The United Arab Emirates launched a new system for issuing export verification reports that will allow value-added tax refunds for cleared export declarations, KPMG reported April 8. The UAE and Dubai Customs, under the new process, will be able to generate a consolidated export verification report for all importers operating under a single tax registration and associated with multiple business codes.

Saudi Arabia recently introduced regulations for a special economic zone that will provide customs and tax exemptions for certain imported goods, KPMG said in an April 5 post. The zone, near the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, will exempt traders from paying duties on imports until the goods are moved into mainland Saudi Arabia for domestic consumption, KPMG said. The exemption also applies to value-added taxes on supplies and transactions occurring “with respect to goods” in the zone. Companies operating in the zone will have to submit an annual certification of compliance and keep records of their activities and transactions.

Egypt now requires “pre-shipment registration” under a new single window system as part of an effort to modernize customs procedures and reduce clearance times, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service reported March 29. The decree will require consignment documents at ports of entry to be submitted through the single window 48 hours before the arrival of the goods, USDA said. The country’s new single window system was scheduled to launch April 1 and is expected to reach “full implementation” by July 1.

Saudi Arabia recently announced plans to defer customs duties on imports for up to 21 days, a March 29 KPMG blog post reported. The initiative, which took effect March 15, is intended to incentivize investment in the country and “encourage new entrants to the market,” the post said. The initiative is for “postponement of import taxes for a period of up to 21 days following the date of the clearance of the goods for home consumption in the Saudi market.” KPMG also said that Saudi Arabia on July 1 will begin requiring suppliers and manufacturers to obtain a national certificate of conformity for “electro-technical equipment and components” before those goods can enter the country. Such goods include “electrical cooking utensils (such as water boilers, all coffee-making devices), electric oil fryers, certain small electric pumps, electric power cables, and game devices and their accessories.”

The U.S. renewed the national emergency authorizing sanctions against South Sudan, the White House said March 29. The White House said South Sudan continues to be “marked by activities that threaten the peace, security, or stability” of the country and surrounding region. The emergency was extended for one year beyond April 3.

Saudi Arabia recently extended the shelf life for U.S. chilled beef, which is expected to save U.S. exporters money and give Saudi importers “flexibility” to buy larger quantities of U.S. beef, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service reported March 26. Saudi increased the shelf life from 70 to 120 days for meat “vacuum-packed under a modified atmosphere,” which could save U.S. exporters at least $4 per kilogram and represents a “welcome sign” for many Saudi beef importers, USDA said.

Kenya plans to launch a new digital customs system in June, which will allow customs authorities to receive declarations before imports arrive and make operations at the Port of Mombasa more efficient, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council reported March 24. The new system is also expected to “significantly” reduce clearance times through automated evaluations of cargo.

South Africa published guidance on its rebate provision for imported textiles and yarns, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council reported March 16. The country is offering 100% duty rebates on certain imported textile yarns and fabrics in a bid to bolster its garment manufacturing sector, the report said. The rebates will apply to imports from all member states of the Southern African Customs Union, HKTDC said. South Africa will require proof that the finished products will be sent to and sold by retailers in SACU member states.

Jordan increased customs duty exemptions for online purchases, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council reported March 15. Jordan will provide duty exemptions for goods worth up to about $280, double the previous limit, the report said. The exemptions apply to all imports purchased “through electronic means” and intended for “personal use.” Tobacco and alcohol products are excluded. Jordan said it will impose a fixed 10% fee on the imports that qualify, but they won’t be subject to any “other taxes or fees,” HKTDC said. The measure is meant to support the country’s logistics sector and ease the customs clearance process, the report said, but certain domestic garment and jewelry producers said the exemptions could disadvantage the “conventional trade sector.”

Following a review of the European Union's sanctions regime on nine individuals in Egypt, the European Council removed their names from its sanctions list, the EC announced on March 12. The individuals originally were added to the sanctions' regime for their roles in the misappropriation of Egyptian state funds, the EC said. Having been found that their actions warranted their placement on the sanctions list by the council in 2011, the individuals were subject to an asset freeze and forbidden from doing business with EU nationals and legal entities. Following the most recent review, the EC determined the sanctions regime on these nine individuals had served its purpose.