Qatar’s General Authority of Customs (GAC) has launched a new package of artificial intelligence (AI) services, a significant move aligned with its Strategic Plan for 2024-2030. The initiative, inaugurated by Minister of Finance HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari during the celebration of International Customs Day, aims to establish the GAC as a pioneering authority delivering smart and secure services to enhance trade and logistics.
A New Suite of Smart Services
The newly unveiled services are designed to improve accuracy, efficiency, and decision-making for importers, exporters, and customs officials. The package includes four key features:
- Smart Harmonized System Classification Tool (HSsify): This tool transforms shipping documents into intelligent decisions, providing stakeholders with accurate shipment classification from the initial data entry.
- Pre-Classification Service: A self-service feature that allows users to request an expert opinion on customs classifications, supported by smart suggestions to help officers issue final decisions more quickly and accurately.
- Agentic AI Service: This advanced service shifts the GAC’s systems from traditional command-based operations to intelligent, autonomous decision-making.
- Smart Virtual Assistant: An AI-powered assistant that provides instant, data-driven responses to customs-related inquiries, making information more accessible and efficient.
Strategic Vision for a Digital Future
HE Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Jamal, Chairman of the General Authority of Customs, emphasized the pivotal role of customs in facilitating trade, supporting market stability, and creating a stable economic environment.
“This contributes to consolidating the State of Qatar’s position as a leading and secure destination for trade and investment,” he stated, attributing the success to close cooperation with public and private sector partners.
He affirmed that the GAC’s ambitious strategy, themed ‘Safe and Smart Customs – Regional Leadership – Global Competitiveness,’ prioritizes the use of AI and digital data analytics. These technologies are set to enhance procedural efficiency, improve customs operations, and enable faster, more accurate decision-making.
Strengthening Regional and Economic Impact
The GAC’s digital transformation has already yielded significant results. In 2025, the Al-Nadeeb customs system processed approximately 6.8 million customs declarations, generating total revenues of QR4 billion. The authority also recorded 4,822 seizure reports, demonstrating its vigilance in protecting community security against illicit goods and smuggling.
On a regional level, Qatar has taken a leadership role in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), assuming the chairmanship of the Executive Council of the GCC Customs Union Authority. The GAC was the first GCC entity to integrate with the customs data exchange platform among member states, underscoring Qatar’s commitment to regional customs cooperation and integration.
About the General Authority of Customs
The General Authority of Customs (GAC) is the government entity responsible for overseeing and managing customs operations in the State of Qatar. Its mandate includes facilitating legitimate trade, ensuring compliance with regulations, protecting society from risks, and securing supply chains. Through its strategic adoption of advanced technologies like AI, the GAC aims to enhance Qatar’s position as a leading global destination for trade and investment.
Source: Zawya
