Abu Dhabi Customs sees record 72% pre-arrival clearance rate in 2024

Updated 02 March 2026

Nirmal Narayanan

March 02, 2026 12:58

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RIYADH: Abu Dhabi Customs recorded a 72 percent pre-arrival clearance rate in 2024, marking a significant increase as the emirate accelerates digital transformation and streamlines trade operations. 

The figure represents a sharp rise from 47 percent in 2023, reflecting a 53 percent annual growth rate, according to the UAE’s state news agency WAM.

The surge underscores efforts to enhance digital customs processes, integrate advanced technologies, and optimize clearance systems. 

Pre-arrival clearance for outbound shipments accounted for 85 percent of total exit declarations in 2024, up from 67 percent a year earlier, while inbound shipments made up 60 percent of entry declarations, compared with 31 percent in 2023. Abu Dhabi Customs has also automated the issuance of entry and exit customs certificates to expedite processing. 

Pre-arrival customs clearance, available through smart platforms like the Abu Dhabi Government Services Platform, or TAMM, and the Advanced Trade and Logistics Platform, or ATLP, enables importers, exporters, and their representatives to complete customs procedures before goods reach customs centers. This process includes submitting declarations, paying duties, meeting regulatory requirements, if applicable, and finalizing procedures in advance, streamlining operations and improving efficiency. 

Freight clearance and shipping companies have benefited from electronic integration with regulatory entities and service-level agreements with key stakeholders, reducing transaction times.  

In August, Abu Dhabi Customs reported that the average time for customs clearance transactions in the first half of 2024 was 13.86 minutes, down from 15.47 minutes in the same period of 2023. 

In December, the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs launched its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, focused on facilitating secure and legitimate trade through advanced innovations and digital technologies. 

The plan is built on six pillars, including enhancing customer experience to position Abu Dhabi as a preferred trade hub, increasing revenue collection, and driving economic growth and competitiveness.  

It also emphasizes fostering a culture of excellence through innovation and sustainability, developing professional talent for the future of customs, and leveraging technology to achieve digital leadership. 

In November, Abu Dhabi Customs signed an agreement with Brazil’s Tax Authority to launch the pilot phase of the Trusted Digital Trade Corridor project. 

The initiative aims to enhance trade, simplify customs procedures, reduce transaction times, strengthen data security, and improve cross-border trade efficiency through advanced technology and digital transformation.