The Abu Dhabi Hazardous Materials Management Centre (ADHMMC) and Abu Dhabi Customs have signed an agreement aimed at strengthening coordination and institutional integration in the management and regulation of hazardous materials handling. The collaboration supports public safety and security, promotes environmental sustainability, and enhances compliance in line with internationally recognised best practices.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience (ISNR) at the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters pavilion, by His Excellency Ahmed Eilan Al Mehairi, Executive Director of the Regulatory and Enablement Sector, ADHMMC, and His Excellency Mubarak Matar Al Mansoori, Executive Director of the Operations Sector, Abu Dhabi Customs, in the presence of a number of officials and representatives from both sides.
The agreement stems from both parties’ commitment to unifying regulatory and technical efforts related to hazardous materials management, in alignment with applicable laws and regulations in Abu Dhabi emirate, and to enhancing the efficiency of oversight and supervision across all stages of hazardous materials handling.
HE Ahmed Eilan Al Mehairi, Executive Director of the Regulatory and Enablement Sector, ADHMMC, said: "This MoU reflects the centre’s regulatory and supervisory role and its commitment to strengthening integration with relevant federal entities to ensure effective governance of hazardous materials across all stages. Our cooperation with Abu Dhabi Customs represents a strategic step towards enhancing data exchange, unifying procedures, and raising compliance levels, thereby supporting community safety and environmental sustainability in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi."
HE Mubarak Matar Al Mansoori, Executive Director of the Operations Sector, Abu Dhabi Customs, said: "This MoU reflects Abu Dhabi Customs’ commitment to strengthening institutional partnerships with relevant local entities and supporting national efforts to regulate hazardous materials in accordance with the highest standards. Our collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Hazardous Materials Management Centre enhances regulatory integration and information exchange, contributes to facilitating procedures, and achieves a balance between trade facilitation and public safety and security requirements."
Under the agreement, both parties will cooperate across several strategic areas aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the governance and regulation of hazardous materials handling in Abu Dhabi emirate. This includes supporting the enforcement of federal and local laws, as well as relevant international conventions, by strengthening coordination in the implementation of regulations governing hazardous materials, thereby improving compliance, enhancing public safety and security, and supporting environmental sustainability.
The cooperation also includes the development and updating of systems, legislation, and regulatory policies related to hazardous materials through the exchange of technical and legal information, and collaboration in preparing guidelines and regulatory standards to ensure unified procedures and institutional alignment in accordance with international best practices.
Both parties will coordinate in overseeing and regulating the handling of selected hazardous materials listed in the Unified National List, according to their respective mandates, ensuring strict control over these materials from entry into the country through all stages of handling.
Additionally, the two sides will work to enhance the quality and efficiency of services provided to customers in the hazardous materials sector by adopting innovative digital solutions, simplifying procedures, and improving customer experience, thereby increasing satisfaction and operational efficiency.
The agreement also covers joint inspection and monitoring efforts on facilities, sites, and transport means related to hazardous materials handling through implementing joint inspection campaigns, exchanging technical and administrative reports, and verifying compliance with approved requirements to reduce risks and enhance safety.
On the technical front, cooperation will focus on achieving digital integration through the establishment of an integrated electronic linkage system to enable secure and efficient data exchange and support shared databases with accurate and updated information. This will facilitate data-driven decision-making and strengthen digital governance.
The agreement further includes the development of flexible and direct institutional communication mechanisms to ensure continuous coordination and timely information exchange, as well as collaboration in training and professional and technical development through the exchange of expertise and the organisation of specialised workshops and training programmes to enhance workforce capabilities.
Cooperation will also extend to supporting innovation and scientific research in the field of hazardous materials management, encouraging joint studies, exchanging research findings, and developing safe and sustainable solutions. In addition, both parties will implement joint awareness campaigns to enhance public awareness of hazardous materials risks and safe handling practices.
The agreement also includes supporting the development and implementation of related strategic plans and initiatives, and establishing performance indicators to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of governance procedures, ensuring continuous improvement and enhanced levels of safety, security, and environmental sustainability.
Both parties affirmed that this agreement opens the door to further areas of future cooperation in line with evolving priorities, enhancing institutional readiness and ensuring the sustainability of safe hazardous materials management systems in Abu Dhabi emirate.
