02-06-2025
Cooperation with Qatar in customs field enhances economic security: Jordanian Customs director-general
AMMAN: Director-General of Jordanian Customs Maj Gen Ahmad Akalik has praised the partnership with the General Authority of Customs describing it as exemplary and a model to follow in the field of Arab customs integration.
In an exclusive statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the Director-General of Jordanian Customs said that the cooperation between Jordan and Qatar in the customs field reflects a shared commitment to modernizing performance and enhancing the efficiency of the customs system in a way that supports development and strengthens economic security.
He explained that the relationship with the State of Qatar's General Authority of Customs is based on the actual exchange of expertise and direct insight into smart and modern work systems. He affirmed that the General Authority of Customs has demonstrated advanced readiness in adopting technological solutions that contribute to reducing customs clearance time to just a few minutes.
Akalik noted that Jordan Customs has benefited from the Qatari experience in several areas such as electronic tracking, automation of procedures, risk management, and streamlining the movement of goods. He confirmed that this cooperation has helped Jordan prepare to adopt new operational models that align with international standards.
Jordan's Customs Department is currently working on a comprehensive customs system project that will bring all customs operations under one electronic umbrella, based on the global 'ASYCUDA'system. He underlined that the project has entered the procedure-mapping phase to unify work mechanisms across various crossings, including Jaber, Al-Omari, Al-Karama, and others, aiming to eliminate redundancies and create a unified smart customs environment.
He affirmed that the system will also integrate with the human resources system, granting employees their authorities based on tasks rather than geographic location, which enhances discipline and reduces waste in resource allocation.
Regarding the new customs law in Jordan, Akalik explained that it is considered a modern law built on three main pillars: the first is activating post-clearance audit instead of border inspection, which facilitates trade and reduces pressure on border crossings; the second is unifying regulatory bodies under the umbrella of the Customs Department to simplify procedures; and the third is formally integrating technology into the customs process, allowing stakeholders to remotely monitor inspection processes.
He added that the new law has resolved many contentious issues such as value assessment and the timing of goods seizure. He noted that the law was the result of national dialogue with various partners and was smoothly passed through the countryط·s legislative institutions.
In terms of facilitation, he revealed that the department launched a pre-clearance system for goods at the beginning of June, based on a trader's declaration, with subsequent audits conducted under a smart risk system. This significantly reduces time and effort at border crossings, he added.
The system will initially be applied to compliant companies on the silver list, with continuous evaluation for broader implementation, he said, affirming that the project will lead to a major reduction in customs clearance times and enhance competitiveness.
Regarding e-commerce, the Director-General of Jordanian Customs said that Jordan's e-commerce center is among the first specialized centers in the region and has recently handled over 1 million bills of lading. He pointed out that Customs is working to strike a balance between e-commerce and traditional trade in cooperation with the Jordan Chamber of Commerce.
