Amman (JT) -- Companies operating at the Qualified Industrial Zones (QIZs) were introduced Monday to international best practices in supply chain security and customs due diligence in an effort to increase their exports to regional and global markets.
In a seminar organised by the USAID-funded AMIR Program and Naouri Group, QIZ operators were exposed to a number of compliance measures and checklists required to accelerate the export clearance process, which is often slowed down by perceptions of Jordan as a high-risk supply chain and nonconformity to customs regulations.
Due diligence, the legal terminology for exercising reasonable care in business practice to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, is a key procedure in developing a secure and reliable supply chain management system that abides by customs policies and reduces risk on shipment.
It is also recognised as a tool for marketing low risk exports and avoiding excess duty costs, delayed deliveries, costly audits, financial penalties and dissatisfied customers. Moving goods across borders exposes businesses to intricate legal and procedural requirements. With proper compliance models, the business impact of the border can be minimal.
The seminar highlighted a customs due diligence model specially designed for QIZ operators and is expected to facilitate and increase the trade of these exports to strategic markets such as the US and Europe via the application of secure supply chain systems.
QIZ operators adopting this model may apply to join a Golden List Programme developed by the Customs Department in cooperation with the AMIR Program for documenting and rewarding lowest risk companies in Jordan. Joining the Golden List means greater benefits to Jordanian companies.
Naouri Group, a conglomerate of turnkey transport solution providers, is among the first firms to adopt the customs due diligence model throughout its supply chain systems.
"Jordan is a strategic gateway to the Middle East region," said Ibrahim Naouri, the Group's president. "It is our national duty as members of the Jordanian private sector to work closely with the government to enhance the level of International Supply Chain Security standards for Jordanian exports, and this seminar is the first step towards that direction," he explained.
The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Customs Department and key decision makers in the supply chain at the QIZ areas including shipping and logistics managers and industrialists.
The seminar is a step in ongoing efforts by the government and private sector to adopt international best practices in customs regulations and compliance measures.
© Jordan Times 2005
