UAE Customs reported a 49 percent annual growth in customs transactions during 2024, with the total number of customs transactions reaching approximately 40 million in 2024, compared to 26.8 million transactions in the previous year.
The compliance rate of customs departments with the procedures outlined in the Customs Procedures Manual also reached 100 percent in 2024. Meanwhile, the average customs clearance time in 2024 was only 5 minutes nationwide, reflecting the success of UAE Customs in leveraging technology in the customs clearance process, innovating customs systems and efficiently managing customs risks.
Digital transformation propels UAE Customs’ growth
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, director general of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, stated, coinciding with International Customs Day which is celebrated on January 26 each year, that UAE Customs has managed to build and innovate modern and advanced customs systems, achieving unprecedented accomplishments and results in the areas of digital transformation, operations and customs seizures.
He added that UAE Customs has succeeded in fulfilling its commitments to achieving operational efficiency, maintaining security, and contributing to prosperity and boosting economic growth.
It accomplished that by improving customs processes and enhancing their efficiency via full digital transformation, updating and simplifying procedures, developing customs services, strengthening data-driven operations and analytical tools, utilizing the latest inspection and surveillance devices, and collaborating with strategic partners both within and outside the country.
Additionally, it focuses on enhancing supply chain security, combating smuggling and money laundering attempts, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, and contributing to attracting capital and investment.
Read: DP World to launch stablecoin-based cross-border payment solutions
15,866 seizures and 276 inspection
“The total number of customs seizures during the past year reached approximately 15,866 seizures. During the year, UAE Customs carried out around 276 inspection missions at the country’s customs ports. The number of support devices used in inspection operations was 204, which are among the most advanced in the field of customs inspection,” stated Ahmed Abdullah bin Lahej Al Falasi, acting director general of Customs and Port Security.
Al Falasi added that UAE Customs uses advanced systems for managing and identifying customs risks, where data and information related to shipments are analyzed to identify suspicious shipments that require thorough inspection. Additionally, it collaborates with global customs departments and international organizations to exchange information about criminal networks and smuggling operations.
He pointed to the success of UAE Customs in fully meeting the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) requirements related to combating money laundering and terrorist financing through trade with a 100 percent compliance rate. Additionally, the completion of the “Afhas” system for the declaration of cash and equivalent amounts accompanying travelers departing from or arriving in the country was fully achieved as one of the Authority’s transformative projects.
Moreover, the progress in implementing the UAE Customs Platform project reached 60.7 percent, and the Border Security Ports project achieved a completion rate of 74 percent.
