The Governments of Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a Cooperation and Mutual Assistance Agreement in Customs Matters, establishing a framework to enhance collaboration between their Customs Administrations.
The agreement aims to strengthen enforcement, facilitate trade, and protect the economic, social, and cultural interests of both nations.
Under the deal, the two countries will work closely to enforce Customs procedures and legislation, provide technical assistance, and exchange best practices in trade facilitation.
A key focus will be combating Customs offenses, ensuring accurate duty collection, and tackling illicit trafficking of goods, narcotics, and sensitive items. The agreement also covers joint efforts in investigations, information sharing, personnel training, and the development of new Customs procedures.
Among its key provisions, the pact outlines cooperation in surveillance of individuals, goods, and transport suspected of Customs violations.
Both nations will also collaborate in fighting the trafficking of sensitive goods, including drugs, weapons, counterfeit items, and endangered species.
Additionally, Kenya and the UAE will exchange critical data on Customs value, goods classification, origin, and offenses to enhance enforcement.
The agreement allows for mutual assistance in recovering Customs claims, subject to national laws, and enables one party to request investigations into offenses, with results shared between the two administrations.
Technical assistance, including training and expertise sharing, is also a major component. Furthermore, the two countries may negotiate an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) mutual recognition agreement in the future.
Any disputes arising from the agreement will be resolved through direct negotiations between the Customs Administrations and diplomatic channels, without third-party involvement.
The pact will remain in force for five years, with an automatic renewal clause for another five years unless terminated with six months’ notice.
Both Kenya and the UAE are members of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Trade between the two nations has been significant, with Kenya importing goods worth Kshs. 1.34 trillion from the UAE between 2020 and 2025, including petroleum products, plastics, and electrical apparatus.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s exports to the UAE during the same period amounted to Kshs. 289.7 billion, comprising tea, cut flowers, scrap metal, and agricultural products.
The agreement marks a major step in deepening bilateral ties and fostering secure, efficient trade between Kenya and the UAE.
