Sophistication and standards
In terms of port development, Africa is still the least sophisticated region, with only South Africa keeping up with the latest moves.
As CAMCO notes, there is little point in installing modern gate equipment when the infrastructure is unable to support it. Many African ports are plagued by power failures and lack of back-up generators.
China is the most frustrating market because of the often confusing and changing business rules and climate. Patent infringement and product copying make investors nervous.
As a result, ISO and industry standards play a big role in the trade’s business focus.
CAMCO is paying attention to the EPC GEN2 development. “It’s a good standard, with tags able to read at eight metres, but there are difficulties such as metal and steel interference and further research is needed. Within the next year we could see significant progress.”
DP World audits all its security measures to ISO 28000 compliance. The group says that its achievement in getting certification led to full CTPAT US membership.
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