The fifth joint meeting between the Federal Customs Authority, FCA, and local customs departments in the UAE recommended the strengthening of inspection procedures on imported shipments in land, air and sea customs ports, as well as ensure the validity of sender information and countries of origin, to combat smuggling operations linked to countries witnessing insecurity and instability.

The meeting, chaired by Ali Mohamed bin Subaih Al Kaabi, Customs Commissioner and Chairman of the FCA, discussed a range of urgent issues on the agenda of their joint customs actions, which aims to enhance the level of performance of customs branches at border ports.

The meeting, which took place in Dubai, was attended by Mohammed Jumaa Busaiba, Director-General of the FCA; Ahmed Abdullah bin Lahej Al Falasi, Executive Director of the Customs Affairs Sector; Mohammed Khadem Al Hameli, Acting Director of Customs; Ahmed Mahboob Musabah, Director of Dubai Customs; Mohammad Mir Abdulrahman, Director-General of Sharjah Customs; Rashid Humaid Al Kindi, Deputy Director-General of Fujairah Customs; Marwan Al Shehhi, Director of Customs Affairs at the Ras al-Khaimah Customs Department; Mohammed Al Awadi, Director of Customs Affairs at Ajman Customs; Habib Abdullah, Head of the Security and Safety Department at Umm Al Qaiwain, and several department directors of the FCA.

Al Kaabi highlighted the fact that the meeting discussed the latest developments in customs actions while considering the security developments in the region, as well as the mechanisms of trade facilitation and how to support UAE exports to countries witnessing security issues. He stressed the importance of the role of customs ports in protecting community security and supporting trade, by enhancing their level of performance, raising the capacities of inspectors and developing the national inspection system, as well as facilitating procedures and the rapid release of imported products and goods.

He also stressed the importance of the customs sector in preventing illegal practices and placing strict control procedures.

The participants of the meeting agreed to form a working team, chaired by the FCA, which will include local customs departments and relevant national authorities, to unify the mechanisms and procedures of customs actions and inspections in the nation’s ports, as well as to identify the best performing ports and approve accredited permits from relevant national authorities for exported shipments, and their inspection. It also aimed to raise awareness among exporters and importers about the required permits and the applied procedures for transportation and exported shipments. They also stressed the importance of co-ordination with the Ministry of Economy, regarding the UAE certificates of origin.