Customs gets Budget package for border control

Border security is to be strengthened with a Budget package the Government said would protect trade and lessen the threat of terrorism.

"Our economy relies on foreign trade and about 15 per cent of that is in exports to the United States," Customs Minister Rick Barker said today.

"Post September 11, the US has set down new trade security guidelines and the onus is now on exporting countries to meet those guidelines."

The department will get:

* a $9 million increase in its operating budget for trade security;

* between $15 and $25 million for new x-ray technology -- the final amount will be decided through a tender process; and

* up to 130 additional staff.

Mr Barker said customs expected to be able to screen between 6000 and 12,000 containers a year when the equipment was in place.

"It is vital New Zealand is not seen as a soft touch or potential transit point for terrorist activities or other trans-national organised crime."

The department will also get $1.98 million for 16 new investigative staff for border drug enforcement and $1 million for increased audit capacity to ensure all taxes and duties are collected.

- NZPA