Amman, Feb. 1 (Petra) – The Jordan Chamber of Commerce (JCC) has welcomed the government’s decision to extend the customs fine exemption to cases discovered or recorded up to December 31, 2022, instead of the previously set deadline of December 31, 2019.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the JCC commended the government’s responsiveness to its requests for broader coverage of customs-related cases. The decision aligns with the government’s series of economic stimulus measures aimed at supporting businesses and investment.

The JCC noted that many customs-related fines do not necessarily result from smuggling a practice the Chamber strongly opposes alongside the Customs Department.

The JCC expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts in resolving pending customs cases to ease financial burdens on businesses, enhance cash flow, and stimulate trade and investment, all in line with Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision. It also urged the government to extend the exemption to cases from 2023 and 2024.

Key Decisions by the Council of Ministers:
In its session on Wednesday, the Council of Ministers approved the expansion of the customs fine exemption under Cabinet Decision No. (454) dated October 19, 2024, to include all cases recorded before December 31, 2022. The exemption will follow the percentages and timeframes outlined in the original decision, effective October 19, 2024.

Additionally, the Cabinet decided to waive administrative collection fees under Article (17) of the Public Funds Collection Law No. (6) of 1952 for all eligible customs cases. This means businesses settling their original dues will be fully exempt from administrative collection penalties imposed by the Public Funds Directorate at the Ministry of Finance.

The government also canceled Clause (V) of Decision No. (454), which previously required beneficiaries of the exemption to forfeit any financial claims against the state treasury for three years, up to the amount they were exempted from.

Furthermore, the exemption program and its latest amendments will remain in effect until May 31, 2025.

//Petra// AF
01/02/2025 20:27:29