JOINT STATEMENT ON EXPORT TRADE SECURITY
The Export Institute of New Zealand and the New Zealand Customs Service are holding a series of joint seminars around
the country to update exporters on new security developments that will impact on their business.
The United States has this week introduced new rules around advance notification of shipments, and the New Zealand
Customs Service is also tightening up on export paperwork.
Comptroller of Customs Robin Dare says internationally, there is heightened concern about security following increased
terrorist activity.
“New Zealand is part of the international trade network and we are not exempt from the need to address security issues.”
United States Customs Service Commissioner Robert Bonner commented in a recent speech that “the whole world will suffer
if terrorists begin using the global trade network to mount attacks. The economic repercussions of such an event would
be severe. Everyone involved in world trade has a vital interest in protecting the channels of trade from terrorist
infiltration.”
Export Institute Trade and Transport Committee Chairman Gilbert Ullrich says New Zealand exporters cannot afford to
ignore security developments.
“If we do not take steps to maintain New Zealand’s reputation as a low risk source country, then our trade will be
disrupted, and that could have significant financial impacts.”
The first briefing will be held in Auckland tomorrow at the New Zealand Customs Services Mangere offices, 20 Brigade
Road, Airport Oaks, Mangere, at 1 PM.
Details of briefings in Wellington, Christchurch and the Bay of Plenty will be notified shortly.
The media are invited to attend.