Lower House approves 2025 Customs Law amendments

Jordan Times

25-03-2025

The Lower House on Monday approves the 2025 draft amended Customs Law by a majority vote (JT file)
AMMAN — The Lower House on Monday approved the 2025 draft amended Customs Law by a majority vote and referred the 2025 Buildings and Lands Tax Bill to the Parliamentary Committee on Economy and Investment.
During a session chaired by Speaker Ahmed Safadi and attended by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and members of the government team, Articles 13 to 25 of the amended Customs Law were approved, following the approval of Articles 1 to 12 in a previous session.
According to its validating reasons, the amended Customs Bylaw aims to enhance efficiency, streamline procedures, and improve Jordan's investment climate and economic competitiveness, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
It also grants the Customs Department greater flexibility by allowing specialised personnel to handle clearance and cargo release, enforce relevant regulations and conduct post-clearance audits in line with international standards.
The amendments also accelerate clearance procedures, ensure access to necessary information while maintaining banking confidentiality, and introduce electronic notifications for customs-related decisions.
Additionally, customs officials can now conduct inspections remotely if electronic systems allow monitoring without requiring the physical presence of the concerned party.
Lawmakers also raised a series of parliamentary questions, with government responses on several key issues. MPs inquired about the Attarat project agreement, which was directed to Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh. They also requested information on the progress of genetic mapping, directed to Health Minister Firas Hawari.
Lawmakers questioned the government regarding plans to establish a wastewater treatment plant in the Zarqa River area, requesting specific details on its exact location. In addition, MPs raised concerns about the use of smart applications in public transportation, to which Minister of Transport Wissam Tahtamouni responded that the government is currently reviewing the licensing regulations for the sector.
MPs also sought information on efforts to address traffic congestion in Amman. The minister explained that traffic-related issues are within the ministry's jurisdiction. Regarding the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project between Zarqa and Amman, the minister noted that it is still in the trial phase and has shown encouraging passenger numbers. On the Hejaz Railway project, she confirmed that feasibility studies are currently underway.