The Kingdom of the Netherlands
and
The United Arab Emirates
hereafter referred to as the Contracting Parties,
Considering the importance of accurate assessment and collection of Customs duties
and of ensuring proper enforcement by their Customs administrations of prohibitions,
restrictions and measures of control in respect of specific goods;
Recognizing that the exchange of information is an essential component of effective
risk management;
Recognizing that importance of achieving a balance between compliance and facilitation
to ensure the free flow of legitimate trade and to meet the needs of governments for
the protection of society, trade facilitation and collection of revenues;
Considering that offences against Customs law are prejudicial to the economic, commercial,
fiscal, social, public health, public security and cultural interests of the Contracting
Parties;
Convinced that actions against Customs offences can be made more effective by close
co-operation between their Customs administrations;
Also having regard to the relevant international conventions in force for the Contracting
Parties encouraging mutual assistance as well as the recommendations of the World
Customs Organization.
Considering that illegal cross-border trafficking in weapons, explosives, chemical,
biological and nuclear substances, endangered species, hazardous goods as well as
in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors constitutes a danger to
society;
Recognizing the need for international co-operation in matters related to the application
and enforcement of their Customs laws;
Convinced that action against Customs offences can be made more effective by close
co-operation between their Customs administrations based on mutually agreed legal
provisions;
Having regard to international conventions containing prohibitions, restrictions and
special measures of control in respect of specific goods;