emirates7 - Abu Dhabi Customs recently hosted the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) first study mission in the emirate under the umbrella of the “Smart Customs” initiative.
The mission focused on identifying global best practices for advancing the “Invisible Customs” ecosystem and leveraging blockchain technology to enhance customs operations and support international trade.
Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Customs, reaffirmed the authority’s full support for the initiative and stressed the importance of international cooperation in sharing innovative solutions and practices. He highlighted that such collaboration is crucial for strengthening global supply chains and facilitating cross-border trade in an increasingly complex global environment.
Over the five-day mission, the WCO team examined Abu Dhabi Customs’ digital transformation agenda, including the “Invisible Customs” concept and its trailblazing use of advanced technologies such as blockchain. The evaluation centered on how these initiatives align with strategic goals and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s status as a leading customs authority.
The delegation also assessed “Trade Chain,” Abu Dhabi Customs’ blockchain-driven platform designed to enable real-time transaction processing and ensure end-to-end transparency throughout supply chains.
In addition, the mission explored further opportunities to scale the use of blockchain in customs processes. Discussions also covered how the technology could be applied more broadly—such as in e-commerce and the creation of a “Trusted Digital Trade Corridor.”
As part of their visit, the WCO team toured a logistics facility at the Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone to observe firsthand the implementation of blockchain in cross-border e-commerce operations.
The delegation studied how blockchain-integrated systems, along with their interconnectivity, can build a resilient digital infrastructure that improves efficiency, enhances data accuracy, and provides seamless digital services to businesses and customers.
Following the mission, the WCO will develop a comprehensive case study documenting Abu Dhabi Customs’ experience with blockchain implementation. This case study will be featured on the soon-to-launch Smart Customs Community Portal and will contribute to the updated edition of the WCO’s report on transformative customs technologies.
The mission focused on identifying global best practices for advancing the “Invisible Customs” ecosystem and leveraging blockchain technology to enhance customs operations and support international trade.
Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Customs, reaffirmed the authority’s full support for the initiative and stressed the importance of international cooperation in sharing innovative solutions and practices. He highlighted that such collaboration is crucial for strengthening global supply chains and facilitating cross-border trade in an increasingly complex global environment.
Over the five-day mission, the WCO team examined Abu Dhabi Customs’ digital transformation agenda, including the “Invisible Customs” concept and its trailblazing use of advanced technologies such as blockchain. The evaluation centered on how these initiatives align with strategic goals and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s status as a leading customs authority.
The delegation also assessed “Trade Chain,” Abu Dhabi Customs’ blockchain-driven platform designed to enable real-time transaction processing and ensure end-to-end transparency throughout supply chains.
In addition, the mission explored further opportunities to scale the use of blockchain in customs processes. Discussions also covered how the technology could be applied more broadly—such as in e-commerce and the creation of a “Trusted Digital Trade Corridor.”
As part of their visit, the WCO team toured a logistics facility at the Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone to observe firsthand the implementation of blockchain in cross-border e-commerce operations.
The delegation studied how blockchain-integrated systems, along with their interconnectivity, can build a resilient digital infrastructure that improves efficiency, enhances data accuracy, and provides seamless digital services to businesses and customers.
Following the mission, the WCO will develop a comprehensive case study documenting Abu Dhabi Customs’ experience with blockchain implementation. This case study will be featured on the soon-to-launch Smart Customs Community Portal and will contribute to the updated edition of the WCO’s report on transformative customs technologies.