Sheikh Mohamed issues new law restructuring Abu Dhabi Customs administration

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, has issued a law to reorganise the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs.

The administration, which operates under the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, will maintain an independent legal status while taking on responsibilities for customs policies and strategic planning across the emirate.

According to the law, the administration will be tasked with facilitating trade flow, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting society from unlawful practices.

UAE President reforms Abu Dhabi Customs to strengthen trade flow and security

“The administration is also responsible for managing and operating customs offices in the emirate, implementing customs policy, proposing the establishment or closure of customs offices, and coordinating with relevant authorities to restrict, prohibit and regulate the import, export and transit of certain goods,” the?Emirates News Agency (WAM)?said in a?statement.

Key responsibilities outlined in the legislation include inspecting and valuing authorised goods, collecting customs duties and applicable taxes, and overseeing operations in free zones, free markets, and customs warehouses.

The administration will coordinate processes related to the movement of goods across all customs ports and free zones in Abu Dhabi, while regulating customs clearance through permits and monitoring customs broker activities.

In coordination with relevant authorities, the body will investigate and combat customs violations and smuggling offences, enforcing legal measures against violators.

Additional duties include managing conciliation settlements, overseeing the sale of seized, abandoned, and confiscated goods, and implementing customs exemptions.