Global customs transit system moves step closer in UAE

Dubai Customs and ATCUAE sign agreement to activate TIR system under patronage of H.E Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Public Works and Chairman of the National Transport Authority. 

Dubai, UAE 13th April, 2014: A global customs transit system, which cuts the time trucks spend at borders from days to hours, has moved a step closer in the Emirates following the signing of an agreement today between Dubai Customs and the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE.

Currently linking 73 countries worldwide, the TIR (International Road Transport) System provides major benefits for transport operators and customs authorities, dramatically speeding up the international transport of goods across frontiers.

It reduces transport costs by minimising formalities and delays through the use of  standardised and reduced controls, and international customs documents known as Carnets, which are issued on behalf of the International Road Transport Union (IRU). 

The ATCUAE, which is already an active member of the IRU, has been in discussions with the Federal Government for several months towards implementing the system in the UAE. The agreement between the ATCUAE and Dubai Customs, to work together to introduce the TIR system, is the first to be signed.  

Agreements with customs authorities in the other six Emirates are expected to follow in the coming months towards the ATCUAE goal of having the system fully operational by the end of the year, so that it can then start to issue TIR Carnets immediately.

The agreement  between Dubai Customs and the ATCUAE was signed under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Public Works and Chairman of the National Transport Authority. 

H.E. Dr. Al Nuaimi said the landmark agreement is a major step to meeting and fulfilling the requirements of the Federal Law no. 9 for the year 2011 and its Executive Regulations concerning land transport. He added that it will reinforce the best global practices in road transportation in line with international agreements and covenants signed by the UAE.  

An IRU team will visit Dubai shortly to introduce the highly computerised TIR system which delivers pre-declarations to Customs, ensuring real-time traceability of TIR Carnets and efficient risk management, making border procedures faster, more secure and user-friendly.

H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, said: “The new agreement underlines our commitment to be one of the leading customs administrations worldwide, and one which is committed to excellence and quality performance.

Mahboob added: “The TIR System allows goods to transit from a country of origin to a country of destination in sealed load compartments, with customs control recognition along the supply chain. This means  duties and taxes at risk are guaranteed, and the need for physical inspection of goods in transit is greatly reduced, so that administrative and financial burdens are minimised.”

“It will be a very beneficial step forward for the transport industry overall, and one that is sure to be warmly welcomed by a huge range of goods manufacturers and suppliers, by customers, as well as each of the UAE’s customs authorities.”

Dr. Mohammed Ben  Sulayem, President of the ATCUAE, said: “The TIR system can cut the time trucks spend at the borders from three to five days at present to a matter of hours, and so the benefits are obvious.

“We are delighted to have signed the agreement with Dubai Customs, and look forward to reaching similar agreements with the customs authorities in the other Emirates. Our intention is to be able to fully activate the TIR system in the UAE by the end of the year.”

Added Sulayem: “This will be an important step forward for the land  transport sector, which has an essential part to play in the growth of the national economy, and in reinforcing the UAE's role as a link amongst the neighboring countries.”