Article 5 of the Union’s Basic System states that “The Union works to achieve the general objectives for which it was established, through the following competencies:

First: Working to increase the trade exchange movement between Arab countries by examining programs and mechanisms that achieve this, leading to the realization of Arab economic integration.

Second: Working to remove obstacles and procedural problems at customs outlets that hinder the movement of trade exchange between Arab countries, in cooperation with Arab customs departments and relevant authorities.

Third: Promoting the joint Arab trade agreements signed between Arab countries, such as the Facilitation Agreement and the Agadir Agreement.

Fourth: Establishing strong cooperative relations with other Arab unions and bodies to achieve the goals the Union works for, and establishing cooperation relations with foreign bodies related to the Union’s field and activity.

Fifth: Raising awareness among exporters, importers, and customs brokers about operational mechanisms within customs circles through workshops and specialized training courses in cooperation with Arab customs administrations and authorities.

Sixth: Encouraging members to establish joint Arab companies specialized in customs clearance and submitting projects for establishing these companies to the Arab Economic Unity Council for consideration and approval after consultation and cooperation with all relevant Arab organizations.

Seventh: Developing training and qualification programs to improve the efficiency of those working in the Union’s field and providing support and assistance in implementing these programs.

Eighth: Organizing and participating in seminars, conferences, and courses to achieve the Union’s goals and purposes.

Ninth: Providing real support to Arab customs in combating commercial fraud and tax evasion and establishing effective cooperation with other Arab bodies related to the Union’s field of work.

Tenth: Assisting members in providing their needs for technical and administrative personnel through exchange among them.

Eleventh: Encouraging companies and institutions belonging to the Union to operate as a unified group in dealings with other bodies, and providing support in this regard.

Twelfth: Acting as a coordinating body with the relevant authorities concerning the high cost of land transport between Arab countries.

Thirteenth: Establishing and developing media and communication relations through the creation of websites and social media pages, where the latest updates in customs and related authorities can be discussed.

Fourteenth: Issuing newsletters, magazines, and periodicals, and organizing seminars to achieve the Union’s objectives and purposes.

Fifteenth: Actively contributing to the establishment of a unified customs union by participating effectively in developing policies and procedures for implementation, including:

• Unifying customs and financial procedures for import, export, and re-export.
• A unified customs tariff toward the outside world.
• Implementing a single point of entry where customs duties are collected.
• Treating goods produced in Arab countries as national products of the state.

Key areas also include:

• Strengthening customs relations between countries and with international and regional organizations to support economic development.
• Building capacity and human resources related to customs work.
• Raising awareness and knowledge in customs clearance.
• Reducing customs violations and ensuring intellectual property protection.
• Coordinating with security and relevant authorities in countries regarding the fight against drug trafficking, crimes, and hazardous materials.
• Increasing the volume of trade exchange between Arab countries and examining programs and mechanisms to achieve this.
• Implementing the single window project in all Arab customs and agreeing on the unified customs model.
• Providing real support to intra-Arab trade, including the establishment of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area Agreement, which is an economic alliance between Arab countries to achieve economic integration and increase trade exchange.
• Overcoming obstacles and difficulties faced by Arab investors to ensure the return of emigrant Arab funds to other countries.
• Facilitating the procedures for issuing customs clearance licenses in the Arab region.
• Contributing to reducing the problem of land and sea transport and shipping networks, which significantly impact boosting intra-trade.
• Coordinating with Arab customs regarding customs tariffs, exemptions, and restricted fees.
• Coordinating with relevant authorities regarding the high cost of land transport between Arab countries to reach competitiveness with imported goods from foreign countries.
• Protecting the customs clearance profession and the Arab customs broker, providing all necessary requirements, and establishing professional and social privileges and benefits for customs brokers.