500 trucks/day keep flow of goods steady in Kuwait

09/04/2026

KUWAIT CITY, April 9: A visit to the Nuwaiseeb border crossing revealed the significant efforts of the General Administration of Customs (GAC) to ensure the flow of essential goods, reports Al-Rai daily. The border crossing received approximately 11,000 trucks in a single month, from February 28 to March 29, averaging 500 trucks per day. This directly contributes to strengthening the country’s food and drug security system. The Nuwaiseeb Customs Director Mohammad Al- Baloushi explained that operations are proceeding according to a comprehensive, round-the-clock plan.

The customs teams are working efficiently to ensure quick completion of procedures without compromising oversight or security. He highlighted GAC’s commitment to facilitating the entry of trucks, especially those carrying essential goods, by expediting clearance processes and increasing staffing during peak hours. Al-Baloushi stressed that there are clear directives to give these trucks the highest priority through fast lanes, ensuring their rapid arrival in the local market. He said, “We have adopted a flexible operational mechanism that allows for the immediate handling of any increase in the number of trucks while implementing rigorous control procedures to ensure the safety of goods and their compliance with health and safety standards.”

Al-Baloushi highlighted that the port is operating at full capacity, supported by modern electronic systems that help reduce waiting times, in continuous coordination with relevant authorities. He emphasized that inspectors are present at all locations to monitor entry and exit movements in real time and prevent any bottlenecks. In a message of reassurance to citizens and residents, Al- Baloushi explained that food and medicine stocks are continuously flowing and there is no cause for concern. Customs is operating under high-level directives to ensure market stability, and supplies are unaffected under any circumstances.

The efforts at the port reflect the readiness of Kuwaiti customs authorities and their ability to handle various situations efficiently, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of vital supplies. Customs officers were observed treating travelers and truck drivers with exemplary courtesy, maintaining smiles despite the pressures of their work and the exceptional circumstances facing the country. They expressed their unwavering commitment to Kuwait, its leadership, and its people. The Customs Administration at the border crossing has designated three lanes - one for trucks, one for passenger buses, and one for private vehicles, to facilitate entry and exit.

A total of 850 customs officers are working at the Nuwaiseeb border crossing in three shifts for ensuring the smooth entry and exit of travelers while maintaining rigorous inspections without compromising security or economic considerations. From February 28 to March 29 this year, the border crossing saw the entry of 11,000 trucks into the country, averaging 500 trucks per day, and received 30 buses daily carrying passengers for Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways. Among the notable achievements at the crossing was the detection of commercial violations.

A total of 62 violation reports were issued, with cigarette smuggling being the most prominent. One of the main challenges facing customs officers is the lack of understanding among some travelers about the importance of customs procedures, which are designed to protect the country from smugglers and contraband, especially given the exceptional circumstances the country is currently experiencing. Al-Baloushi explained that the Nuwaiseeb border crossing is equipped with numerous inspection devices and XRay machines for examining trucks, vehicles, and luggage. The use of sniffer dogs further enhances the efficiency of customs officers in detecting contraband and supports cooperation with relevant authorities, streamlining the clearance process for travelers and trucks.