Historic Federal Law supports vision of UAE Rulers for country’s future prosperity 19.02.2013: Photo caption: H.E. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National Transport Authority, and

Photo caption: H.E. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National Transport Authority, and ATCUAE President Dr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, after signing the agreement today


- NTA empowers ATCUAE to speed up customs procedures for motorists, truck operators


- H.E. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan signs agreement with Sulayem;  fresh warning issued over unofficial international driving permits



The National Transport Authority today signed a landmark agreement with the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE aimed at simplifying and speeding up customs procedures at border crossing for motorists and truck operators, while steering travellers away from trouble when driving overseas.


The agreement was signed by H.E. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National Transport Authority, and ATCUAE President Dr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem.


It recognises the ATCUAE as an official authority in the UAE legally authorised to issue Carnet de Passage en Douane (CPDs) or “trip tickets” for motorists, as well as TIR Carnets, the international equivalent for truck operators, and International Driving Permits (IDPs).


The agreement is the first to be concluded by the NTA as part of the implementation of Federal Law No. 9 of 2011 on Land Transport, an historic chapter of legislation supporting the vision of the UAE Rulers for the country’s future prosperity.


“This is a law of vital importance as it sets out to regulate the land transport sector, which has a key part to play in the growth of the national economy, and supports the UAE's role as a link amongst the neighboring countries,” said Sheikh Hamdan.


“It reflects the vision of our Rulers to achieve economic growth in the transport sector, and to reach the highest standards of safety and security in land transport movement in UAE."


“A vital part of this process is that Federal Law No. 9 stipulates the conditions for the granting of licenses which regulate the land transport sector. This new agreement allows us to work closer together with the ATCUAE, which is the first authority to be licensed under the law.”


Dr. Ben Sulayem said: “We are grateful to the NTA for the trust being placed in the ATCUAE. We recognise the importance of our responsibility, and look forward to working closer with the NTA to help the people of the UAE move easily about their world.”


The ATCUAE has been a supplier of legitimate CPDs and IDPs since 1965, and for several years has been working in conjunction with the NTA and other government authorities to counter the presence in the market of unofficial versions.


The new agreement with the NTA also extends to the issuing of TIR (International Road Transport) Carnets on behalf of the International Road Transport Union (IRU), which looks after the interests of bus, coach, taxi and truck operators.


The only global customs transit system in existence, the TIR System offers transport operators and customs authorities a simple, flexible, cost-effective and secure system for the international transport of goods across frontiers.


The ATCUAE, which is already an active member of the IRU, expects to introduce the TIR system in the country in the near future. The system currently links 68 countries worldwide, and its introduction in the UAE, which annually sends 700,000 trucks across its border into Saudi Arabia, will be welcomed by the transport industry, by a multitude of goods manufacturers and suppliers, by customers, as well as customs authorities.


“This step reinforces the partnership between the public and private sectors, and the TIR system can cut the time trucks spend at the borders from three to five days at present, to three to four hours,” said Sulayem.


Once activated, the TIR system reduces transport costs by minimising formalities and delays through the use of  standardised and reduced controls and simplified documentation. Customs authorities like the system because it means duties and taxes at risk are guaranteed, and the need for physical inspection of goods in transit is greatly reduced.


CPDs simplify customs formalities for motoring tourists when presented along with a Certificate of Tourism which allows a vehicle to be driven across borders to destinations beyond the GCC.


In recent years, many UAE travellers carrying unofficial CPDs have been refused entry to countries like Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Egypt. Similarly, unofficial international driving licences can create major problems for those driving rental cars or private vehicles abroad, making their insurance invalid in the event of accidents.


Official IDPs available from ATCUAE offices and appointed agents are now even more recognisable as they carry the official logos of both the Club and the NTA, distinguishing them from unauthorised versions still finding their way into the market.





Carnet de Passage en Douane (CPDs)


The significance of official CPDs - commonly known as carnets or trip tickets - is that they guarantee the payment of any customs duties and import taxes chargeable in the event that vehicles are not re-exported. 


Two globally recognised associations, the Alliance Internationale de Tourisme (AIT) and the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), represented by the ATCUAE in the Emirates, play a major role in the international application of the CPD system.


Together they comprise some 210 affiliated clubs and associations in 120 countries around the world and share the primary objective of encouraging the development of international travel and tourism.


The UAE joined these countries in 2007 by signing the United Nations (UN) Customs Conventions of 1949, 1956 and 1968 which were introduced to allow the smooth flow of travel and tourism based on the CPD system.




TIR System


‘TIR’ stands for Transports Internationaux Routiers (International Road Transport) and is an international harmonised system of customs control that facilitates trade and transport whilst effectively protecting the revenue of each country through which goods are carried.


TIR is the only universal transit system that allows the goods to transit from a country of origin to a country of destination in sealed load compartments with Customs control recognition along the supply chain. This minimises administrative and financial burdens and Customs duties and taxes that may become due are covered by an international guarantee.



International Driving Permits (IDPs)


The UN introduced official International Driving Permits in 1949 to overcome difficulties faced by motorists travelling in foreign countries in view of widely varying drivers licence requirements.


While many countries now allow visitors to use their domestic driving licences when travelling abroad, this can lead to language problems, and an International Driving Permit has a number of advantages.


In addition to ensuring that insurance cover taken out is valid, it is proof that the holder has a valid driving licence in their own country.


It is also printed in many languages, including Arabic. This helps overcome language barriers between drivers and police, while the document can also be a useful form of identification in the event of a lost passport.




- Tony Lewis, Total Communications Dubai -  also photo