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AMMAN — The Lower House on Wednesday approved the first 13 articles of the 2025 draft amendments to the Customs Law.

During the session, chaired by Speaker Ahmad Safadi and attended by government officials, Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Abdul Monem Awdat described the amendments as “critical and highly significant.”

He emphasized that the changes would enhance the efficiency of customs clearance, reduce costs, and shorten processing times for traders, ultimately benefiting consumers, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Director General of the Jordan Customs Department Brig. Gen. Ahmad Akalik reassured lawmakers that the reforms would not jeopardise workers' rights or result in job losses, stressing that the amendments would create new job opportunities, particularly in electronic monitoring and surveillance.

The introduction of digital controls, he said, would allow traders to track their shipments in real-time, while still maintaining traditional physical inspections by customs staff.

Several MPs voiced their support for the amendments, noting that they would streamline procedures for businesses and close existing loopholes in the current law.

In response to concerns about high customs tariffs, some lawmakers pointed out that Jordan’s tariffs on essential goods are lower than those in many other countries by about 35 per cent while some basic goods are subject to zero tariffs.

One of the main points of debate revolved around the timeframe for implementing the amended law. While the government had proposed a 30-day implementation period after the law’s publication in the Official Gazette, the Lower House extended it to 60 days, overriding the government’s recommendation.

The amendments empower customs authorities to verify the actual existence of imported goods and examine related records through both digital and physical inspections. Officials will have the authority to inspect goods, collect samples and apply risk management protocols in line with ministerial guidelines.

In response to concerns about smuggling penalties, the changes specify that customs duties and taxes on smuggled goods will now be based on their assessed value at the time of seizure, rather than their value at the time of discovery.

Additionally, the new law stipulates that the value of goods for customs purposes will be determined based on whichever is higher: their assessed market value or their final sale price. Customs officials will also have the power to suspend clearance procedures if there is credible evidence of trademark or copyright infringement, even before definitive proof is established.

Under the amendments, traders will be allowed to request modifications to customs declarations after submission, as long as customs inspections have not yet commenced. Customs authorities will also be permitted to conduct audits and inspections within three months of goods being cleared.

The Economic and Investment Parliamentary Committee, which previously endorsed the amendments, highlighted that the reforms aim to improve customs efficiency, attract investment, and align Jordan’s trade regulations with international standards. The updated draft law also introduces provisions for electronic notifications regarding customs-related decisions.

AMMAN — Jordan on Wednesday condemned the assassination attempt on Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah stressed Jordan’s unequivocal rejection of all forms of political violence, particularly attacks targeting public and political figures, according to a Ministry statement.

He also expressed Jordan’s solidarity with Somalia, emphasising the Kingdom’s full support for President Mohamud, his family, and the Somali people in the wake of the tragic incident.

AMMAN – Jordan's Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) has announced new regulations for delivery services, a move that is expected to significantly impact the country’s restaurant sector.

The regulations, which apply to motorbike and vehicle-based deliveries, aim to enhance service quality, improve driver safety, and strengthen regulatory oversight in an industry that has become essential to restaurant operations, according to a TRC statement shared with The Jordan Times.

Under the new framework, delivery platforms and service providers will be required to meet stricter standards, including more rigorous driver verification processes, performance monitoring, and the use of vehicles that comply with updated safety regulations. Additionally, the TRC is creating a centralised driver database to increase transparency and accountability.

For restaurant owners, the regulations present both challenges and opportunities. While some see the new rules as a positive step toward professionalising the industry, others are concerned about the potential for increased costs and operational disruptions.

“These rules will enhance service reliability and driver safety, benefiting both businesses and customers,” said Anas Rateb, owner of a local restaurant in Amman. “However, the added compliance costs could become a burden for many businesses.”

Omar Awad, president of the Jordan Association for Restaurants and Sweet Shops Owners, emphasised the transformative effect that online food delivery has had on the industry. “Many restaurants now rely heavily on digital platforms to reach customers,” he said. “While we expect some initial disruptions as companies adjust, these regulations could lead to a more stable and efficient delivery ecosystem in the long term.”

The new rules come at a time when restaurants are already grappling with high inflation and shifting consumer preferences. Some industry players worry that smaller establishments may struggle to meet the new delivery standards without passing the additional costs onto customers.“Increased oversight is beneficial, but it must be accompanied by support measures for the sector,” Awad said.

AMMAN — Jordan on Wednesday condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Syria, which resulted in multiple casualties.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry described the attacks as a "blatant violation of international law, an infringement on Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a dangerous escalation that exacerbates regional tensions and conflict."

Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah reiteratedJordan’s support for Syria’s security, stability, and sovereignty. He also urged the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities by pressuring Israel to stop its illegal provocations and occupation of Syrian territory.

Qudah also emphasised the need for Israel to comply with international law and relevant UN resolutions, which mandate respect for state sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

AMMAN — The German government on Wednesday delivered 32 additional trucks to the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO) to boost the Jordanian humanitarian corridor to war-torn Gaza.

During the handover ceremony, JHCO Secretary-General Hussein Shibli expressed gratitude to Germany for its continuous support, the Jordan NEws Agency, Petra, reported.

“This generous contribution will significantly enhance our ability to deliver essential humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza,” he said.

Shibli emphasised that the addition of 32 trucks underscores the importance of international solidarity in addressing humanitarian crises. He also reiterated JHCO’s commitment to working with its partners to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of aid to those in dire need.

German Ambassador to Jordan Bertram von Moltke described the Jordanian humanitarian corridor as “a lifeline for Gaza and its residents, who are in urgent need of aid.” He expressed hope that Germany’s support would help facilitate the delivery of vital humanitarian and relief assistance.

He also commended the ongoing collaboration between JHCO, the Jordan Armed Forces–Arab Army (JAF), and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), emphasising that their efforts have transformed the corridor into a crucial humanitarian hub.

Also on Wednesday, the JAF, through the Royal Medical Services, received the seventh batch of medical aid from Germany, which includes essential medicines and medical equipment.

The aid was delivered in the presence of Brigadier General Assistant Director-General of the Royal Medical Services for Medical Affairs and Regions Sahel Hammouri, and German Ambassador. The supplies will be sent to Jordan’s field hospitals operating in Gaza.

"With today’s shipment, German humanitarian aid has provided around 16 tonnes of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to Jordan’s field hospitals in Gaza since 2023," the German ambassador said, commednding  the Royal Medical Services for ensuring the delivery of critical assistance to civilians in need.

He reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to continuing its support with additional humanitarian shipments.

Hammouri also expressed gratitude to the German government for its support of the Royal Medical Services amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

He emphasised the importance of strengthening international cooperation during humanitarian emergencies to save lives and deliver high-quality, effective medical care to alleviate suffering in the region.

AMMAN  — Jordan’s tourism sector recorded a "strong" growth in February, driven by a surge in international arrivals and increased tourism revenue, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Central Bank of Jordan.

Tourism revenue for February totalled JD428 million, marking a 10 per cent year-on-year increase from JD390 million in February 2024, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The rise was attributed to higher inbound visitor numbers and increased spending, particularly from key Arab markets.

The total number of international arrivals reached 525,000, reflecting a 13 per cent increase from 465,000 in February 2024. Of these, 435,000 were overnight visitors, up 9 per cent from 398,000, while same-day visitors surged by 35 per cent to 89,000, compared to 66,000 in the same period last year.

For the first two months of 2025, tourism revenue grew by 16.3 per cent to JD910 million, up from JD782 million in the corresponding period of 2024.

This growth was fuelled by a 21.5 per cent increase in international arrivals and higher per capita spending, particularly among visitors from Arab countries.

Total international arrivals for January and February reached 1.136 million, up 21.5 per cent from 935,000 in the same period of 2024.

Overnight visitors rose 16.6 per cent to 938,000, compared to 804,000 in 2024, while same-day visitors surged 52.2 per cent to 198,000, up from 130,000 in the previous year.

The report highlighted key drivers of this growth, including expanded promotional campaigns in strategic markets, the resumption of direct and low-cost flight routes, and enhanced tourism offerings.

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities continues to implement initiatives aimed at boosting the sector’s economic impact through infrastructure development, enhanced visitor experiences, and diversified marketing strategies.

These efforts align with the Kingdom's vision to sustain tourism growth, generate jobs, and enhance its position as a premier global travel destination.