Dear amfori member,

We are writing to inform you about the operational impact that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is having on audit activities in the region. Auditor teams have already notified us of significant challenges, including travel restrictions, cancelled routes and general safety concerns. As a consequence, the scheduling and fulfilment of amfori BSCI and amfori BEPI audits may be affected. Postponements and cancellations are likely, and at this stage, it is not possible to estimate how long these disruptions will last. The situation is evolving quickly and may change with little notice.

In light of these developments, we would like to emphasise the importance of continuing to work closely with your suppliers in the region. We strongly encourage members not to shift away from suppliers solely due to conflict‑related audit challenges. Disengagement could further harm local workers and communities at a time when they are particularly vulnerable.

The safety of everyone involved in the audit process—auditors, workers, suppliers and local teams—is our highest priority. Audits cannot and will not take place in environments deemed unsafe. We therefore ask for your understanding, flexibility and patience while we continue to assess the developments on the ground and work closely with our auditor partners. We will keep you informed as more information becomes available.

To help you maintain oversight of your supply chain in the meantime, we recommend making use of the following amfori solutions while on‑site audits are not possible in certain areas:

• amfori Social and Environmental Risk Assessment
• amfori ESG Risk Compass
• Self-assessment questionnaires

These tools can support your due diligence efforts, helping you assess risks, until audit operations can safely resume.

If you have any questions or require support, please contact us at info@amfori.org. We appreciate your cooperation and your continued commitment to responsible business conduct.

Kind regards,

Linda Kromjong

amfori President