Apr 28, 2019The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), the nuclear regulator in the UAE, has developed the nation’s first automated import and export control system for nuclear related dual use Items. Fully integrated with Abu Dhabi General Administration of Customs, FANR’s NuTech Portal system is paperless and has reduced approval time for the clearing of shipments from Abu Dhabi Customs by 80%, and achieved a customer happiness rating of 100%.
The FANR’s NuTech Portal was established in March 2018, following five months of intensive development by a team of experts from FANR’s Safeguards, Import and Export Control, and Information and Communication Technology Departments. Then working in partnership with Abu Dhabi General Administration of Customs, the NuTech Portal was fully integrated within Abu Dhabi Customs‘ existing electronic Dhabi system.
The new Portal strengthens the control of import, export, re-export, transit and transhipment of nuclear related dual-use items regulated by FANR (FANR-REG-09). The Portal is the result of FANR’s continuous efforts to prevent the diversion, misuse and illicit trafficking in nuclear equipment and technology, in line with the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.
Christer Viktorsson, Director-General of FANR, said: “Ensuring the effective implementation of the UAE’s comprehensive agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency for the application of safeguards in connection with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is a top priority for FANR. Import and export control form a key part of our safeguards system and the NuTech Portal not only strengthens our existing control regime but enhances its efficiency and improves its user experience.”
“Innovation is a necessity for the UAE Government and we adopt innovation in our work. Hence, the NuTech Portal was developed entirely in-house at FANR serving as an example of the implementation of best practices in import and export control. It is the first system in the UAE that allows for the clearing of shipments from customs through an automated system, resulting in vastly improved response times, reduced environmental footprint through its paperless process, and significantly increased user happiness,” added Viktorsson.
H.E. Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director General of the General Administration of Customs - Abu Dhabi, said: “Working as one team, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is aiming to achieve its objectives as outlined in Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. The General Administration of Customs - Abu Dhabi is committed to fulfilling its vision, mission and strategic plan in line with the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Government, which aims to facilitate government transactions and provide the best services. In this regard, the integration between Abu Dhabi Customs (Dhabi System) and the FANR NuTech Portal, has reduced the approval time for the clearing of shipments from Abu Dhabi Customs by 80%, and has achieved a customer happiness rating of 100%, without compromising security and maintaining the highest control standards.”
“This first-of-its-kind project in the UAE enhances cooperation and integration between both parties. The next phase of the project will continue to reduce approval time for the clearing of shipments, in line with new global trends and the latest developments regarding the trade of hazardous chemicals, nuclear related dual use items and radioactive material. As an executive body in charge of implementing the laws and regulations issued by relevant authorities, the General Administration of Customs - Abu Dhabi is committed to complying with the international agreements and protocols endorsed by the UAE, which regulate the movement of hazardous material across borders. Abu Dhabi Customs is dedicated to utilizing the latest technology and adopting international best practices, in order to provide world-class services and facilities to our customers,” added H.E. Al Mansoori.
As compared to the old system, which required companies and shipping agents to request approval from FANR by sharing paper documents and sending emails, the NuTech Portal has performed exceptionally. Since its launch, the NuTech Portal resulted in facilitating businesses transactions, hence contributing to 80% reduction in approval time for the clearing of shipments from Abu Dhabi Customs.
Nuclear export control is an essential part of Nuclear Non-Proliferation and any nuclear programme. As part of its commitment to achieve the highest standards of non-proliferation, the UAE is applying a strict import and export control regime to block and respond effectively to illicit trade of nuclear material, nuclear technology or equipment. To this end, the UAE has gone a long way in developing and implementing its regulatory infrastructure consistent with its international obligations and national policy objectives.