Dubai Customs has embarked on a major training programme on harmonised system (HS) in classification of goods, for 1,000 candidates from 500 Dubai-based companies in sectors like import, export, re-export, transshipment, cargo and clearing agencies.

The harmonised system (HS) seeks all conceivable goods crossing international borders to be classified and assigned a code number. The customs and the other officials concerned, use these numbers for statistical purposes as well as to monitor the volume and source of goods and merchandise on motion around the world.

HS, which has been developed by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), is being enforced by Dubai Customs requiring all traders to assign the respective code numbers on all the customs documents.

Hamad Fadhil Al Mazrouei, acting director general of Dubai Customs, said the training programme on harmonised commodity description and coding system will help the Dubai business community in the future in moving the goods rapidly and efficiently.

"The programme is in line with the Dubai e-business campaign launched by General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence, to extend e-technology into the government," Al Mazrouei added.

It is also aimed at spreading general awareness in relation to the harmonised system and enabling the trainees to develop classification skills. It is expected to help them in the efficient collection of duty through proper classification, protecting the interests of both the Customs Department and the private sector.

Ahmed Khalaf Al Murri, senior manager of administrative services said the HS is part of Dubai Customs' plan to bolster its pioneering role in providing the market with the best available services. "

The training programme aims to strengthen business relations with the customers in various sectors," said Abdul Hameed Al Tayyar, director of Training Department, Dubai Customs.