Dubai:The United Arab Emirates has begun the rollout of the eATA Carnet system with support from Dubai Chambers, marking the nation as the first outside Europe to implement a fully digital platform for issuing and processing ATA Carnets. This move underscores the UAE's leadership in advancing trade and customs procedures.
According to Wam, the shift to the eATA Carnet system is a significant step in the UAE's digital transformation roadmap. The initiative eliminates paper-based customs processes, thereby expediting border clearances and offering businesses a smoother, more efficient experience. This advancement further cements the UAE's status as a global hub for international trade, major trade fairs, and world-class conferences.
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce, operating under Dubai Chambers, has been the National Guaranteeing and Issuing Association for ATA Carnets in the UAE since 2011. The chamber is spearheading the new digital phase, closely collaborating with customs authorities and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to provide a seamless customs experience for businesses. This makes Dubai Chamber of Commerce one of only 13 chambers globally, out of 1,200 ICC-member chambers, to implement the eATA Carnet.
Prior to the official launch, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce conducted a comprehensive readiness programme to prepare the national customs ecosystem for eATA Carnets. This included technical coordination meetings with UAE customs authorities, online sessions with ICC experts, and hands-on training workshops for customs representatives. They also led extensive pre-production testing to ensure all stakeholders were aligned and ready for the digital transition.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, highlighted the chamber's leadership in the UAE's ATA Carnet journey since 2010. He emphasized the milestone of transitioning to the eATA Carnet in partnership with national customs authorities and the ICC, reflecting a commitment to providing smart, integrated services that empower global business expansion.
Since 2011, a total of 63,591 ATA Carnets have been issued and received in the UAE for goods and commodities valued at AED54.4 billion.
Ahmed Abdullah bin Lahej Al Falasi, Acting Director General of Customs at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, stated that the eATA Carnet system aligns with the UAE's commitment to an agile and integrated trading environment. This initiative supports the leadership's vision for a digital government ecosystem driven by innovation and international partnerships, balancing trade facilitation with national economic protection.