Exporters Urged To Make Security A Priority

New Zealand exporters are being urged to ensure their systems can meet new international security expectations, to avoid putting their exports at risk.

Export New Zealand and the New Zealand Customs Service are organising a series of seminars for exporters to update them on security issues.

The first seminar will be held in Auckland on Friday July 11.

The New Zealand Customs Service is working with the business community to enhance scrutiny of exports to meet the expectations of both the New Zealand community and our international trading partners that our trade is safe.

“The increased awareness of terrorism and transnational crime means Governments around the world want to know in advance what’s crossing their borders,” says Customs National Manager, Goods, Allen Bruford.

“New Zealand Customs is working with other customs agencies internationally to provide assurance that our exports are safe and can cross international borders without getting stuck on the importing countries’ wharves waiting for security checks,” Mr Bruford said.

The Chairman of Export New Zealand’s International Trade and Transport Committee Gilbert Ullrich is urging exporters to cooperate in protecting their trade.

“We’ve seen recent examples of how an incident like the Bali bombing or SARS can have a devastating effect on a country’s economy.”

“Security is another marketing advantage in today’s uncertain world.”

Gilbert Ullrich says he welcomes the proactive approach of the Customs Service and other Government agencies.

Allen Bruford says the first, most important, requirement is for exporters to provide accurate information about their cargo before it is loaded for shipment, by lodging an electronic export entry.

“We have been lenient in the past on timeliness and accuracy, including allowing for late entries through the derogation system. That is not sustainable in the current international environment.

“We know it’s not always practical for businesses to lodge entries as far as 48 hours in advance of shipment, so we want to work with individual businesses to establish a realistic timeframe for them while still ensuring international security requirements are met.

“From March next year, we will not let cargo be loaded until an entry has been lodged. That gives business eight months to work with us to put the systems in place to make that happen.”

Allen Bruford says Customs will require entries to be lodged electronically, to enable efficient processing and risk assessment.

Customs is also proposing working with businesses to enhance security throughout the supply chain, from the point of packing to departure, through a Secure Export Partnership.

A position paper outlining Customs thinking is available on the Customs website www.customs.govt.nz from Friday July 11) or to order a copy call 0800 428 786 or email exports@customs.govt.nz.

Media are welcome to attend the seminar AT 12.30 PM on Friday 11 July at the Centra Auckland Airport Hotel in Mangere.

© Scoop Media