Dubai Customs has launched a new cross-border e-commerce platform, according to the release from the city body of the emirate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
La blockchain based platform, piloted in September 2019, will encourage e-commerce businesses to set up shop in Dubai.
The platform consists of two phases: the first is the blockchain platform, which will facilitate e-commerce export transactions through the post office, and was completed in September 2019.
The second will facilitate e-commerce imports, declaration consolidation and automatic refunds, as well as reduce fees and charges and incorporate logistics companies, according to a statement.
«Cross-border e-commerce is one of the many projects that Dubai Customs has embarked on to boost UAE and Dubai trade."i," said Sultan bin Sulayem, Chairman and Group CEO of DP World.
"The platform will eliminate the time spent filing returns and reduce the cost of e-commerce transactions and identify and certify e-commerce businesses to better serve them. It will also provide 100 percent visibility to all stakeholders in e-commerce transactions and regulate the return of goods by linking the merchant and the customs system to accept returns. "He added.
Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, said: “[The platform] will increase local e-commerce activity to Dhs24bn by 2022 and reduce the cost of e-commerce transactions by 20 per cent, which includes warehousing and shipping.”
The e-commerce market in the Middle East and North Africa grew 25 percent to reach $8,3 billion in 2017, and is expected to rise to $28,5 billion by 2022.
In the first quarter of 2019, state-owned developer Dubai South announced its intention to spend Dhs2bn to build an e-commerce free trade zone, EZDubai, to attract e-commerce, logistics and other related industries.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
