Other BriefingsGreen Channel For Food Imports Into Dubai Now Operational
Regional consumer exporters to Dubai need to apply for green channel licensing
A new ‘Green Channel’ for food imports that is aimed to make groceries arrive faster and cheaper in Dubai markets has started receiving shipments, according to Sultan Ali Al Taher, director of the Dubai Food Safety Department. The Green Channel is an initiative of the Dubai Emirate and was announced during the Dubai International Food Safety Conference in November 2022.
“We received our first shipment through the Green Channel last month” Al Taher stated, also saying that the Food Safety department now has a selected number of companies on the list for Green Channel, based on their Dubai trade history over the previous three years.
“All companies are evaluated based on their history in our system, and food safety and quality in their respective countries,” he pointed out.
Dubai is in the first phase of the initiative and a few companies have already benefited greatly from this initiative, with more companies expected to join in the coming months.
The Green Channel uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques to ensure safe and quality foods from reputed companies and countries of origin are released directly to the market without being delayed at the Dubai ports.
This will bring down import time and operational cost, thereby reducing the cost of grocery items imported to Dubai. The move is also expected to push food importing businesses to achieve higher safety standards to enter the Green Channel.
Risk assessment
The Dubai authorities said the Green Channel utilises smart technology to rapidly analyse the chemical, microbial, and physical risk assessment data of food products and identify any potential risks associated with their country of origin.
By doing so, the initiative enables Dubai to quickly approve the release of shipments that are compliant. Meanwhile, it also prevents the entry of non-compliant food items that do not adhere to the standards and regulations of the country’s food authorities.
The initiative seeks to establish a global blueprint for a secure digital food system that enhances food safety, promotes food security, and improves quality of life. It also aims to reduce inspection-related burdens and expedite the release of imported food using AI and machine learning technologies. This builds on previous successful efforts to conduct research, develop innovative technologies, and engage in digital transformation through data analysis. Al Taher said primarily low-risk foods are given import approval through the Green Channel.
Impact of food safety
Dawoud Al Hajri, the Director-General of Dubai Food Safety, said the Emirates participation in the scheme aims to educate food product merchants and importers on the latest quality and safety procedures, as well as how to implement them. “Additionally, we are highlighting important services and initiatives we offer in Dubai, a crucial hub for the food industry in both the regional and global economy.”
Al Hajri pointed out that ensuring the safety of food is crucial because it has a direct impact on people’s health and Dubai’s reputation.
“Our top priority is to ensure that all food establishments comply with standards. Dubai is dedicated to enhancing trust in food safety by utilising integrated ecosystems and implementing the best international and local practices. We also establish and employ uniform monitoring procedures for imported food institutions in Dubai to guarantee the safety of their products and activities. Additionally, we strive to raise awareness of food safety and uphold the highest food hygiene standards in the city.”
Regional exporters looking at the Dubai market for food supplies may contact Dezan Shira & Associates regional office for assistance and advise on Green Channel applications. Please email dubai@dezshira.com
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About Us
Middle East Briefing is one of five regional publications under the Asia Briefing brand. It is supported by Dezan Shira & Associates, a pan-Asia, multi-disciplinary professional services firm that assists foreign investors throughout Asia, including through offices in Dubai (UAE), China, India, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Italy, Germany, and USA. We also have partner firms in Malaysia, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Thailand, and Australia.
For support with establishing a business in the Middle East, or for assistance in analyzing and entering markets elsewhere in Asia, please contact us at dubai@dezshira.com or visit us at www.dezshira.com. To subscribe for content products from the Middle East Briefing, please click here.
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