US and NZ agree on export security

1.00pm

New Zealand and the United States have agreed on a comprehensive security arrangement for exports, Prime Minister Helen Clark announced today.

The New Zealand Customs Service and the US Customs and Border Protection Agency had agreed on a series of measures which would result in high-risk containers being identified and intercepted.

The measures included advanced electronic reporting of information about shipments, intelligence-based risk assessment and examining cargo identified as high risk.

"This arrangement is possible because of co-operation between the Government and industry, including air and sea ports," Miss Clark said in a statement.

"The Government's commitment includes spending an extra $22 million this year on new non-invasive technology."

Customs Minister Rick Barker said the Supply Chain Security arrangement meant greater confidence over the low-risk nature of New Zealand goods, which gave greater certainty for shipments.

"New X-ray technology to scrutinise exports to meet trading partner expectations is part of a comprehensive push to put New Zealand ahead of our competitors, and to be sure we are doing everything we can to move our goods expeditiously across borders," Mr Barker said in a statement.

"At the same time we are improving our assurance over the security of goods arriving in New Zealand and being trans-shipped through our ports and airports. This helps ensure New Zealand is kept secure."

The arrangement is effective from December 1.

- NZPA