UAE–India Customs Seal Deal to Build Trusted Digital Trade Corridor

Abu Dhabi and Mumbai witnessed a major push in UAE–India trade cooperation as Abu Dhabi Customs and India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) signed a statement to advance a Trusted Digital Trade Corridor under the CEPA framework.

The signing took place during the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Mumbai, attended by senior officials from both nations. The statement was formalised by Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs, and Shri Vimal Kumar Srivastava, Chief Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Zone-II, in the presence of top UAE representatives.

Both sides reaffirmed their shared goal of transforming cross-border trade through digital innovation, real-time data exchange, and secure automated processes. The Trusted Digital Trade Corridor is designed to improve transparency and speed in customs procedures by integrating trade systems of the UAE and India.

The collaboration aims to develop a unified technical framework with support from public and private sector partners. The pilot phase will focus on creating a scalable model that allows seamless digital trade operations, enabling faster clearances and reducing manual bottlenecks.

Officials on both sides indicated that the outcomes of the pilot will guide a long-term system for trusted digital corridors between the two countries, reinforcing their strategic economic partnership and supporting ongoing efforts to modernise customs operations.