The preparation of a draft law on the classification of goods was approved yesterday by the first meeting of the UAE Federal Customs Authority, chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Industry and the Authority's chairman.
The meeting also endorsed the preparation of the UAE unified customs draft law, as per the requirements of the GCC Customs Union, said Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Fahed, the authority's newly director general.
It will be reviewed by the authority in its coming meeting.
"The GCC Customs Union-approved law on goods will be used by the UAE as a model. The GCC unified customs law is almost ready and underwent very few amendments, to match the GCC law."
Bin Fahed also said the GCC Customs Union meeting on March 8 will discuss all obstacles that have been faced by all economic and business sectors since the implementation of the customs union last January.
"This is natural. These obstacles are expected to remain in the offing for another year, starting from the day of implementation. It is, therefore, important for all bodies concerned to coordinate efforts in this manner."
The authority, explained bin Fahed, is working on the unification of the seven UAE customs declaration forms, into one.
As per the cabinet decision 52/30 for 2003, the meeting endorsed the appointment of the authority's board of directors which includes the membership of Abdullah Modad Al Zahabi, Abu Dhabi Customs assistant secretary; Sultan bin Sulayem, Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation executive chairman; Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Sharjah Customs chairman; Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Ajman Ports and Customs chairman; Sultan Humaid Abdullah, Umm Al Quwain Customs representative; Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Mahrazi, Ras Al Khaimah Ports and Customs director general; and Rashid Mohammed Hammad, Fujairah Customs director general.
The meeting also approved the appointment of Saeed Al Murri as Bin Fahed's deputy.
Gulf News 2003
