Revolutionary Approach To Border Protection

Importers And Exporters Join Customs In Revolutionary Approach To Border Protection

NZ Customs is today launching a revolutionary approach to working with New Zealand import and export businesses.

Individual needs vary, but all businesses benefit from streamlined processes and a common-sense approach from their border control regulator.

Similarly, with over one million import transactions each year, Customs works better when businesses fully accept their joint responsibility for border control, and do their bit in the detection of smuggled goods and illegal activities.

Today’s launch strengthens this inherent partnership. FrontLine is the label Customs is giving to its commitment to finding ways to work with business to find practical, innovative ways to meet each other’s needs.

The changes will be tangible, and they will be tailored to each circumstance. Three major players in the import / export industry, NZ Yachts Ltd, TNT Express Worldwide (NZ) Ltd, and the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation (CBAFF) are already on board, and the practical ideas are flowing.

For example, mega yacht builders, NZ Yachts, import many components, which they then re-export as part of completed yachts. In the past, they had to pay GST on those components, and then claim it back after the finished yacht had been exported. Under FrontLine they can simply register the parts they need to import with Customs, and avoid having money tied up for months.

Customs Comptroller, Robin Dare, says this is the kind of practical idea that Customs is pleased to offer businesses.

“In return, NZ Yachts will take part in specific training about the sort of risks we are fighting and how they can help. They will be assisting us in our business, and we’ll be assisting them in theirs,” he said.

“Together, we’ll be facilitating the movement of legitimate goods, promoting community development through trade, and increasing our detection of prohibited goods and illegal activities.”

“As the ideas are built up, the results will also filter through to support businesses, such as port companies, loaders and suppliers – and the people of New Zealand are the ultimate beneficiaries as risks to our borders diminish.” Robin said.

At today’s launch, Acting Customs Minister Jim Anderton will sign up the first three FrontLine partners and welcome the inclusion of many more.

Customs sniffer dogs will also display some of their skills with a controlled drug search at the Hotel.

© Scoop Media