The customs clearance procedures at Qatar's Abu Samra border post, whether for goods or travellers, is to be soon conducted by one entity, a senior official said Wednesday.

 "This will be implemented soon through the exchange of information between the Land Customs Department (LCD) at the General Authority of Customs (GAC) and the Ministry of Interior (MoI)," LCD director Murshid Shaheen al-Kuwari announced.
In a statement released Wednesday, the official observed that the entry and exit procedures had undergone great technical advancements, expediting the process while ensuring the country's safety and security.
"Though the process has become simple and speedy, all required measures are taken to combat illegal activities like smuggling, customs evasion and the entry of bad goods, in particular when it comes to food products," he explained.


Trucks waiting at Qatar's Abu Samra border post.

The decision to conduct the customs clearance procedures at Abu Samra border post through one entity is in line with improving the efficiency and reducing any inconvenience for travellers and businesses.
Co-ordination is progressing with Saudi Arabia's customs authorities to ease the movement of persons and goods between the two countries. There is an e-link between the customs departments of the two sides.
"From time to time, we encounter some minor technical issues due to the differences between the systems in use, but these are often resolved using the most sophisticated digital technology. In addition, the operations department has delegated four employees to follow up such issues and enhance the efforts of co-ordination between the two sides to expedite the processes," the official stressed.
Al-Kuwari pointed out the Customs Clearance Single Window, Al-Nadeeb, had very positive outcomes on the daily operations of the border post, and eased all the required procedures for traders and importers.
"The processes of customs clearance of goods differ based on their type. For instance, food products and other consumer goods should be cleared as quickly as possible to avoid potential damage to them, while durable goods including plastic products, which represent 70% of the imported stuff, have other procedures," he said.
Imports of animals and livestock have completely different procedures of clearance. However, in all such operations, the LCD makes its best effort to provide speedy and secure clearance process.
"GAC has highly sophisticated equipment that can scan trucks and cargoes within a maximum of five minutes, producing very accurate results. Protecting the country in terms of security, health and food is an integral part of Abu Samra land post duties," al-Kuwari said.
Regarding the preparations for the rush of travellers for the Haj pilgrimage to Makkah, the official pointed out that the LCD has established a special hall where pilgrims could finish the clearance process with ease and speed, while spoiling any efforts by smugglers who could try to take advantage of the large numbers of travellers to pass on illegal things.
"We have high-end technical inspection machines and pilgrims pass through a designated passage for inspection to avoid any delay," he said.
Similarly, the procedures for the entry and exit of GCC citizens are very simple and take only a few minutes. It will also be further developed to address any technical issues that may cause potential delay.
The Permanent Committee for Abu Samra border post has plans to acquire more sophisticated equipment and constantly improve the skills of its staff in preparation for Qatar hosting 2022 FIFA World Cup.