Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf

The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf is a regional organization comprising the six Arab Gulf states: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Kuwait, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the Sultanate of Oman.

The Basic Law of the Council sets out its objectives, including achieving coordination, integration, and interconnection among the member states in all political, economic, cultural, and social fields, among others.

• Promote economic integration and strengthen the Gulf common market through the facilitation of trade and movement of goods among GCC member states.
• Implement and enhance the GCC Customs Union through unified customs laws, procedures, and tariff systems.
• Harmonize customs policies, regulations, and tariff classifications to ensure consistency across GCC countries.
• Strengthen customs cooperation, mutual administrative assistance, and information exchange among GCC customs administrations.
• Combat smuggling, customs fraud, and illicit trade through coordinated enforcement and risk management initiatives.
• Advance customs modernization and digital transformation by promoting integrated customs systems and digital trade facilitation solutions.
• Enhance cooperation on tax matters, including VAT and Excise Tax frameworks, and share best practices in tax administration.
• Strengthen institutional capacities through training, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of expertise among GCC member states.

ZATCA participates in the following areas of cooperation:

• GCC Customs Union
• Trade Facilitation and Economic Integration
• Customs Tariff Harmonization
• Customs Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance
• Combatting Smuggling, Customs Fraud, and Illicit Trade
• Tax Cooperation and VAT Coordination
• Customs Modernization and Digital Transformation
• Standards Harmonization and Regulatory Cooperation
• Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing

• Enhanced the efficiency of cross-border trade through the implementation of unified customs procedures and harmonized customs regulations across GCC member states.
• Improved customs coordination and information exchange with GCC countries, contributing to stronger border management and more effective enforcement activities.
• Advanced customs modernization and digital transformation through participation in GCC customs initiatives and the implementation of integrated customs systems and tariff frameworks.
• Strengthened the Kingdom’s ability to combat smuggling, customs fraud, and illicit trade through enhanced regional cooperation and coordinated customs controls.
• Supported the harmonization of customs tariffs, classifications, and customs procedures, reducing administrative burdens and facilitating trade flows.
• Enhanced cooperation on indirect taxation, including VAT and Excise Tax implementation, contributing to stronger tax governance and administration across the region.