Antiquated IT at Saudi Cargo Services blamed for Jeddah customs delays

PROBLEMS with the legacy customs systems at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) are being berated by Saudi Cargo Services for causing clearance delays of cargo requiring inspection in a tit-for-tat spat.

Assistant Airport Customs director Hasan Baqdood was quoted as saying by media reports in the region that the cargo handling company is responsible for the problem. He accused it of using an old computer system instead of linking to the new network known as Sanam.

"They have delayed linking to the new system because the necessary hardware is not available. The customs department has sent multiple requests to the company to link to the new system but they keep asking for more time," he said. Perishable goods such as meat, fruit and vegetables, and medicines are immediately released, according to the director, but those needing inspection cannot be released quickly.

Adnan Al-Zain, station manager of Saudi Cargo, denied his company was responsible for the delays, reports the Saudi Gazette. Although, he does admit they have delayed linking to the new customs system. Mr Al-Zain blames the company managing the system.

"We cannot link to the new system until certain things are clarified," he said while adding that a lack of storage and shortage of Customs inspectors only exasperated the problem.

"Current warehouses were built more than 35 years ago and their capacity has not increased since while import volume has."