The New Zealand Customs Service thanks exporters, freight forwarders, shippers and port companies for their support in implementing new rules for exports from March 1 2004.

Exporters are now required to electronically lodge an export entry in advance of goods being shipped. Ports and airlines are being advised not to load goods until that entry has been cleared.

Acting Chief Executive John Secker says he’s been regularly updated this week and generally the change to lodging entries in advance has gone relatively smoothly. He says there have been some problems, but through the combined efforts of the export sector and Customs these have been able to be resolved quickly. He says Customs appreciates the efforts of everyone involved.

“Exporters have been very responsive to our requirements, and that shows their commitment to New Zealand’s security.

“Staff at all the port companies, Air New Zealand, Menzies, and the major freight forwarding companies have been very cooperative. We appreciate their willingness to work with us to resolve issues quickly.” Customs Auckland Goods Manager Bill Perry, who’s in charge of managing the transition, says there’s been minimal disruption at the seaports, with ships loaded and away on schedule this week.

“It’s been more challenging in the airfreight environment, because of the tighter time frames, but we believe we have the issues in hand.”

Customs will continue to work with the export sector to find solutions to issues. In the IT area, there is some work that needs to be done, and that is underway.