Changes to New Zealand and the United States border arrangements mean secure exports are less likely to be slowed down for security reasons, Customs Minister Maurice Williamson announced today.
An improvement to the existing Mutual Recognition Arrangement between New Zealand Customs and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was finalised in
Washington DC on Friday in letters between New Zealand Ambassador Mike Moore and CBP Commissioner Alan Bersin.
The improvement will likely speed up the processing of shipments by exporters who are members of New Zealand's Secure Exports Scheme (SES).
Under the existing Mutual Recognition Arrangement, SES goods were generally assessed as low risk, but with last week's changes they were now three and a half times less likely to be examined for security purposes, Mr Williamson said.
``No other country has this benefit to the extent of New Zealand which provides a market advantage for exporters who elect to be members of this world leading scheme.
``It is an excellent demonstration of how industry can benefit from joining with customs administrations to secure international supply chains.''
