The decision clarifies customs center boundaries, roles, procedures, and operational hours within the emirate
The General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs has released Administrative Decision No. (33) of 2025, which modifies Administrative Decision No. (244) of 2024 regarding the creation and governance of customs centers in Abu Dhabi. The new decision establishes a customs center at Sir Bani Yas Airport, which will function under the oversight of the Customer Service Office of the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs, providing a round-the-clock service every day of the week.
The primary objective of this decision is to provide clear directives for the geographical boundaries of the customs centers within the emirate, outlining their roles, customs procedures, and operational hours.
Read more: Abu Dhabi Customs achieves 72 percent growth in digital transactions in 2023
Pre-arrival customs clearance
The General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs has reported a significant rise in pre-arrival customs clearance, reaching 72 percent of all transactions in 2024. This represents a remarkable 53 percent increase compared to 2023, when the rate was at 47 percent across all customs centres in Abu Dhabi. Pre-arrival clearance transactions for outbound shipments made up 85 percent of total registered exit declarations, a notable rise from 67 percent in 2023. In addition, inbound shipments accounted for 60 percent of total entry declarations, up from 31 percent in the previous year.
The surge in pre-arrival clearance transactions in 2024 is credited to the ongoing development and improvement of operational procedures by Abu Dhabi Customs. This includes advancements in digital customs processes, the optimisation of integrated technical systems, and investments in cutting-edge technological infrastructure, including state-of-the-art artificial intelligence tools. Furthermore, customised facilities for freight clearance and shipping companies, enhanced electronic integration with regulatory and service entities, and the establishment of service-level agreements with pertinent organisations have collectively played a role in expediting transaction processing, reducing clearance times, and saving time and effort for both employees and customers.
Pre-arrival customs clearance, accessible through smart platforms like the Abu Dhabi Government Services Platform “TAMM” and the Advanced Trade and Logistics Platform “ATLP,” enables importers, exporters, or their representatives to complete customs procedures before goods reach customs centres. This process encompasses submitting customs declarations, paying duties, meeting regulatory requirements (if applicable), and concluding procedures prior to the arrival of shipments, thereby significantly enhancing overall efficiency
