- Joint committee to solve any problems, and measures to combat all forms of smuggling

Head of Customs Authority, Dr. Magdi Abdel Aziz, and Mr. Saleh Bin Mnia Alkhlewy, General Director of Saudi Arab...

- Joint committee to solve any problems, and measures to combat all forms of smuggling Head of Customs Authority, Dr. Magdi Abdel Aziz, and Mr. Saleh Bin Mnia Alkhlewy, General Director of Saudi Arabia’s Customs Authority signed on 18-3-2015 a customs cooperation agreement to facilitate movement of intra trade between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the first Arab trade partner with Egypt. Head of Customs Authority, Dr. Magdi Abdel Aziz, declared that the agreement also targets development of cooperation aspects between both Customs Authorities in both Arab countries, as well as facing evasion cases and customs irregularities which damage Egypt and Saudi Arabia’s economic, financial, and social interests. He said that the agreement includes 13 articles; the most important of which is information exchange, investigation on customs smugglings and smugglers activity; and related to all shapes of customs evasion, beside exchange of administrative assistance, within terms of reference for both customs Authorities in both countries, provided that this assistance shall not expand to specific demands i.e. arrest people or collect fees, taxes or fines in favor of the other country; abiding by to the applicable customs  laws and regulations of both countries.    He added that the agreement demands Customs Authorities to provide a number of documents to facilitate customs clearance of traded goods and cargoes, including cargo statement, known as cargo manifesto, commercial invoices, packing lists if needed, certificate of origin for national products issued and authorized by competent authority in the country of origin ,and proved by the data of validity, provided that this certificate shall comply with the model of applicable origin certificate, under the Agreement to Facilitate and Develop Trade among Arab States. He cleared that the documents also include foreign products certificate of origin affirms the validity of origin, health certificates of animal, plant goods, and any other documents required by entities concerned with trade exchange. He said that the agreement also provided that a fixed and irremovable indication of origin on exported goods shall be put, according to the nature of commodity. Both parties agreed to grant all facilities for transit system freight cars, either empty or loaded, in addition to ease work of their drivers and assistants, according to the agreement on regulation of road transport operations, passengers and cargoes signed in 1990, banning goods forbidden from entry into the territory of any of both countries under their applicable regulations and laws for religious ,security, health or environmental reasons. He cleared that the agreement also include cooperation in training field , including support to raise the customs skills and develop customs work in the areas of  information exchange , technical ,and administrative expertise according to available capabilities to facilitate customs procedures and detect offenses ,which  will contribute to the flow of trade, transportation  and passengers. He said that the new agreement  will  apply for a period of 3 years and shall be automatically renewed for similar periods, pointing out that Customs Committee will be formed and headed by the Head of the Egyptian Customs and the general director of the Saudi customs Authority to address any difficulties in the implementation of the appointment of a communication officer between the customs authorities of  both countries to arrange meetings with specialists to cooperate in order to solve any potential obstacles.