Abu Dhabi Customs Department launches 'Gold Card' programme

The new programme was announced at a seminar hosted by Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ADCCI) where speakers from the Abu Dhabi Customs Department, Abu Dhabi Finance Department and the ADCCI explained the benefits that would be gained by companies participating in the Gold Card programme.

The audience at the seminar included representatives of several local, regional and international companies.

Companies enrolled into the Gold Card programme will gain a wide range of benefits such as electronic submission of Customs clearance documentation, ePayment facilities for consignment and administration fees, electronic reconciliation and refunds, access to a ninety (90) day rolling-credit account with Customs, on-line issuance of consignment clearance details and the ability to maintenan transaction records and archive key documents pertaining to their exports and imports. Besides, member companies will have only a very small percentage of consignments checked when they are being passed through Customs.

The Gold Card programme is part of a broader, overall modernization program that is intended to introduce new and convenient processes and procedures for the benefit of Abu Dhabi companies engaged in the import and export business.

The programme has been implemented under the supervision of HE Hamad Al-Hurr Al-Suweidi, the Undersecretary of the Finance Department, as a pilot modernization program. The programme aims to facilitate trade, enhance security and increase revenue from Customs duties. It has also been endorsed by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Explaining the concept of the program, Saeed Al Muhairi, Deputy Director Abu Dhabi Customs Administration said: 'This new facility is a privileged service to reward compliant and well-run businesses in Abu Dhabi with a fast, effective and efficient Customs clearance service. Import / export companies which adhere to the key principles of the Gold Card agreement will be granted an automatic pre-clearance service to process their customs transactions, in accordance with World Customs Organization standards.'

The seminar at ADCCI was also attended by representatives of a number of Abu Dhabi-based banks who showcased their internet based ePayment services that are integral to the Gold Card service.

Commending the the Abu Dhabi Finance Department on the launch of the Gold Card, Hamad Al Awadi, Board Member of the ADCCI, said that the Finance Department ranks as a leader in implementing state-of-the-art systems and procedures aimed at providing quick and user-friendly service for companies operating in Abu Dhabi.