News release
For immediate release
22 July 2005
Exporters warned to be ready if London bombings drive Europe to tighten trade security
One of New Zealand's top exporters warns the country could face major trade problems if Europe tightens security in the
wake of this month's terrorist attacks.
Bill Gallagher, chief executive of the major Hamilton-based producer and exporter of security systems, says it could
take a bomb in only one container to spark mass inspections and delays which would result in "mayhem".
Gallagher says the country's major exporters – 200 firms are responsible for 80% of all exports – need to move quickly
to ensure they protect their supply chains.
His own firm will on Monday become a secure supplier under Custom's Secure Exporters Partnership Scheme.
Under this scheme, security extends to securing production, warehousing and container packing.
Secure partner containers carry special seals and are less likely to be halted for inspection by Customs here (sometimes
at the request of overseas customs authorities). They are also less likely to face X-ray and other Custom inspection
fees than non-secure partners.
Gallagher Group has installed its own PowerFence perimeter security fence and Cardax access security systems at its
Hamilton site, where about $50 million in products leave for overseas markets each year. Its secure partnership
agreement with Customs comes into effect on Monday (July 25).
Gallagher says fellow exporters need to seriously consider securing the whole export supply chain.
"It will only take one container to go 'boom' going into the US or Europe and we could see the start of mass inspections
and a major log jam in trade. That would be mayhem. Secure export partners will be less likely to be stopped for
inspection. It will deliver significant advantages," Gallagher says.
Gallagher systems are being used to secure port company facilities in Auckland, Tauranga, Taranaki, Nelson, Dunedin and
Bluff. Customs aims to have 78 major exporters – responsible for 80% of all exports to the United States – in secure
export partnerships by June next year.
Gallagher says, given the current attacks in London, exporters may be best advised to move sooner rather than later to
secure their supply chains.
The last time New Zealand experienced a crippling delay, through mass container inspections, was in Europe in the 1980s.
France decided to stop and inspect trucks delivering New Zealand goods during the Rainbow Warrior controversy.
ENDS