Dubai Customs launched a dedicated smart channel for EXPO 2020 that will provide exceptional and unique customs services to the exhibitors taking part in the global outstanding event.
The EXPO 2020 Smart Customs Channel is one the major initiatives developed by Dubai Customs in support of this world event. The hard dedication and professionalism were behind the design of this smart channel which helped Dubai Customs receive the DGEP’s 2018 award of best government entity supporting EXPO 2020.
Exhibitors can receive different customs services on the Smart EXPO Channel through their smart mobiles and devices. Around-the-clock service provision will help exhibitors finalize their customs transactions easily relying on the most advanced systems such as the risk engine and iDeclare, plus the B2G channel that serves the UPS, EXPO 2020’s logistics arm.
“We make sure our initiatives and projects dedicated to support EXPO 2020 reflect our progress that we reached in facilitating trade,” says Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs. “We use the latest technologies and AI applications as part of a nationwide vision of turning Dubai into a global economic hub and a strategic link between regional and international markets, and in support of Dubai Silk Road project; one of 9 projects published by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai that aim to develop the quality of life and guarantee a better future for generations.”
Musabih added EXPO 2020 channel will connect work teams directly with the exhibitors in an integrated seamless system.
Dubai Customs has developed a number of projects and initiatives within its vision of becoming the leading world customs organization. One of these projects is the ATA Carnet. It is an International Customs Document that permits tax free Temporary Import and Export of goods for a period of one year. Dubai Customs has also joined the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) which has seen rapid growth and development since its official launch under the aegis of the Federal Customs Authority (FCA) in October 2016. The AEO program helped catapult the UAE to top the world’s Efficiency of Customs Procedures Index at the annual report of the Global Competitiveness of 2017.
In July 2017, the UAE signed a mutual recognition agreement with South Korea, and 4 months later a work plan was signed with Saudi Arabic for an effective implementation of a mutual recognition. Towards the end of 2018, the UAE signed the AEO mutual recognition agreement with China, which helps in streamlining and boosting trade between the two countries.
Customs declarations done through the AEO made 34% of total number of declarations in 2018 compared to 23% in 2017. This is expected to go up to 50% by 2020.
