Jordan Customs Department

Shipping Arabia, November 9, 2026 – The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has provided new X-ray inspection equipment at the Port of Aqaba in Jordan to improve container inspections, strengthen customs capabilities and facilitate cargo movements through the country’s principal maritime gateway.

The installation marks an important step in enhancing customs inspection efficiency as demand for container handling at the port continues to increase. The equipment is expected to accelerate inspections, support the digitalization of scanning data and streamline customs procedures.

According to JICA Jordan Office, a completion ceremony for the installed equipment took place in Aqaba on October 28, 2026. The event marked the completion of the installation and highlighted ongoing cooperation aimed at strengthening Jordan’s customs inspection capabilities.

New X-Ray Equipment to Improve Container Inspections at Aqaba

The new X-ray equipment is expected to improve the speed and efficiency of container inspections at the Port of Aqaba, supporting the port’s role as a major gateway for Jordanian and regional trade.

JICA highlighted the growing demand for container handling at the port as an important factor behind the initiative. The new inspection technology is intended to help customs authorities manage this demand more efficiently while supporting smoother cargo movements.

A key component of the improvement is the digitalization of scanning data. By advancing digital inspection processes, the equipment is expected to make customs procedures more efficient and support the movement of goods through the port.

These improvements aim to strengthen the operational efficiency of customs inspections while supporting the broader flow of containerized cargo through Aqaba.

Supporting Jordan’s Trade Links With Regional Markets

Beyond improving inspection procedures at the Port of Aqaba, the equipment is expected to facilitate cargo movements across Jordan and into neighboring markets.

According to JICA, more efficient container inspections will support the movement of goods from Aqaba to Amman and other parts of the country. The improvements are also expected to benefit cargo flows destined for Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria and Türkiye.

This regional dimension reflects Aqaba’s importance as a maritime gateway serving both Jordan’s domestic market and trade connections with surrounding countries.

By improving customs inspection efficiency, the initiative aims to support more reliable cargo movements and strengthen regional logistics connectivity.

JICA and Jordan Customs to Continue Cooperation

JICA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Jordan Customs Department to strengthen the country’s customs functions.

The agency emphasized that continued cooperation would focus on improving customs capabilities and contributing to more efficient and reliable regional connectivity.

The provision of X-ray inspection equipment forms part of these efforts, combining faster container inspections with improved digital scanning processes to support customs efficiency.

With container handling demand at the Port of Aqaba continuing to increase, the new equipment is expected to contribute to smoother customs procedures and facilitate the movement of goods within Jordan and across regional trade routes.

Source: JICA Jordan Office

Shipping Arabia, October 13, 2026 – The Jordan Shipping Association (JSA) held a series of meetings in Aqaba to address operational challenges, customs procedures and developments affecting maritime trade through Aqaba Port. The discussions brought together customs officials, port stakeholders and representatives of Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) to review current operating conditions and identify measures to improve cargo movements and port efficiency.

The meetings formed part of the association’s ongoing efforts to monitor developments in Jordan’s maritime transport and logistics sector. They also focused on addressing procedural challenges, strengthening coordination with government authorities and maintaining the smooth flow of trade amid changing geopolitical conditions.

The JSA delegation included Chairman Zaid Al-Kalaldeh, Board Member Mohammed Abdul Hadi and Assistant General Manager Raad Hakouz.

Aqaba Port Customs Procedures and Cargo Movements

During a meeting with Brigadier General Yahya Al-Faraheed, Director of the Aqaba Customs Directorate, the association discussed several customs and operational matters directly affecting shipping and logistics activities.

Key issues included the movement of vehicles out of port yards, permission to store transit cargo and electronic clearance procedures for outbound cargo manifests. The discussions also covered other customs-related procedures affecting the movement of goods and vehicles through Aqaba Port.

The association emphasized the importance of addressing these matters to facilitate cargo flows, reduce procedural challenges and improve coordination between shipping companies and customs authorities.

Al-Kalaldeh commended the efforts of the Jordan Customs Department in responding to challenges facing the transport and trade sectors. He noted that measures and facilitation procedures introduced by customs authorities had played an important role in mitigating the impact of existing difficulties on trade and transport activities.

The JSA chairman also stressed the importance of maintaining close cooperation between the association and the customs department. He highlighted the need for continued coordination to address sector requirements and improve the efficiency of customs procedures.

For his part, Al-Faraheed recognized the Jordan Shipping Association’s role in representing the interests of the maritime sector and maintaining constructive engagement with relevant authorities.

He praised the association’s ongoing coordination and its efforts to follow up on industry concerns, emphasizing the value of cooperation in resolving challenges and improving working procedures.

Aqaba Development Corporation Reviews Port Operating Conditions

In a separate engagement, the Jordan Shipping Association participated in a meeting hosted by Aqaba Development Corporation, attended by representatives of various stakeholders within the Aqaba port community.

The meeting reviewed measures already implemented across the port system and assessed current operational conditions. Participants also discussed recent changes affecting maritime transport and trade movements, particularly in light of geopolitical developments and their implications for the sector.

Discussions focused on operational matters requiring attention and the measures needed to respond to emerging challenges. Participants examined proposals, recommendations and possible actions to strengthen the port system’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Maintaining the efficient movement of cargo through Aqaba Port was a central priority. Stakeholders considered how greater coordination and appropriate operational measures could help preserve cargo flows while addressing existing difficulties.

The discussions also provided an opportunity for representatives of the port community to review developments affecting their respective activities and identify areas requiring continued follow-up.

Strengthening Coordination Across Aqaba’s Maritime Sector

The series of meetings reflected the Jordan Shipping Association’s continued engagement with government institutions, customs authorities and the wider port community.

By raising issues related to vehicle movements, transit cargo storage and electronic customs procedures, the association sought to address operational and administrative matters that directly affect shipping and logistics activities.

The meeting at Aqaba Development Corporation complemented these discussions by examining broader port operating conditions and the implications of geopolitical developments for maritime trade.

Together, the engagements highlighted the importance of coordination between public authorities and private-sector stakeholders in responding to changing operating conditions.

The Jordan Shipping Association reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring developments affecting the maritime and logistics sectors, maintaining communication with relevant authorities and supporting efforts to resolve procedural and operational challenges.

These efforts aim to improve the efficiency of port operations, facilitate trade movements and support the continued flow of goods through Aqaba Port.

Source: Jordan Shipping Association

Shipping Arabia, September 28, 2026 – Aqaba port capacity measures are being expanded through a coordinated package of government and operational actions aimed at increasing cargo-handling efficiency, reducing container dwell times, improving truck circulation and adding storage capacity across the port and logistics system.

The measures form part of a package proposed by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and approved by the government to address transit cargo movements, maintain the efficiency of supply chains in Jordan, facilitate trade flows and support national food security.

They also follow the Council of Ministers’ recent approval of measures to strengthen the operational capacity of Jordan’s ports and supply chains. The latest actions build on work already carried out by the government, ASEZA, Aqaba Development Corporation, Jordan Customs Department, relevant government entities and port operators to improve the readiness of Aqaba’s port and logistics system.

Dr. Mohammad Abu Omar, commissioner for economic affairs and investment at ASEZA, told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that the measures are designed to address operational challenges across the logistics system rather than focusing on congestion at a single point.

Longer export free period and lower disposal charges

One of the main measures approved by the Council of Ministers increases the free period granted to national exports at ports from seven days to 14 days. The measure will remain in effect for six months from the date of the decision.

According to Abu Omar, the extension gives exporters more time to complete their procedures while reducing costs associated with storage and delays.

The government also reduced the charge for disposing of goods from JOD 500 to JOD 50 per tonne, or part thereof, effectively exempting liable parties from JOD 450 of the previous charge. The reduction will apply for three months under the conditions set by the Council of Ministers.

The measure is intended to encourage parties responsible for accumulated cargo to address those shipments more quickly, accelerate the clearance of storage areas and make better use of available storage capacity.

The wider package also includes measures to accelerate customs clearance, reduce cargo dwell times, organize truck movements, improve yard efficiency and increase capacity at ports and logistics centers.

Customs procedures and Aqaba port capacity measures

As part of efforts to accelerate clearance, customs inspections are being carried out at arrival centers wherever possible. Some inspection work involving refrigerated containers has also been moved to Customs Yard No. 4.

Authorities have meanwhile allowed clearance procedures for certain cargoes to be completed at the Amman Customs Center/Madouna. Customs targeting ratios have also been reviewed, with greater reliance placed on risk-management procedures to balance faster processing with regulatory requirements.

ASEZA said work is continuing to maintain customs operations and transaction processing at the highest possible capacity. This includes working during holidays when required.

The customs measures form a key part of the Aqaba port capacity measures because they address cargo movement beyond the quay and terminal, reducing delays during inspection and clearance stages before containers leave the port system.

Truck measures target shorter turnaround times

ASEZA has also coordinated with relevant entities on measures designed to reduce truck turnaround times and increase fleet productivity across the logistics chain.

The maximum number of monthly trips permitted for trucks carrying containers has been increased from eight to nine. In addition, the minimum interval between loads for trucks operating in the container transport segment has been reduced from 48 hours to 30 hours.

The validity period for permits issued under the truck entry and exit regulation project has also been reduced from eight hours to six hours. The change is intended to improve truck availability for cargo that is ready for transport.

Transit trips operating through border crossings have been exempted from the existing trip limits for three months. Authorities are also allowing technically equipped trucks that meet public safety requirements to carry two 20-foot containers on a single truck.

ASEZA said the measure should improve the use of the trucking fleet and increase the system’s ability to move containers out of the port.

Work is continuing to improve procedures for truck entry and load allocation. The authority said these measures are intended to improve truck availability, reduce waiting times and increase the efficiency of the truck cycle across the logistics system.

150 dunums added for empty-container storage

Storage capacity is also being expanded to ease pressure on port and logistics facilities.

ASEZA has allocated an additional 150 dunums for empty-container storage across several locations. This includes Yard No. 10, covering 70 dunums, a 20-dunum yard allocated to CTL and a further 60 dunums at other locations designated for the same purpose.

These areas are in addition to existing port yards and other facilities used for empty-container storage within the Aqaba Special Economic Zone.

Authorities are also working to open additional yards at the multipurpose port for vehicle reception and storage. The planned areas will provide additional capacity for up to 6,000 vehicles, while further yards are also being considered.

ASEZA is also expanding Yard No. 4 and addressing conditions at the storage facilities used for detained cargo and dangerous goods.

Abu Omar said the combined measures are intended to distribute pressure across different parts of the logistics system, increasing its overall capacity to receive, handle, store and dispatch cargo.

Container dwell times fall as gate capacity rises

ASEZA said the measures have already produced measurable operational improvements.

Average dwell time for transit containers has declined from around 14–15 days to approximately 12 days. At the same time, the average dwell time for containers imported for the local market has remained at around eight days.

Daily capacity at container exit gates has also increased from 900 containers to 1,200 containers.

According to Abu Omar, the figures indicate an improvement in the system’s ability to handle cargo and truck movements. The newly approved government measures are intended to build on that progress, particularly by supporting national exports, releasing additional logistics-yard capacity and encouraging the processing of accumulated cargoes.

Up to 2,000 unclaimed containers being relocated

Authorities are also addressing containers and cargoes that have not been claimed within the applicable legal periods.

ASEZA is applying Article 27 of the Customs Regulation in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone to unclaimed goods, in coordination with Jordan Customs Department, relevant government entities and port operators.

The authorities have agreed on a unified mechanism to identify containers for which no customs declaration or document has been processed within the statutory periods. These periods are 21 days for local imports and five days for transit cargo.

Containers subject to detention or to judicial or administrative procedures are excluded from the process.

ASEZA is currently working to transfer between 1,500 and 2,000 containers to storage and logistics facilities operated by the authority. The facilities cover 280 dunums.

The transfer will take place under the applicable legal procedures and at the carrier’s or agent’s expense and responsibility. ASEZA said the move will release space within the port system and return that capacity to operational use.

Reefer capacity strengthened with 120 additional power points

Aqaba is also strengthening its capacity to handle refrigerated containers.

The port has added 120 electrical connections for reefer containers while authorities are addressing a shortage of refrigerated transport trucks.

Priority in handling, clearance and gate-out operations is also being given to food supplies, imports destined for the local market and national exports.

According to ASEZA, a large portion of the overall package is already in effect, while remaining operational and infrastructure measures are being completed under defined implementation plans.

The measures included in the Council of Ministers’ latest decision have entered into force according to the time periods set in the decision. Other operational actions are continuing in parallel, including yard expansion, the transfer of unclaimed containers under legal procedures and additional capacity for refrigerated containers.

Authorities are also monitoring the performance of ports, yards and trucks on a daily basis.

Coordination meetings continue between the government, ASEZA, Aqaba Development Corporation, Jordan Customs Department, relevant government entities and port operators to monitor implementation, measure results and introduce corrective measures where necessary.

ASEZA said the objective is to develop a logistics system with greater capacity to respond to demand and greater flexibility in dealing with pressures or changes in trade flows and supply chains.

Source: Jordan News Agency (Petra)