UAE President Issues Law to Reorganize Abu Dhabi Customs Administration

UAE President Enacts Law to Strengthen Abu Dhabi Customs Operations

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his role as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, has adopted a new law restructuring the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs in an effort to improve regulatory control and facilitate trade. The project aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a significant international trade hub by improving customs operations, ensuring compliance with trade laws and preventing illicit activities.

Under the newly enacted law, the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs will operate under the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), while maintaining its independent legal status. The administration has been given a wide range of responsibilities, one of which is to develop and implement strategic policies that regulate the movement of goods through Abu Dhabi’s ports, free zones and bonded warehouses. By doing so, it will significantly contribute to trade facilitation, the efficient flow of goods and the development of Abu Dhabi’s supply chain and logistics industries.

The restructuring gives the administration the authority to open, control or close customs offices around the emirate, in accordance with trade needs and security concerns. In addition to collecting taxes and duties, it will oversee customs clearance, inspect and evaluate goods, and ensure compliance with national and international trade regulations. In addition, the administration will cooperate with relevant authorities to restrict, regulate or completely prohibit certain imports, exports and traffic, if necessary.

Under the new law, security will continue to be a priority, and the administration will step up efforts to detect and stop fraud, smuggling and customs violations.
Working in collaboration with law enforcement and government entities, it will conduct investigations, implement preventive measures, and take legal action against offenders. Furthermore, it will manage the legal processes related to confiscated, seized, or abandoned goods, ensuring their lawful disposal or sale.

In addition to protecting the economic interests of the emirate, the law makes Abu Dhabi a more desirable destination for international trade and investment by strengthening its customs infrastructure. The UAE maintains its position as a global leader in trade while maintaining economic stability and security through effective governance, improved trade facilitation, and more stringent enforcement measures.