Latest news with #JordanCustomsDepartment
Jordan News
6 days ago
- Business
- Jordan News
Al-Aqalik: 2,100 Smuggling Cases Recorded Since Start of 2025 - Jordan News
Al-Aqalik: 2,100 Smuggling Cases Recorded Since Start of 2025 Brigadier General Ahmad Al-Aqalik, Director General of the Jordan Customs Department, confirmed that the department has successfully completed 11 projects under the first phase of the Economic Modernization Vision, reflecting its commitment to its central role in Jordan's national economic system. اضافة اعلان In an interview with the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Al-Aqalik emphasized the significance of the recent meeting between His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein and Customs officials, describing it as a pivotal moment to assess progress and reinforce the importance of continuing to modernize customs procedures in alignment with the Kingdom's new economic vision. This aims to balance trade facilitation with the protection of the national economy. Among the key achievements was the development of the E-commerce Customs Center—one of the first specialized centers of its kind in the region. It facilitates the clearance and electronic monitoring of postal shipments and is supported by the newly established E-commerce Council, which enhances risk management and streamlines the flow of goods. Regarding the 'National Export' project, Al-Aqalik noted that it has reached 23% completion and is expected to be finalized by year-end. Meanwhile, the Electronic Clearance Project has reduced average processing time from nearly two months to one week—or even hours in some cases—saving both time and cost for users and improving the investment environment. He revealed that the Customs Department has launched a project to unify regulatory authorities by seconding personnel from relevant agencies to operate under one umbrella while maintaining each agency's legal jurisdiction. This aims to enhance field operations, activate the smart risk system, and standardize sample collection procedures. Al-Aqalik clarified that this integration does not undermine the authority of ministries such as Health, Agriculture, or Transport, but instead enhances coordination and simplifies procedures to accelerate service delivery and reduce bureaucracy. A new initiative is also being introduced: advance release of goods based on prior trader declarations, with audits to follow based on a risk-based system. This is expected to significantly reduce customs clearance time and ease pressure at border crossings. The system will be piloted in July for companies on the 'Silver List,' with a view to future expansion to the 'Gold List.' He added that the E-commerce Center recently processed over one million waybills, including around 30,000 customs declarations for items exceeding 200 dinars in value. He stressed the need to maintain a fair balance between traditional and e-commerce trade, especially given complaints from some sectors about the impact of online trade on local markets. Advanced X-ray inspection technology now deployed at most customs centers has helped speed up inspections and reduce unnecessary targeting. Some modern machines can accurately detect container contents, improving decision-making and saving time and effort. Regarding Jaber Border Crossing, Al-Aqalik noted that while the infrastructure is owned by the Ministry of Public Works, a development and expansion plan is being implemented in coordination with the Ministry of Interior to improve cargo flow and accommodate the increasing transit traffic to Syria. On customs revenues, he explained that the matter is overseen by the Ministry of Finance, while the Customs Department provides accurate data on customs revenues. Currently, 91% of tariff items are exempt from duties, as part of the state's effort to ease burdens on importers and stimulate economic growth. Al-Aqalik stated that Jordan Customs is among the first national institutions to fully embrace technology, currently operating around 100 systems built on the global ASYCUDA platform—the backbone of customs operations. These systems utilize programming languages such as Java and Oracle, demonstrating the department's technical advancement. A major ongoing project is the Comprehensive Customs System, which aims to unify procedures for customs declarations, exemptions, temporary admission, case management, and customs seals into a single digital platform. The project is currently in the procedural mapping phase, with plans to unify operations across major customs centers like Omari, Jaber, and Karameh, toward a fully integrated smart customs environment. The next phase will determine whether the system will be developed entirely in-house by Jordanian talent or in cooperation with donors or specialized companies. Jordanian staff are currently undergoing intensive training in business analysis and system design to strengthen internal implementation capabilities. The new system will integrate with HR systems and assign permissions based on roles rather than locations, increasing discipline, transparency, and integrity in customs work. Recent amendments to the Customs Law marked a qualitative leap in the sector. Observers consider it a modern law based on three pillars: shifting audit procedures from borders to warehouses through post-clearance audits, unifying oversight authorities under the Customs Department for inspections and risk management, and formally incorporating modern technologies—including real-time livestream access for customs inspections. The law resolved many previously ambiguous issues, such as the timing of seizures and valuation criteria, by clearly defining procedures in legislation, thus improving compliance and reliability. It was developed through broad consultation with stakeholders—including chambers of commerce and industry, clearance companies, and the private sector—reviewed with the Legislation and Opinion Bureau, and smoothly passed by both chambers of Parliament. It received Royal assent and will take effect 60 days after publication. On smuggling, Al-Aqalik emphasized that the phenomenon is global and requires continuous development of tools. Jordan Customs now relies heavily on internally developed intelligence and smart risk analysis systems, which have helped uncover advanced smuggling methods. He revealed that approximately 2,100 smuggling cases have been recorded since the beginning of the year, involving items such as cigarettes, drugs, and electronic vaping products. Smuggling methods have become increasingly sophisticated, demanding advanced field and intelligence efforts to combat them. As for electronic tracking, the system now covers around 98% of shipments, with traditional escorts used only in exceptional cases. Efforts are underway to enhance the system using modern technologies. Finally, Al-Aqalik underscored the importance of coordinated collaboration with security agencies, which takes place within legal frameworks. He affirmed that combating smuggling and protecting the economy is a national responsibility that requires ongoing coordination among state institutions. — (Petra)
Jordan News
11-06-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
106,000 Visitors Flock to Aqaba During Eid Al-Adha Holiday - Jordan News
Around 106,000 tourists and visitors spent the Eid Al-Adha holiday in the city of Aqaba, with the average hotel occupancy rate across various classifications reaching 91%. Visitors stayed for an average of two nights over the six-day holiday period. اضافة اعلان Chairman of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Shadi Ramzi Al-Majali, stated that Eid days in Aqaba passed smoothly and peacefully despite the large number of visitors, thanks to the joint Eid plan implemented by ASEZA, the Aqaba Governorate, and relevant authorities to maintain uninterrupted services for citizens and tourists. Al-Majali praised the coordinated efforts under the leadership of Aqaba Governor Khaled Al-Hajjaj, and the implementation by all stakeholders and security agencies, which played a major role in efficiently serving visitors. The security and traffic plans also helped ease movement, reduce congestion, and facilitate procedures at customs points and land, sea, and air border crossings. He noted that from the first day of the holiday until Tuesday, Aqaba welcomed about 106,000 visitors—90,000 entered via Wadi Al-Yatam and Wadi Araba customs points, and 16,000 via international land, air, and sea ports. The average hotel occupancy rate during the holiday reached 91%, with an average stay of two nights. Wadi Rum also saw significant tourism activity, receiving around 6,500 visitors, including 4,000 foreign tourists. He explained that the visitor count was tracked using a smart and precise camera system installed at Aqaba's entrances. Al-Majali highlighted the continued flow of commercial activity through the ports, facilitated by the efforts of the Jordan Customs Department, Aqaba Company for Ports Management and Operation, the Container Terminal, and various regulatory and technical agencies under ASEZA's supervision. No delays were reported in cargo handling during the holiday. He emphasized that Aqaba experienced very active tourism and commercial activity due to strategic marketing, events hosted by ASEZA and other tourism projects, and a shopping initiative by the Aqaba Chamber of Commerce. Support and incentives provided to tourism, service, hotel, and marine facilities in cooperation with the private sector also contributed to the season's success. As part of ASEZA's tourism strategy, a free program of artistic, cultural, and entertainment events was held throughout Eid at the Great Arab Revolt Plaza. These events created a joyful atmosphere for locals and visitors alike, featuring performances by Jordanian singers and traditional folk bands, spectacular drone light shows, and fireworks launched over the sea. The festivities also celebrated the King's Accession Day, Army Day, and the national football team's qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Additionally, Aqaba hosted two major concerts by artists Nassif Zeytoun and Rahma Riad as part of the 'Aqaba Waves Festival' at the South Beach open-air theater. The Environmental Commission launched the awareness campaign "Leave it Clean" at border crossings and public beaches. ASEZA distributed educational brochures and eco-friendly fabric bags to cars entering the city to discourage littering, in cooperation with the Royal Department for Environmental Protection and Orbaser, the company responsible for Aqaba's cleanliness, alongside youth committees and community initiatives. The Aqaba Marine Reserve carried out underwater cleaning campaigns and implemented a continuous monitoring and awareness program along the coastline, with teams deployed to prevent any environmental damage or pollution in heavily crowded beach areas. Al-Majali also mentioned that ASEZA's City Commission and health inspection teams ensured public slaughtering services were available at the official slaughterhouse under strict health and safety guidelines. They also worked round the clock to monitor food establishments and prevent the sale of food items outside designated areas, maintaining food safety standards. City services implemented a maintenance and response program for public facilities during the holiday, and, in coordination with Orbaser, increased cleaning staff in key locations such as slaughtering areas, city centers, and beaches. Work shifts were doubled to operate 24/7, with additional garbage compactors deployed in market and hotel zones. Al-Majali concluded by commending the seamless and cooperative work of all agencies involved, emphasizing the unified team spirit that enabled the provision of excellent services to Aqaba's visitors during Eid Al-Adha. — (Petra)
Jordan Times
05-05-2025
- Jordan Times
JCD foils attempt to smuggle 16kg of marijuana at Queen Alia Airport
The Jordan Customs Department (JCD), in cooperation with the Anti-Narcotics Department (AND) and security agencies, on Sunday thwarts an attempt to smuggle 16 kilogrammes of marijuana through Queen Alia International Airport's passenger terminal (Petra photo) AMMAN — The Jordan Customs Department (JCD), in cooperation with the Anti-Narcotics Department (AND) and security agencies, on Sunday thwarted an attempt to smuggle 16 kilogrammes of marijuana through Queen Alia International Airport's passenger terminal. In a statement, the JCD said that a passenger of East Asian nationality, arriving from an Arab country, was flagged as suspicious by customs and security personnel. A detailed search of the individual's luggage revealed a quantity of marijuana concealed in their belongings. The suspect was immediately arrested, and the narcotics were handed over to the AND for further legal action. Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the JCD emphasised its continued readiness to combat the smuggling of prohibited or harmful substances in cooperation with security agencies at all border crossings.
Al Etihad
25-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Customs showcases AI-driven digital transformation to Jordanian delegation following International Trade Centre recommendation
25 Apr 2025 12:00 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs hosted a high-level delegation from the Jordan Customs Department for a three-day study visit. This visit, organised by the International Trade Centre in Geneva (ITC) as part of a technical support programme for Jordanian Customs, focused on exploring best practices and leading customs projects implemented in Abu Dhabi, based on modern technologies and artificial intelligence applications. This is particularly in the field of customs risk management and is in line with international standards to facilitate cross-border trade and enhance the efficiency of supply Lahej Al Mansoori, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs, welcomed the visiting delegation headed by Major General Ahmed Mohammed Al-Akalik, Director General of the Jordan Customs Department, during their reception at the headquarters of Abu Dhabi meeting was attended by a representative of the International Trade Centre. Both sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise to support the achievement of shared visions and objectives in developing customs systems and improving operational Jordanian delegation's visit to Abu Dhabi Customs came upon the recommendation of the International Trade Centre, in recognition of Abu Dhabi Customs' outstanding achievements in digital transformation. Its experience is considered among the most advanced and unique models globally in the implementation and development of best customs practices within an integrated system that supports the business ecosystem in Abu Dhabi and the visit included detailed presentations on operational customs systems, in addition to field visits during which the delegation was briefed on Abu Dhabi Customs' new Strategic Plan 2024–2028 and the roadmap for strategic projects designed to empower customs operations in the emirate. They were also introduced to the Digital Transformation Strategy and the advanced solutions delivered to the customs and trade community at both local and international delegation also learned about key digital initiatives supporting non-oil economic growth, including the DHAFRA Advanced Data and Future Reporting Canter, powered by Artificial Intelligence, and the integrated Customs Risk Management System – Lahej Al Mansoori said: 'Abu Dhabi Customs is committed to building an innovative customs model that supports the business environment, meets the aspirations of the wise leadership, and translates Abu Dhabi's vision for sustainable economic leadership. This is achieved through optimal investment in technology and knowledge, strengthening regional and international partnerships, and providing a smart infrastructure based on flexibility, precision, and efficiency.'Al Mansoori emphasised that digital transformation and the adoption of artificial intelligence tools are no longer optional, but rather a fundamental pillar to ensure sustainable economic growth, support the global competitiveness of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, and reinforce their position as attractive destination for business and General Ahmed Mohammed Al-Akalik expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to Abu Dhabi Customs for their generous hospitality and valuable engagement through advanced expertise and knowledge. Al-Akalik also recognised the exchange of adopting and utilising cutting-edge technologies and best practices in customs operations and performance enhancement. This has contributed to consolidating Abu Dhabi Customs' position on the global level, as acknowledged by the International Trade Centre, whose support was instrumental in the success of this visit. He also highlighted the Jordan Customs Department's interest in continuing future cooperation and coordination with Abu Dhabi Customs to exchange expertise in ways that serve shared goals and support economic growth across the region. Raghad Altalli, Programme Lead and Senior Trade Facilitation Advisor at the International Trade Centre, said that the selection of Abu Dhabi Customs as a destination for this study visit stems from the global recognition of its outstanding achievements in digital transformation. Altalli praised the customs projects implemented in Abu Dhabi, which have made it as a model to be followed and an inspiring benchmark for customs authorities and the global trade and logistics ecosystem in keeping pace with future developments. Altalli expressed her gratitude for the cooperation, high professionalism, and generosity of Abu Dhabi Customs leadership in sharing their valuable expertise at the international level.
Jordan News
20-04-2025
- Jordan News
Foiled Attempt to Smuggle a Large Quantity of Cigarette Cartons - Jordan News
The spokesperson for the Jordan Customs Department announced that customs personnel at the Al-Karamah border crossing, in cooperation with security agencies, successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle 2,389 cigarette cartons that were secretly hidden inside a cargo refrigerator truck driven by an Arab national. اضافة اعلان According to details provided by the spokesperson, suspicion arose during the truck's entry from a neighboring country. Upon conducting a thorough inspection, secret compartments prepared specifically for smuggling were discovered, containing 2,389 cartons of cigarettes intended for illegal distribution. The contraband was seized, and legal procedures were taken in accordance with regulations. The spokesperson stressed that all forms of smuggling pose a threat to public health and safety, as such goods are not subject to the oversight of relevant authorities and do not comply with Jordanian standards. In addition, the smuggled goods avoid payment of customs duties, which is a violation of the law and undermines fairness in the market. The Jordan Customs Department urges citizens to report any suspected smuggling activities that may harm the national economy by calling the toll-free number 105. All information is handled with strict confidentiality.
