GCC Customs Law Changes Under Review

TDT | Manama

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Limited Access for Foreign Lawyers The government referred amendments to the GCC Unified Customs Law to Parliament under Decree No. 23 of 2026, aiming to streamline procedures and boost trade efficiency.

The proposed changes would simplify the transfer of goods between customs points by reducing documentation requirements and allow duty exemptions for imports by the armed forces and security agencies, including equipment and vehicles, subject to approval.

The bill also aligns with decisions by the GCC Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee and will take effect once approved and published in the Official Gazette.

Under the proposed new wording of Article 72, people moving goods from one customs office to another could be spared from filing a full customs declaration at the point of entry. The transfer would instead be handled under documents and conditions set by the Director-General.