previous year. While the value of re-exports increased by 11% dur-ing the year. The value of re-exports increased from AED 400.4 billion in 2016 to AED 443.1 billion in 2017. Exports reached AED 189.8 billion during the previous year. Reflect-ing the improvement in the coun-try’s trade balance and its ability to strengthen its position in global re-export markets.Regional Trade PortalHE Ali Al Kaabi added that the growth rates achieved in the coun-try’s foreign trade during 2017 un-derline the importance of the UAE as a major regional and international trade gateway. He pointed out that the development of infrastructure and

logistics services in the field of com-munications, hotels, land, air, and sea has contributed to the development of trade movement significantly during the past year.In this regard, HE Ali Al Kaabi praised the efforts exerted by customs personnel and local authorities in the field of customs clearance, shorten-ing the average time for the release of goods and commodities to only 15 minutes, under the advanced methods of inspection, and scanning by the lo-cal customs administrations.GCC CountriesHE Ali Al-Kaabi said that the GCC countries are a trading partner of the UAE, pointing out that the share of these countries in the total trade of the country amounted to 10% during 2017With regard to the UAE non-oil trade with the GCC countries, the FCA stat-ed that the share of the UAE non-oil general trade with the GCC countries in 2017 constitute of the total non-oil trade with the world, amounting to

AED 167.2 billion. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia came on top of the Gulf countries in terms of the value of the UAE non-oil trade with a value of AED 79.2 billion with 47% of the total non-oil trade with the GCC countries, followed by Oman with a value of AED 36 billion with 21%, and Kuwait with AED 25.4 bil-lion at 15%, of the total non-oil trade with the GCC countries.HE Ali Al Kaabi highlighted the posi-tion of the developed Arab countries in the map of the UAE’s non-oil for-eign trade. He pointed out that the Arab countries share in 2017 amount-ed to 18% of the total non-oil trade in the UAE.The value of the country’s trade with the Arab countries reached 287 billion dirhams during the year, of which 83.2 billion dirhams were the value of imports, 65.7 billion dirhams were the value of exports, while the value of re-exports amounted to 138 billion dirhams .Best products and goods

Concerning the best commodities handled during the year, the prelimi-nary statistics of the Federal Customs Authority revealed that native and semi-procced gold came on top of the imported goods with 13% of with AED 124.2 billion,Followed by telephone equipment with AED 111.3 billion and 11%, cars with AED 58 billion and 6%, non-compounded diamonds amounted AED 51.3 billion and 5% and Petro-leum oils and oils obtained from bitu-minous minerals amounted AED 35.7 billion and 4% of total imports.Gold exports came on top at a value of AED 51.4 billion, representing 27% of the UAE total exports, fol-lowed by the raw aluminum with a value of AED 20.1 billion with 11%,, then ornaments and jewelry with a value of AED 16.5 billion, i.e. 9%, cigarettes & Cigars with a value of 11.5 billion dirhams representing 5% then, ethylene polymers in primary forms with a value of AED 9.1 billion dirhams forming 5%.

1.075UAE direct non-oil foreign trade formed 67% of total volume of general trade

Trillion Dirhams

497The share of

free zone trade was 31%, and the

value of trade from customs warehouses

is AED 39.4 billion

Billion Dirhams

17Emirates CustomsJuly 201816 Emirates Customs July 2018

Reports

The concept of working on the Unified Customs Strategy began in the first quar-ter of 2017, when the directives of His Excellency Ali bin Sabih al-Kaabi, Cus-toms Commissioner and Chairman of the FCA issued a directive to prepare a Unified Customs Strategy at UAE level to meet the requirements of the law of the FCA Authority and the increasing security and customs challenges. A strategic committee was then formed under the chairmanship of the Customs Commissioner, Chairman of the FCA with the membership including the di-rectors of all the local Customs Admin-istrations. A working group was also formed for the preparation of the strat-egy. Presided over by His Excellency Ahmed Abdullah bin Lahej, Executive Director of the Customs Affairs Sector at the FCA, and 10 members representing the local Customs Administrations and the Federal Customs Authority.From April 2017, the team members car-ried out their work diligently and with perseverance until the required strategy was achieved. It was very much a team-work environment, characterized by constructive cooperation for the comple-tion as scheduled in the first quarter of 2018. The draft strategy was submitted to the Supreme Committee for approval and adoption by the Council of Ministers

as stipulated by the FCA law.In accordance with the period for the ac-tion plan, the strategy preparation team adopted an eight-phase timetable to achievement it. This began by analys-ing the customs working environment in the UAE and globally. It then worked, through defining the vision, the mission, the institutional values, the strategic ob-jectives and required initiatives, until its adoption by the Council of Ministers. This was achieved in the first quarter of this year.UAE VisionLegally, the Unified Customs Strategy is based on a clear and explicit legal frame-work, which is Law No. (8) of 2015 con-cerning the Federal Customs Authority. Article 5 stipulates that the FCA shall establish the general policy for the cus-toms affairs in the State in coordination with Customs Administrations, and the supervision, monitoring and scrutiny of

its implementation after approval by the Council of Ministers. “The Unified Customs Strategy is in line with two of the objectives and principles of the UAE Vision 2021: the first prin-ciple is u establishing a secure society and an effective judiciary. Customs is one of the tools for maintaining secu-rity in society and provides the secure oversight of the border. The strategy is also derived from the principle of be-ing ‘unified in knowledge’, this involves building a knowledge-based competitive economy within which the Customs sec-tor is considered one of the main pillars of the State’s financial, economic and trade policy.A Vision and a Well-balanced MessageThe strategy included a unified customs vision for the UAE, characterized by the balance between the pillars of customs work and realism in the formulation of objectives in the light of the real working environment and the practical possibili-ties. In this way, it reflects a smart vision and realistic anticipation of the future. The vision aimed to establish a pioneer-ing customs system to protect society and facilitate trade, thus achieving the two main parameters of the customs core function: namely, maintain security and providing trade facilitation.The vision specifications also apply to the

unified message contained in the strategy. The letter stipulates the unification of cus-toms work in the State through partner-ship to provide excelled services that con-tribute to the sustainability of the society security and trade prosperity. It appears from the letter text that it has manipulated the unified the regulations and procedures followed in clearance and inspection as a means to develop the State’s customs sector, eliminate disparities in the perfor-mance level, and service delivery, thus sustaining security stability and commer-cial prosperity and supporting the policy of economic diversification and competi-tive advantage of the State.Objectives and InitiativesThe Unified Customs Strategy of the UAE aimed to achieve three strategic pil-lars which represent the strategic pillars of customs strategies globally;, namely protecting society of t, facilitating trade and enhancing customs relations.The strategy sought to achieve these pillars through five strategic objectives, which consider the available resources, local and international challenges and likely future developments until the end of 2021.The main purpose of these objectives is to strengthen the customs security role and ensure the sustainability of social protection. . The strategy aims to achieve

this principle through four key initia-tives: developing customs risk manage-ment system, raising the efficiency of the ports, managing customs investigation and occupational safety and providing statistical security data.The second objective is to develop cus-toms work to facilitate trade and pas-senger traffic. This objective is to be achieved through the implementation of seven initiatives within five years, namely the development and standard-ization of policies and procedures, the unification and integration of customs regulations to support trade facilitation, the qualification and training of national staff to improve customs performance , the development and implementation of benchmarking studies, the provision of electronic intelligent services, the provi-sion of statistical information and data, and providing customs training. For the third objective.In third objective, the strategy aimed to build strategic relationships and partner-ships to provide the competitive advan-tage for the UAE by implementing two initiatives: managing regional and inter-national relations, enhancing competi-tiveness, and developing relationships with partners and clients.It was agreed that these three major ob-jectives will be implemented jointly by

the Federal Customs Authority and the local Customs Administrations, 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, competency and transparency standard This will be achieved through the implementation of 11 initiatives: • Corporate Risk Management and Inter-nal Audit, • Legal Issues Management, • Media, Institutional and Community Relations enhancement,• Strategic Plan follow up and Institu-tional Performance Management, • Quality and Institutional Excellence standards application, • Human Resource Best Practices, • Training and Staff Development, • Operations Management of financial resources efficiently and effectively, contract and suppliers management in accordance with best practices,• The application of best practices in the field of information technology.The fifth objective is to foster the cul-ture of innovation in institutions work environment, through two initiatives: creating a stimulating work environment for innovation and fostering the govern-ment’s innovation culture at the FCA.

THE FIRST UNIFIED GOVERNMENT PLAN AT THE UAE STATE LEVEL

THE UAE TO FACE CHALLENGES A UNIFIED CUSTOMS STRATEGY

A REALISTIC CUSTOMS VISION AND A WELL-BALANCED MISSION

FIVE STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES AND 30 INITIATIVES TO ACHIEVE INTEGRATION AND GLOBALIZATION

�Prepared by: Hassan Elkamhawi

The customs sector in UAE addresses the challenges in customs with unified strategy and a collective work pro-gramme until 2021.The Federal Customs Authority and the local Customs Administrations have recently succeeded in a major new achievement, namely the development of a Unified Customs Strategy, to develop Customs in the UAE, and

raise its performance to the highest international stan-dards.The strategy adopted by the FCA and the Local Cus-toms Administrations is the first Unified Customs Strat-egy at State level since the establishment of the UAE and the beginning of customs work in the country for more than a century.The most important feature of this achievement is that it is a high-level strategic work plan, carefully and pre-

cisely prepared which will have a positive tangible im-pact on the future of the UAE Customs sector.It sets an important precedent for the integration and merging of Federal and local Customs work. Providing a clear definition of the priorities required to support the security of UAE Society, facilitate trade, strengthen cooperation with the outside world and build up the na-tional customs capacity and competency., The Unified Customs Strategy of the UAE provides a

single vision and message for the customs sector, where previously each customs department had its own vision and mission. It includes five unified values for institu-tional development, as well as five strategic objectives to be achieved through 30 initiatives by the end of 2021. What are the features, objectives and initiatives of this strategy? For the answer see below.

Security support, trade facilitation, customs capacity building, innovation, and a happiness cultural enhancement are strategic foundations

Entrepreneurship, integrity, empowerment, innovation and happiness are unified institutional values until the end of 2021

The strategy targets unifying systems and procedures and achieving customs integration within 5 years


The File

A JOINT VISION WITH A FUTURE OUTLOOK More Efficiency in the Field of Co-operation and Partnership

Co-operation is the Fuelof Achievement

The customs sector in the UAE and in the world faces a number of renewable changes and challenges in the security, economic and commercial fields, as a result of the security and economic de-velopments in the region. In addition to the high pace of competition among the countries of the world to gain interna-tional top positions in the competitive indices related to the work of customs.There is no doubt that building the ca-pacity of the State’s customs sector, enabling it to meet these growing chal-lenges, and realizing the aspirations of the wise leadership to maintain the society security and facilitate trade, requires more cooperation and joint strategic planning among all components of the customs sector in the State, in accordance with a joint strategy and vision that has an outlook for the future features, identifying its tools and objectives and how best to achieve them.Therefore, the work done by the unified customs strategy team that consists of the FDA and the local customs ad-ministrations is an important step towards unifying and integrating the plans at the level of the customs sector in the State in order to build the future.As far as I know, this is the first time in the State that

a unified strategic plan is launched at the federal and local levels, which is a major achievement for the FDA and the local customs administrations. It also reflects the common understanding of the future risks and challenges facing the customs sector and the importance of cooperation and partnership in the face of those risks and challenges.On this occasion, I would like to ex-press my thanks and appreciation to all the directors of the local customs ad-ministrations for their sincere coopera-tion in realizing this achievement. I also thank them for their efforts in raising the level of customs performance, thus

contributing to the protection of society and maintenance of security, along with facilitating trade and fostering the State’s status in the global competitive indices. I also thank the Working Group for preparing the uni-fied customs strategy of the FDA and the local customs administrations for their constructive and fruitful coop-eration and their efforts in realising the unified customs strategy.

Ali Bin Subaih AlKaabi

The unified customs strategy is a high-level customs achievement in many ways, most notably the harmonization and integration of visions and objec-tives at the level of the customs sector components in the State from federal and local institutions, which will lead in the future to more consolidation of efforts and saving expenses and costs.The most important feature of the uni-fied customs strategy is that will con-tribute to unifying the vision of the FDA and the local customs administra-tions at both the near and long term, after creating a consensus on the challenges and risks facing the cus-toms sector in the State.Personally, I believe that this strategy will contribute to achieving more effective cooperation and partner-ship between the local customs departments, which will have a positive impact on the level of work and customs performance in the State, which will enhance the competitiveness of the state.There is no doubt that formulating goals and identi-fying and adopting unified initiatives at the federal and local levels is an important achievement, but the

important achievement from my point of view is to turn those goals and initia-tives into facts on the ground. The great-est achievement is that the customers of the customs institutions in the State as well as the citizen and resident feel the positive impact of this unified strategy at the level of accomplishing transactions, security, cooperation and trade exchange with the countries of the world.Certainly, the challenges are great to reach this goal, but the guidance of our wise leadership, the hopes of the people

of the State and the aspirations of the employees of the customs sector in the State, the level of cooper-ation and the spirit of the team all confirm that the FDA and the local customs administrations are able to overcome these challenges.From the depth of our hearts, we thank the Commis-sioner of the FDA for his directions to prepare this strategy and follow up the work team for several months. We also thank the local customs administra-tions for their cooperation and the team that worked to realize this achievement.

Mohamed Juma Buosaiba

The launch of the unified customs strategy for the UAE is considered one of the most important achievements of the FDA in 2018. The plan is considered the first unified strategy between the federal government and the local govern-ment at the state level. It is distinguished by achieving compatibility between the strategic plan of the Federal Customs Authority and the strategic plans of the local customs departments.The main objective of the unified customs strategy is to regulate customs work at the State level and to ensure that all customs administrations participate in the implementation of joint projects and initiatives with a single level of qual-ity of work.What pleased us during the preparation and planning of the strategy is the spirit of the team we have seen in the team (preparation of the unified customs strat-egy), and we were pleased with the cooperation and commitment we found in the team members and the support we received from the senior management, thus, we thank all the participants and tell them (You did your best).We have gradually begun implementing some joint projects and initiatives and we are looking forward to achieving results and achievements in the coming period.

Maryam Hassan Amer

Achievement that Fosters Customs IntegrationThe State’s customs sector is en-tering a new phase of growth and development driven by the unified strategic planning and the collec-tive work to achieve unified goals and initiatives.The joint efforts of the Federal Customs Authority and the lo-cal customs administrations have succeeded in achieving a historic achievement at the level of the customs sector in the State, if not at the level of the economic and social sectors. This achievement is the launch of the unified customs strategy, in order to achieve the ob-jectives and principles of the UAE Vision 2021 and the UAE 2071.From the beginning, the vision was

clear, in the light of the directives of His Excellency the Commis-sioner, the Chairman of the FDA, that the upgrading of local and fed-eral customs work, the establish-ment of an integrated security sys-tem at the State level, the efficient

management of customs risks and the support of the Government’s approaches in the field of competi-tiveness, innovation, the future out-look and the building of national abilities and competencies are the most important objectives to be achieved by 2021. Therefore, the Work Group has succeeded in for-mulating plans and initiatives that lead to achieving these objectives in the light of the realistic reading of the capacities and possibilities available at the FDA and the local customs departments.What makes us feel proud is that the strategy was prepared by na-tional competencies with long ex-perience in customs work and who

have a vision for the future that will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the customs work in the State.At the personal level, I have been privileged to chair the team work of strategy and to contribute to its preparation. In this regard, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to His Excellency the Commissioner, the Chairman of the FDA for his di-rectives and support to the working Group and for his continuous follow-up. I would also like to thank the working group for their efforts and for providing the proposals and ex-periences that have played an impor-tant role in achieving the strategy as required.

Ahmad Abdulla Bin Lahej


The File

Ali Al Kaabi

A great feeling of Happiness dominated the atmosphere during my last Inspec-tion visit, ,accompanied with number of Representatives and General Managers of local customs departments and Gen-eral Authority of Ports , Borders and Free Zones Security, to K9 Unit estab-lished in emirate of Umm Al Qwain.Our Happiness referred to the volume and the quality of achievements in de-veloping of buildings and equipment of the Unit, and organizing, planning and attracting Trainers and exporting and training dogs in this summer where heat degrees reach standard rates. The thing that leads us in customs sector to feel all this happiness and pride for this achievements.The First Credit after God is refer to His Highness / Sheik Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahian - Deputy Vise Minster of Min-sters counsel – Minister of Presidential Affairs, who donate the buildings of the unit and issued his Supreme instructions to provide financial support needed and all facilitations required for the unit to see the light. This support deserve cus-toms sector to stand, respect, thanks and appreciation. The main Target of establishing “K9 unit” is to support secure stability to face the increasing customs and security threats and to build capacity of Customs Sector in the area of inspection and con-trol, so as to fight smuggling of drugs

and dangerous substances, by using new tools and equipment that assist the achievement of the goal customs sector to serve the state and support the fulfill-ment of the leading role of UAE region-ally and internationally. UAE is a hub of trade and travel move-ment, it is an important regional trade center, and a passage to great part of in-ternational trade known as transit trade the thing that required more effort to strengthen customs control and apply the international best practice in the area.Added to that UAE is the one of the advanced countries in security and cus-toms, it seeks to top international ranks in all areas. UAE always seeks to ac-company the progress and application of best experiments and practice. As all studies of FCA assure that most of customs admirations has K9 Units and that these dogs contribute to limit crime and smuggling by high rates within the comprehensive security system of the community.This achievement which will be an-nounce sooner was not easy afford-able, it faced a lot of challenges under the specialized local experiences in this area, and weather circumstances that ex-ist during the establishment of the Unit and training of the dogs and providing trainers. In this circumstance and others, the team assigned to establish the Unit continued his efforts day and night to beat all challenges and accomplish the establishment of the unit (Buildings, trainers, dogs) in the required level.We hope this Unit will succeed after its official beginning to achieve its goals and objectives that assigned before .We hope it manage to build and refine local expe-riences in training and qualifying area. We also hope that Emarati woman will enter this field. We in Federal Customs Authority and the customs sector are all ready to give the required support to her as our Wise leadership directions and from our believing in the importance of the role of women in the sustainable de-velopment.

K9 Unit – Happiness of Achievement

The Meeting is renewed

Documents

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