4-5 February 2026 I PwC Academy Riyadh
11-12 February 2026 I PwC Academy Dubai
Customs play a critical role in enabling compliant and efficient cross-border trade, with direct implications for cost, operational continuity, and regulatory risk. This two-day masterclass is designed to familiarise individuals responsible for customs functions with the core principles and practical aspects of customs and international trade within the GCC, including UAE- and KSA-specific customs legislation.
Through real-world scenarios and focused discussions, participants will explore key customs pillars including tariff classification (HS codes), valuation, and origin, alongside the regional customs framework, export controls, and trade sanctions compliance. The session empowers participants to confidently apply customs principles in practice, address compliance and operational challenges, and identify opportunities to leverage duty-saving programmes such as CEPAs and FTAs. It also provides practical insights to help organisations set priorities, determine the most efficient allocation of resources, and establish clear expectations when engaging external service providers, including customs brokers. By the end of the training, participants will be equipped to make strategic decisions that optimise customs processes and support their organisation’s international trade objectives.
Upon completion of this masterclass, participants will earn 6 CPD credit hours and receive a certificate of completion.
Agenda
Details - UAE
Day 1
Unified Customs Code
Overview of the Customs Framework in the GCC
Key UAE customs legislation
Customs Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Codes
General Rules of Interpretation
UAE Transition to 12-digit Tariff System
Customs Valuation
Overview of Customs Valuation
How Customs Value is Calculated?
Alternative Methods of Customs Valuation
Interplay with Transfer Pricing
Day 2
Rules of Origin
Introduction to the Rules of Origin
Types of Rules of Origin (Preferential and non-preferential)
Origin Criteria and Procedures
Customs Duty Optimization: Incentives and Reliefs
Overview of UAE Export Controls and Sanctions Compliance Regimes
Fundamentals of UAE Export Controls Regime
Fundamentals of UAE Financial Sanctions Regime
GCC and Global Customs Updates including US Tariffs
Details - KSA
Day 1
Unified Customs Code
Overview of the Customs Framework in the GCC
Key KSA customs legislation
Customs Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Codes
General Rules of Interpretation
KSA Integrated Customs Tariff
Customs Valuation
Overview of Customs Valuation
How Customs Value is Calculated?
Alternative Methods of Customs Valuation
Interplay with Transfer Pricing
Day 2
Rules of Origin
Introduction to the Rules of Origin
Types of Rules of Origin (Preferential and non-preferential)
Origin Criteria and Procedures
KSA National RoO
Customs Duty Optimization: Incentives and Reliefs
GCC and Global Customs Updates including US Tariffs
Our speakers
Carlos Garcia
Partner | Middle East Customs & International Trade Leader
Shaimaa Husseiny
Director | Middle East Customs and International Trade
Rakan AlHiary
Director | Middle East Customs and International Trade
Abdulaziz Altemyat
Manager | Middle East Customs and International Trade
Albert Arenas
Manager | Middle East Customs and International Trade
Contact our team
Rizwan Anwar
Senior Manager - Tax and Legal Services