Abu Dhabi launches ‘Golden List’ initiative to boost trade and food safety

This aims to expedite the clearance of food products across the emirate’s border.

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and the Abu Dhabi Customs have launched the 'Golden Food Product List' initiative in efforts to support trade flow and maintain food safety standards.

The initiative aims to expedite the clearance of food products with a strong track record across the emirate's border crossings.

Listed companies will be prioritised for pre-clearance after consistent conformity with approved standard specifications and technical regulations through laboratory testing.

As a result, the products of these companies can enter the local market directly, reducing waiting periods, customs clearance time, and importers' logistical and operational costs, whilst maintaining full compliance with food safety standards.

H.E. Dr. Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, acting director-general of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, noted the initiative enables ADAFSA to focus on inspecting high-risk products, whilst listed items undergo simplified procedures.

H.E. Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, director general of Abu Dhabi Customs, explained that the “Golden List” initiative will contribute to expediting the release of food consignments, boosting the overall efficiency of border crossings, lowering operational expenses for importers, and supporting the emirate's reputation as a global logistics hub.

To be included on the 'Golden Food Product List,' ADAFSA mandates several criteria, including the compliance of five consecutive shipments of the product to approved standard specifications and technical regulations, attaching an approved health certificate from the country of origin, and advance submission of import requests through the Advanced Trade & Logistics Platform “ATLP” at least 24 hours before the shipment’s arrival.

To accelerate procedures, only a pre-audit of documents is required; however, if a listed product is found in violation of specifications or receives any food-related alerts, it will be delisted and subjected to regular control measures.