Introduction

In order to implement the general objectives for which the union was established, to protect the interests of the member affiliates, defend their rights, improve their financial and social conditions, and represent them in all matters concerning them, the union accepts customs brokers, exporters, importers, and workers in fields related to the union’s work according to the following terms and conditions:

 Union Membership Structure

The membership structure of the union consists of:

1. Affiliate Member
2. Assistant Customs Broker
3. Head of the Committee for Members at Customs Ports

 Chapter One: The Affiliate Member

Article 1
The union grants membership to Arab customs brokers, exporters, importers, and workers in fields related to its activities, offering professional, insurance, and social benefits on both national and Arab levels. These benefits include:

First:
– Developing and promoting the profession of customs brokerage in the Arab world, enabling it to fulfill its core role by:
1. The union acts as a consulting and expert house in customs, commercial, and legal matters related to its activities in Arab countries, offering customs consultations, information, and data necessary for the import and export process to customs brokers.
2. Affiliate members receive a membership card and certificate from the Arab Union of Customs Brokers.
3. Focus on training young customs brokers, building their capacities, qualifying them, and enhancing their professional performance.
4. A 20% discount on all training courses and workshops held by the union.
5. Legal representation for customs brokers, importers, and exporters in dealings with official authorities, particularly in resolving issues they face.
6. Contributing to solving all obstacles and problems faced by Arab customs brokers in their professional field.
7. Listing the names of customs brokers affiliated with the union on the union’s electronic platform, linking them with businesspeople and leading companies across the Arab world, creating opportunities for Arab customs brokers to form partnerships.
8. Combating fraud and administrative and commercial corruption in cooperation with official Arab bodies, raising awareness among customs brokers to adhere to the ethics of the profession.
9. Priority in writing articles for the union’s magazine after approval by the union’s media committee.
10. Receiving all updates and circulars issued by customs or relevant authorities in their country electronically.
11. Providing members with electronic summaries of research presented at union conferences.

Second:
The union offers Arab customs brokers insurance and social benefits, including:
1. The establishment of a social solidarity fund for Arab customs brokers after approval from the relevant authorities.
2. Providing health insurance for affiliated customs brokers and their families, at a level befitting the profession.
3. Providing legal assistance to affiliated customs brokers in court and legal matters they face in performing their duties.
4. Providing lounges for affiliated customs brokers, equipped electronically at ports.

Article 2: Conditions for Registration and Acceptance
Without any form of discrimination, the following conditions must be met for acceptance as an affiliate member of the union:

1. The applicant must be a practicing professional with a license from the Customs Authority (if a customs broker), or an import/export license from the relevant governmental authority in their country.
2. The applicant must have an appropriate higher education qualification.
3. The applicant must be at least 21 years old.
4. The applicant must be of good conduct and reputation.
5. The applicant must not have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving dishonor, integrity, or in any customs smuggling crimes, unless their honor has been reinstated.

Article 3: Registration Procedures for Affiliate Members
Anyone wishing to join the union must submit an application using the union’s form, along with the required certificates and documents as per the conditions outlined in Article 2. The application will be reviewed by the union’s acceptance committee. Upon approval by the Secretary-General, the applicant will be notified, and they must pay the union’s prescribed fees.

Assistant Customs Broker:
The union accepts members who are assistants or employees of affiliate members upon request from the affiliate member, submitted to the union in the prescribed format. These members are granted the same professional, insurance, and social benefits as affiliate members, including health insurance, unemployment and disability insurance, and other social and professional services such as professional training.

Article 4: Disciplinary Actions
Membership is terminated if any of the following occur:
1. Failure to pay the annual subscription fee (unless the failure is due to circumstances beyond the member’s control).
2. Conviction of a crime involving dishonor or integrity by a final and enforceable court judgment.
3. Committing customs smuggling offenses as per a final and enforceable court judgment.
4. Termination of employment in the profession of customs brokerage, import/export, or related fields.
5. The union may expel any member with the approval of the union’s disciplinary board.

The disciplinary board consists of the union president, the Secretary-General, and the head of the committee for members at customs ports. The board reviews violations committed by members. If a violation is proven, the following penalties may be applied:

1. Warning
2. Suspension of membership for six months for a first offense, with the penalty doubled if the violation is repeated within three years.
3. Cancellation of membership.
4. The board may appoint a lawyer to defend a member if the violation does not harm the member, and evidence or circumstances prove their innocence.