Dubai Chamber rallies support for adoption of ATA Carnet system

High ranking officials from the Federal Customs Authority (UAE), the International Chamber of Commerce's World Chambers Federation, and a host of private and public sector representatives attended the opening session.

Among the high ranking government officials that attended the seminar and workshop were HE Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Acting Director General, Federal Customs Authority (UAE), Lee Ju Song, ICC Asia Director.

HE Eng Hamad Buamim, Director General, Dubai Chamber, maintained that over the years, Dubai Chamber has not only been tirelessly working on laying the foundation for the introduction of the ATA Carnet in the UAE but has been pursuing its implementation in the whole region backed by the ICC's World Chambers Federation in its vision to support the GCC's initiatives aimed at enhancing the attractiveness of its member countries as destinations for business, sports, cultural and art events, trade fairs and exhibitions.

Buamim added, "We are constantly working with our international partners to provide the business community with world-class services that will empower their businesses and help them establish stronger and more lasting business relations with their local, regional and global trading partners. We have been in discussion with the ICC's WCF for some time, and we feel that now is the right time to apply the system."

"We believe that this seminar and workshop will help offer a new perspective on the benefits of adopting the system and the potential it has for their businesses, and the economy of Dubai and the UAE," he added stressing that the implementation of the ATA Carnet is ideal for a re-export destination like Dubai.

In his keynote address HE Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Acting Director General, Federal Customs Authority (UAE) said that as part of the UAE's efforts in applying the best international practices by joining agreements that facilitate trade, the Federal Customs Authority has put up an active plan for joining the Istanbul Convention as has already been agreed by the GCC countries for joining the Convention before the end of 2010.

Said Al Bustani, "We are open to the adoption of the ATA Carnet system as it caters to the global business community and being a part of the system will help us introduce best international practices in the Customs area as we always strive to join global conventions that will directly help in the growth of our national economy."

Added Lee Ju Song, ICC Asia Director, "Dubai Chamber is one of ICC's most active members and has immensely contributed in spreading the organisation's trade facilitation work in the region. This meeting will convince the regional organizations to internationalise trade and Customs practices and will support the GCC's initiatives to enhance the attractiveness of its member countries as destinations for business, sports, cultural and art events, trade fairs and exhibitions."

The participants in the workshop reviewed the application of the ATA Carnet system, what it is and how does it works; its implementation including the joining conditions and responsibilities and procedures; Customs clearance methods and retention period under the Istanbul Convention of 1990 initiated by the World Customs Organisation.

The ATA Carnet system is also known as the Merchandise Passport for the business community wanting to admit goods across international borders, on a temporary basis, for a period of not more than a year without having to pay the Customs duty. The goods may include merchandise, commercial samples including computers, cameras and video equipment, industrial machinery, automobiles, gems and jewellery, wearing apparel and display tools for participation in exhibitions and promotional events. Carnets do not cover consumable or disposable goods (e.g., food and agriculture products) giveaways, or postal traffic.