“There will be two lists of importers — one white and one green — in accordance with how well they adhere to the regulations and conditions set by the Customs Directorate,” said Al-Kholaiwi.
“This will enable the directorate to identify those companies and firms that fail to abide by our regulations,” he added.
The new plans follow calls from Saudi importers to establish a white list, as is prevalent in other countries, such as Egypt, Al-Riyadh newspaper reported.
Al-Kholaiwi said the list is aimed at strengthening relations between the Customs Directorate and businessmen to upgrade the Kingdom’s business environment as well as curb wrong practices.
“The new list includes businessmen who cooperate with the Customs Directorate. We are keen to have real partners to safeguard the Kingdom’s properties as well as to prevent the entry of fake and banned products into the Saudi market,” he added.
Al-Kholaiwi said the Customs Directorate will also allow businessmen to use its facilities to check whether imported goods meet local standards and quality checks. He added that this will quicken the speed at which goods are cleared at Saudi customs.
Following a successful trial in Jeddah, he said, the Customs Directorate is constructing and furnishing a number of buildings at the Kingdom’s borders where government and private agencies will be able to work under one roof to expedite procedures.
All those concerned with customs procedures, such as representatives of various government departments, special laboratories, the Customs Directorate, ground-handling companies and banks are working at the same facility in Jeddah, Al-Kholaiwi said.
