Former Customs Director Stresses Reviewing Exemptions

Former Customs Director, retired Major General Salah Al-Sheikh, has emphasized the necessity of reviewing customs exemptions in light of the 2025 budget directives.

In a statement to Al-Ahdath, he explained that exemptions are of various types, including those granted under agreements, diplomatic arrangements, and legal provisions. He stressed the importance of conducting a study to identify which exemptions have significant impacts.

In this context, economic expert Dr. Mohamed Al-Nair urged the government to seriously consider reducing the overall customs tariffs, not just reviewing exemptions. He also emphasized narrowing exemptions to items explicitly sanctioned by law.

Dr. Al-Nair added that revising the tariff system itself would help lower prices for consumers.