From 5 to 9 June 2023, the World Customs Organization (WCO) facilitated a Study Visit to the Customs Administration of Dubai by the Jordan Customs Department (JCD) under the framework of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP). This activity aimed at learning from best practices in the region to reinforce the JCD capacities to enable the movement of goods entering through the air cargo facilities, in alignment with the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) Article 7.8.

Dubai Customs exchanged its experiences on the facilitation and simplification of Customs procedures, relevant risk management practices, data management, use of technology and automation initiatives. Through the study tour, the JCD had the opportunity to visit the Air Cargo Center, the Port Customs Service Department, and different departments within the Dubai Customs headquarters (Risk Management, Audit, and Data Section). This allowed the opportunity of reviewing in detail the working principles, use of non-intrusive inspection equipment, targeting of high-risk shipments, and coordination with the audit team.

The WCO, through the SECO-WCO GTFP, is currently supporting the JCD in developing a procedure allowing for the expedited release of goods entered through air cargo facilities, thus aligning with the WTO TFA on expedited shipments and the lessons learned from the Study Visit will provide valuable insight for the JCD going forward, specifically in its effort to further enhance and develop its e-commerce environment.

The WCO and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) express sincere gratitude to the UAE Federal Authority and Dubai Customs for their support and collaborative approach.

For more information on the GTFP, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org