Border Customs Clearance UAE And Oman- Procedures
Oman and UAE are countries involved in the active export and import of products across their international borders. They are on good terms with almost all the nations of the world with strong Exim policy in place. Goods move to and fro from numerous seaports, road borders, and airports. The Jebel Ali Customs clearance, for example, is the biggest port in the Middle-East or the UAE Region and is one of the top ten container ports on the globe. It is a premier gateway of the UAE and has an important role in the region’s economic prosperity. Similarly, Oman has an excellent road infrastructure, including road borders with its neighboring countries. Wajajah or Hatta border clearance is one of the important road borders, while the others are Wadi Jizzi and Khatmat Malaha. Here we are discussing some important things to know about border clearance UAE and Oman border.
The Custom clearance Procedures for Import and Export in UAE and Oman is a long-drawn tedious process with intricate paperwork and documentation. Today, here we will talk about the custom clearance procedures at both countries’ borders – facts that one should know, whether or not you have any experience in logistics or not.
For smooth custom clearance in both countries, valid and accurate documentation is a pre-requisite. The other critical criteria that influence the process are filling up the required documents and the timely submission of the documents. Satisfying all the mandatory compliances and following the regulations are essential for completing the customs formalities on time and uninterruptedly.
Typically export and import of goods in Oman and UAE have three distinct phases – the first phase includes one-time enrolment for getting an import permit. The second phase is completing the documentation, and the third and final phase is getting clearance from the customs officials.
- The central authority in the UAE for export-import custom clearances is the FCA or the Federal Customs Authority. The seven emirates’ customs departments – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Sharjah, Fujairah, and Umm Al-Quwain, draw up the custom policies they are compliant with the GCC Common Custom Laws.
- In 2017, UAE was ranked at number one in the index of Custom Procedures Efficiency by IMD World Competitiveness Center.
- UAE has a robust network of commercial air carriers, both locally and internationally. Added to this, the UAE boasts world-class logistic centers and airports. That is why it is also the logistics hub of the Middle East.
UAE Custom clearance For Import
- The importer must have an importer code from UAE Customs authorities.
- Documents required for importing into UAE include – international waybill, original commercial invoice, and the packing list.
- The commercial invoice needs to bear an English stamp from the shipper. It is essential to remember that the entire process can get delayed if the commercial invoice with the English stamp is not submitted.
- UAE has trade agreements with the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council, and therefore, importers from these areas enjoy customs reduction.
- The documents required for import include the original waybill, bill of entry, original commercial invoice, original certificate of origin that needs to be approved by the Chamber of Commerce from the country of origin, packing list, and the form of exemption.
For export, too, there are some specific documents required. Some of the documents required include –
- The original commercial invoice
- Security department approval is a must for export to countries like Sudan, Syria, and Iran.
- The export of some specific types of goods needs a strategic export license. Such goods include – electronic goods, agricultural goods, military, chemicals, or technological goods.
- Export to some countries mandatorily requires some other documents, and a leading provider of logistics from the Middle-East will offer expert advice and guidance.
- The Customs officials must inspect the goods before export.
Custom clearance Procedures in Oman for Import and Export
- To ensure safe and legitimate international trade in Oman, the Royal Oman Police Customs Directorate (ROP Customs).
- The Government of Oman requires every business entity to register with the Oman Tax Authority to engage in international trade. When exporting and importing goods, the business entity must be listed with the Trade and Company Register of Oman.
- To ensure and facilitate smooth goods movement in or out of Oman, the government has an electronic system called Bayan. The objective is to ensure seamless movements, reduce Exim costs, strategize and optimize Exim processes, and overall encouraging international trade.
Oman Custom clearance For Import
- The importer needs to have an importer code to import goods legally. The International Waybill, a packing list, and the original commercial invoice.
- If the goods’ value is above USD 2,500, then the Certificate of Origin is a must.
- The country of origin needs to be printed on every item being imported and the Commercial invoice.
- The HS Codes need to be mentioned on the Commercial invoice. In case the HS codes are missing, a 5% customs duty will be levied even if the goods are duty-exempted.
- Certain countries or regions have trade agreements with Oman. There are special reductions, and therefore, it is a must to include the Certificate of Origin with the commercial invoice to take advantage of the same. The regions that benefit from such trade agreements are – Arab League, Free Trade Agreement or FTA, and Gulf Co-operative Council or GCC.
- Following goods are exempted from customs duties – fresh vegetables, milk, books, diplomatic goods, manufacturing raw materials, goods for government agencies, etc.
- The important documents required for the bill of entry, the original commercial invoice and two copies, the original waybill, Chamber of Commerce approved Certificate of Origin, packing list, and exemption form.
On the other hand, exporters need to present the original commercial invoice, and for specific types of goods, a strategic export license is a must. Depending on the destination country, other documents are required. Many more complex rules and regulations with detailed policies need to be followed by importers and exporters. A reliable service provider handling logistics from the Middle-East will offer professional advice and support and make the work easy and simple.
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