Gulf customs authorities have switched on the first phase of an electronic data-linkage platform that will allow member states to exchange declaration information in real time. Announced on 4 January, the project enables the secure transfer of bills of lading, HS codes and risk-profile data between the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.
For UAE-based logistics firms the change could shave hours off clearance times at Jebel Ali Port and the Abu Dhabi–Saudi land border. Officials say the system will eventually support pre-arrival processing similar to the EU’s ICS2 framework, reducing physical inspections and paperwork burdens.
![GCC customs go digital: new data-link promises faster border clearance for UAE traders]()
Businesses moving not only freight but also project personnel across the GCC can simplify the accompanying visa formalities through VisaHQ, which offers fast, fully online UAE visa processing, document reviews and courier return options—details are available at https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/.
Multinational manufacturers welcomed the update, noting that the Gulf’s fragmented customs processes have long complicated just-in-time supply chains. "Anything that narrows dwell time helps us keep project engineers on site and reduces the need for costly temporary-import bonds," said the regional mobility lead of a Fortune 500 energy company.
The platform feeds into the GCC’s broader mobility agenda, which also includes a Schengen-style tourist visa and a ‘one-stop’ immigration checkpoint between the UAE and Bahrain slated for launch later this year. Businesses are advised to audit broker SOPs and ensure electronic data interchange (EDI) capability by Q2 2026, when Phase 2 is expected to mandate pre-clearance for all high-value cargo.
For UAE-based logistics firms the change could shave hours off clearance times at Jebel Ali Port and the Abu Dhabi–Saudi land border. Officials say the system will eventually support pre-arrival processing similar to the EU’s ICS2 framework, reducing physical inspections and paperwork burdens.
Businesses moving not only freight but also project personnel across the GCC can simplify the accompanying visa formalities through VisaHQ, which offers fast, fully online UAE visa processing, document reviews and courier return options—details are available at https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/.
Multinational manufacturers welcomed the update, noting that the Gulf’s fragmented customs processes have long complicated just-in-time supply chains. "Anything that narrows dwell time helps us keep project engineers on site and reduces the need for costly temporary-import bonds," said the regional mobility lead of a Fortune 500 energy company.
The platform feeds into the GCC’s broader mobility agenda, which also includes a Schengen-style tourist visa and a ‘one-stop’ immigration checkpoint between the UAE and Bahrain slated for launch later this year. Businesses are advised to audit broker SOPs and ensure electronic data interchange (EDI) capability by Q2 2026, when Phase 2 is expected to mandate pre-clearance for all high-value cargo.
