Abu Dhabi Customs signs a MoU with Jordan Customs to promote electronic link and exchange of information

Press release

Published June 14th, 2012 - 11:58 GMT

During signing the MoU

In line with its efforts to strengthen cooperation with its strategic partners inside and outside the UAE, and to emphasize its role in promoting security and the exchange of information; the General Administration of Customs in Abu Dhabi signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jordan Customs to regulate Electronic Linkage processes and the exchange of customs information. This MoU falls within the framework of developing relations between both sides to improve customs procedures.

The MoU was signed in attendance of Naif Fantoul Al Zaidan, Ambassador of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Mubarak Mattar Al Mansouri, Executive Director of Customs Operations, signed the MoU on behalf of Saeed Ahmed Al Muhairi, General Director of Abu Dhabi Customs, in the presence of Mohamed Abdullah Al Hameli, Executive Director of Administrative Affairs, in addition to a number of Directors and Managers from Abu Dhabi Customs. From Jordan Customs; Major General (Customs) Ghaleb Al Saraira, General Director of Jordan Customs, signed the MoU in the presence of Lieutenant-Colonel (Customs) Ahmed Mohamed Al Alem, Director of Information Technology of Jordan Customs.

The MoU signage occurred two weeks following the conclusion of a visit from Abu Dhabi customs officers to Jordan Customs for a period of three months. These officers are being trained to become experts in the areas of tariffs, value, international agreements and rules of origin.

Moreover, the MoU aims to organise the exchange of customs information electronically as Jordan Customs is considered to be an important exit point for a large number of shipments coming into the UAE through Saudi Arabia, and obtaining customs data directly from the exit points of Jordan will contribute to simplifying the clearance procedures for goods in Al Ghuwaifat Customs post. This will also aid in strengthening the rules of Risk Management when obtaining information on customs intelligence from Jordan Customs.

Commenting on the signing of the MoU on behalf of the General Directorate of Abu Dhabi Customs, Mubarak Al Mansouri said: “This agreement reflects Abu Dhabi Customs’ mission in aiding and strengthening synergies between all parties and strategic partners inside and outside the UAE. This goes in line with promoting a single method to completing customs procedures efficiently and towards achieving security and safety.”

Major General Customs Ghaleb Al Saraira was pleased with the signing of the MoU, which aims to exchange information and utilize all possible methods to achieve cooperation in the field of customs between both countries.

At the end of the visit, the delegation was briefed on the progress and development that Abu Dhabi Customs has attained. The visitors were introduced to the benefits to be gained through the process of Electronic Link and exchange of information between both sides, hoping to continue the consolidation of relations in various fields as well.

Background Information

Abu Dhabi Customs

Abu Dhabi Customs plays a leading and vital role in the prosperity of Abu Dhabi through the continuous support it provides to the economy and security of the UAE in general and Abu Dhabi in particular.

It has contributed to the sustainable development of the Capital and the development of its competitiveness in the field of international trade. Abu Dhabi Customs also preserved the security of the homeland and citizens and protects the local community and the environment.

Company Profile

Jordan Customs

The early twenties of the last century have witnessed the establishment of Trans-Jordan Emirate. Thus, there was a need to establish a governmental agency to control the movement of goods and commodities imported into the Emirate, as well as goods transiting through its territories due to the location of the Emirate at the heart of the Arab World, as well as its strategic importance at both the regional and international levels, Therefore, the first Customs administration – that was then known as Directorate of General Excise and Statistics- was officially inaugurated in parallel to the establishment of Trans-Jordan Emirate in 1921. It was administratively related to the Council of Advisors, (currently, the Prime Ministry) during the period 1921-1925. Initially, it took up the task of statistics and inspection as well as collecting revenues levied on imported goods. Afterwards, it was structured under Finance Principal (Minister of finance) and later called Directorate of Customs and Excise. During 1928-1935, Jordan customs was disengaged from Finance Principal and linked directly with the Council of Ministers. During 1953-1951, the Department was coupled with Ministry of Trade and Industry as it was called then Ministry of Trade/ Customs. Between1956-1983, the Department was re-linked with Ministry of Finance and named Ministry of Finance/ Customs. As of 1983, the Department has been called General Customs Department headed by a Director General who reports directly to Minister of Finance. Since then, twenty Director Generals have alternated this post.