The ruling establishes clear guidelines regarding the jurisdiction, responsibilities, protocols, and operating hours of customs centers across the emirate.
The General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs has issued Administrative Decision No. (33) of 2025, amending Administrative Decision No. (244) of 2024 concerning the establishment and management of customs centers in Abu Dhabi. Under this new directive, a customs center will be set up at Sir Bani Yas Airport, operating under the supervision of the Customer Service Office of the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs, ensuring uninterrupted 24/7 service.
This decision aims to define the specific jurisdiction of customs centers across the emirate while detailing their responsibilities, procedural framework, and working hours to enhance operational efficiency.
Growth in Pre-Arrival Customs Clearance in Abu Dhabi
The General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs has reported a substantial increase in pre-arrival customs clearance, accounting for 72 percent of total transactions in 2024. This marks a significant rise of 53 percent from the previous year, when the rate stood at 47 percent across all customs centers in Abu Dhabi. Outbound shipments processed through pre-arrival clearance comprised 85 percent of total registered exit declarations, a sharp increase from 67 percent in 2023. Similarly, inbound shipments utilizing pre-arrival clearance accounted for 60 percent of total entry declarations, up from 31 percent in the previous year.
The remarkable growth in pre-arrival clearance transactions in 2024 is attributed to the continuous enhancement of Abu Dhabi Customs’ operational framework. This includes the expansion of digital customs services, improvements in integrated technical systems, and the deployment of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence. Additionally, dedicated clearance facilities for freight and shipping companies, enhanced electronic linkages with regulatory and service authorities, and the introduction of service-level agreements with key organizations have collectively accelerated processing times. These initiatives have streamlined customs procedures, minimized clearance durations, and improved efficiency for both staff and customers.
Pre-arrival customs clearance is accessible through advanced digital platforms such as the Abu Dhabi Government Services Platform TAMM and the Advanced Trade and Logistics Platform ATLP. This service allows importers, exporters, and their representatives to finalize customs formalities before shipments arrive at customs centers. The process includes submitting customs declarations, settling duties, fulfilling regulatory conditions when required, and completing necessary procedures in advance—ultimately enhancing the speed and effectiveness of customs operations.
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