Emirates SkyCargo teams up with Dubai Customs for 'paperless freight'

The MoU will lead to a greater use of electronic correspondence in transactions between Emirates SkyCargo, Dubai Customs and several other supply chain partners who signed the MoU. It will also facilitate the exchange of information about shipments into and out of Dubai, in order to perform the clearance electronically.

In addition, the initiative will allow importers and exporters to perform 51 customs transactions electronically without having to physically visit the customs centres.

The new electronic environment uses sophisticated systems which enable monitoring and tracking of shipments from the departure from the country of origin through all the destinations en route to Dubai.

Ram Menen, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo, who signed the MoU on behalf of Emirates SkyCargo, said: "Emirates Sky Cargo is honoured to have been chosen as a partner for this pilot programme. We have long been an advocate of the e-freight movement and are delighted that such a progressive programme has been initiated in Dubai.

"Such an initiative, when fully implemented, will allow a more fluid flow of legitimate goods through the air and sea borders, thus eliminating potential bottlenecks. Given the current and projected year-on-year growth in Dubai, we are sure to realise the benefits quickly."

Aside from the environmental benefits of reducing the masses of paperwork and, in turn the additional fees, historically involved in air freight, e-freight has been praised for reducing costs and thereby improving the competitiveness of the mode.