BSI launches independent assessment scheme to mitigate risks in supply chain security

Dubai, UAE – 11 June: The global transportation of goods is getting tougher. Organizations operating in high risk countries face daily threats of theft, terrorism, smuggling and product safety in their supply chain. In response, BSI, the business standards company, has launched an independent assessment scheme to assist companies of all sizes achieve and demonstrate competence in their supply chain security.

ISO 28000, the international standard for supply chain security, has been developed to help organizations to better assess security risks in their supply chain, manage new threats as they emerge and implement appropriate controls. 
Globally over $23 billion worth of cargo is stolen each year , and the annual number of cargo thefts has risen 24%, exceeding ten-fold the overall increase in merchandise exports.   European countries such as Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands have seen the greatest number of thefts according to BSI’s most recent global intelligence report.

A supply chain security management system ensures traditional supply chain management practices are followed and matched with vital security measures such as validating supplier credentials, screening cargo and securing cargo transit. Addressing security threats aids the global fight against cargo theft, reassures stakeholders of an organization’s commitment to the safety of its people, and the security of goods and services.

The global cost of cargo theft and disruption is growing as a result of political instability and labour unrest. Within the Middle East, Egypt has emerged as a higher risk country for cargo theft following recent political changes, but supply chain theft and disruption is a threat facing all countries, with the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands seeing a 62% increase in the number of interceptions of drugs in legitimate cargo in 2013 alone.

By implementing ISO 28000, businesses can mitigate the risk of their supply chain being compromised, helping facilitate trade and expedite the essential transport of goods across borders. Through monitoring and management of security risks, companies can also achieve cost savings, gain a competitive advantage and win new business.

Theuns Kotzé, Regional Managing Director – BSI Middle East and Africa said: “International cargo is the life blood of our global society and essential for countries and companies to reach new markets and achieve growth. Therefore the compromise of supply chains imposes both direct and indirect impacts. These include the cost of managing security incidents, increased insurance premiums, and indirect impacts such as reputational damage and loss of trust resulting in a drain on global productivity.
“By addressing and reducing the impact cargo disruption has on their business and their clients, organizations stand to benefit financially as well as assist international trade.”

BSI’s top tips for implementing ISO 28000

1. Lead from the top by securing commitment from senior management
2. Involve the whole business through effective internal communication
3. Review existing processes with relevant ISO 28000 requirements
4. Bring your customers and suppliers on board by soliciting feedback on security  practices
5. Establish an implementation team to get the best results
6. Map out and share roles, responsibilities and timescales
7. Adapt the requirements of the ISO 28000 standard to your business
8. Motivate staff with training and incentive
9. Encourage staff to train as internal auditors
10. Regularly review to ensure continual improvement

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About BSI 
BSI (British Standards Institution) is a global organization that equips businesses with the necessary solutions to turn standards of best practice into habits of excellence. Formed in 1901, BSI was the world’s first National Standards Body and a founding member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Over a century later it continues to facilitate business improvement across the globe by helping its clients drive performance, reduce risk and grow sustainably through the adoption of international management systems standards, many of which BSI originated. Famed for its marks of excellence including the instantly recognizable Kitemark®, BSI’s influence spans multiple sectors including aerospace, construction, energy, engineering, finance, healthcare, IT and retail. With over 64,000 clients in 147 countries, BSI is an organization whose standards inspire excellence across the globe.  To learn more, please visitwww.bsigroup.com/en-AE/   

* BSI 2013 SCREEN Global Intelligence Report
* Latest UNCTAD/WTO figures published 14 April 2014