Lower House approves key amendments to Customs Law

AMMAN — The Lower House on Wednesday approved the first 13 articles of the 2025 draft amendments to the Customs Law.

During the session, chaired by Speaker Ahmad Safadi and attended by government officials, Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Abdul Monem Awdat described the amendments as “critical and highly significant.”

He emphasized that the changes would enhance the efficiency of customs clearance, reduce costs, and shorten processing times for traders, ultimately benefiting consumers, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Director General of the Jordan Customs Department Brig. Gen. Ahmad Akalik reassured lawmakers that the reforms would not jeopardise workers' rights or result in job losses, stressing that the amendments would create new job opportunities, particularly in electronic monitoring and surveillance.

The introduction of digital controls, he said, would allow traders to track their shipments in real-time, while still maintaining traditional physical inspections by customs staff.

Several MPs voiced their support for the amendments, noting that they would streamline procedures for businesses and close existing loopholes in the current law.

In response to concerns about high customs tariffs, some lawmakers pointed out that Jordan’s tariffs on essential goods are lower than those in many other countries by about 35 per cent while some basic goods are subject to zero tariffs.

One of the main points of debate revolved around the timeframe for implementing the amended law. While the government had proposed a 30-day implementation period after the law’s publication in the Official Gazette, the Lower House extended it to 60 days, overriding the government’s recommendation.

The amendments empower customs authorities to verify the actual existence of imported goods and examine related records through both digital and physical inspections. Officials will have the authority to inspect goods, collect samples and apply risk management protocols in line with ministerial guidelines.

In response to concerns about smuggling penalties, the changes specify that customs duties and taxes on smuggled goods will now be based on their assessed value at the time of seizure, rather than their value at the time of discovery.

Additionally, the new law stipulates that the value of goods for customs purposes will be determined based on whichever is higher: their assessed market value or their final sale price. Customs officials will also have the power to suspend clearance procedures if there is credible evidence of trademark or copyright infringement, even before definitive proof is established.

Under the amendments, traders will be allowed to request modifications to customs declarations after submission, as long as customs inspections have not yet commenced. Customs authorities will also be permitted to conduct audits and inspections within three months of goods being cleared.

The Economic and Investment Parliamentary Committee, which previously endorsed the amendments, highlighted that the reforms aim to improve customs efficiency, attract investment, and align Jordan’s trade regulations with international standards. The updated draft law also introduces provisions for electronic notifications regarding customs-related decisions.