Abu Dhabi Customs hosted the first study mission of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in Abu Dhabi as part of the "Smart Customs" initiative. The mission aimed to explore leading practices in developing the “Invisible Customs” ecosystem and using blockchain technology to streamline customs procedures and facilitate global trade.
His Excellency Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs, expressed full support for the mission and emphasised the importance of sharing innovative experiences and best practices among customs administrations worldwide. Such collaboration, he noted, strengthens cross-border trade and supports supply chains amid rapidly evolving global dynamics.
During the five-day study mission, the WCO team reviewed Abu Dhabi Customs’ digital transformation strategy, including the innovative “Invisible Customs” concept and its pioneering efforts in adopting advanced technologies, particularly blockchain. The team assessed how these initiatives align with strategic priorities and contribute to positioning Abu Dhabi Customs as a world-class customs authority.
The WCO delegation also evaluated “Trade Chain,” a blockchain-based platform developed by Abu Dhabi Customs, which enables instant transaction processing and provides end-to-end visibility across supply chains. The mission explored opportunities to expand the use of blockchain within the customs environment and examined Abu Dhabi Customs’ broader efforts to apply blockchain across various domains, including e-commerce and the development of a “Trusted Digital Trade Corridor.”
As part of the mission, the delegation conducted a field visit to a logistics facility within the Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone. The visit aimed to assess the practical applications of blockchain in cross-border e-commerce. The team explored how blockchain-powered systems, and the integration mechanisms between them, can offer a sustainable digital infrastructure that enhances operational efficiency, streamlines data management, and delivers seamless, high-quality digital services for customers and businesses.
Based on the outcomes of the mission, the WCO will publish a detailed case study highlighting Abu Dhabi Customs’ experience in implementing blockchain technology. This case study will be featured on the upcoming Smart Customs Community Portal and will contribute to an updated version of the WCO’s report on transformative technologies in customs.
Update On
19 May 2025