Aramex, the global logistics and transportation solutions provider, has joined Dubai Customs and Emirates Airline in implementing the e-freight system, a first-of-its-kind initiative for the cargo industry in the Middle East. The initiative, spearheaded by Dubai Customs and Emirates Airline, makes Dubai the first city in the Middle East to adopt paperless cargo operations.

The new e-freight system provides paper-free operations to enhance trade movement by allowing airlines, freight forwarders and customs administrations to exchange electronic information and e-documents, the logistics company said in a statement. The e-freight system will continuously reduce the number of paper documents that every air cargo shipment carries with it.

The e-freight initiative by Dubai Customs is in line with their continuing commitment to support Dubai’s position as the principal trading hub of the region through the introduction and implementation of world-class systems and procedures. Dubai Customs has been working closely with other government departments and the private sector to facilitate faster and easier processing of trade movement in Dubai. Currently, Dubai Customs processes 85 per cent of all declarations through electronic channels.

“The launch of the e-freight system in Dubai takes us into a new, more efficient era for air cargo,” said Ram Menen, Emirates divisional senior VP, Cargo. “Emirates has been a key supporter of this initiative as we see clear advantages in it for the entire industry. Freight services are an important business segment that comprises about 19 per cent of airline revenues worldwide. Such an initiative has broad, positive implications for e-trade in the region and for Dubai’s economy.”