New partnership takes UAE step closer to introducing TIR system to speed up passage of goods across borders
Dubai, UAE 03 May, 2015: Ajman Customs and Port Department has signed an agreement with the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE to work together to introduce a global customs transit system in the Emirates which will reduce the time trucks spend at borders from days to hours.
Currently linking nearly 68 countries worldwide, the TIR (International Road Transport) System provides major benefits for transport operators and customs authorities.
It reduces transport costs by minimising formalities and delays through the use of standardised inspection methods, and international customs documents known as TIR Carnets, which are issued on behalf of the International Road Transport Union (IRU).
The agreement was signed by Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Ports and Customs Department, and ATCUAE President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, at the Ajman Saray Hotel.
Al Nuaimi said: “The TIR System will reinforce the best global practices in road transportation in line with international agreements and conventions signed by the UAE. It will save time and effort and will significantly reduce costs through expediting formalities and enhance their efficiency through the use of standardised inspection methods on trucks crossing the UAE’s borders, especially in the direction of Saudi Arabia.”
The National Transport Authority (NTA) sees the TIR system as a major step to meeting and fulfilling the requirements of Federal Law no. 9 for the year 2011 and its Executive Regulations concerning land transport.
Appointed by the NTA as the official association in the UAE to issue and guarantee TIR Carnets for truck operators, the ATCUAE, is already an active member of the IRU, and has been in discussions with the Federal Government for several months towards implementing the system in the UAE.
“We are very happy to have formed a new working partnership with Ajman Customs and are grateful for their invaluable support,” said Ben Sulayem, who has previously signed similar agreements with the customs authorities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. “We now look forward to reaching similar agreements with the customs authorities in the other Emirates, and hope to be able to fully activate the TIR system in the UAE by the end of the year.”
The TIR System allows goods to transit from a country of origin to a country of destination in sealed load compartments, with customs control recognition along the supply chain. This means duties and taxes at risk are guaranteed, and the need for physical inspection of goods in transit is greatly reduced, so that administrative and financial burdens are minimised.