6 November 2015

Plans to make trans-Tasman border clearance easier

New Zealand Customs and Australian Border Force signed a Statement of Intent in Canberra today to support supply chain security and make trade easier between the two countries.

Both agencies have agreed to work towards a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) so trans-Tasman traders that meet the required standards can sign up to trusted trader programmes and enjoy border clearance privileges. This also provides border agencies greater end-to-end assurance over the imports and exports.

NZ Customs Comptroller Carolyn Tremain says both agencies already share a close partnership, and the MRA will underpin the trusted trader programmes in the two countries.

“We’ve been working with Australia as they develop a trusted-trader programme, and there should be a close alignment between their programme and our own Secure Export Scheme.

“Joint work will start soon on an MRA. Recognition will benefit trusted trans-Tasman traders by reducing clearance times and making customs processes easier,” Ms Tremain says.

Ms Tremain says work on the MRA is expected to conclude by June next year, and it will come into effect shortly after. To conclude an MRA, New Zealand and Australia will need to undertake a comparison of each other’s programme.

Trade in goods between the two countries totals approximately $18 billion per annum. Australia is usually one of New Zealand’s top two trading partners, and New Zealand is currently Australia’s ninth largest trading partner.

There are also opportunities for both countries in Asia with the significant increase in exports to China and ASEAN countries in recent years. Establishing MRAs with key trading countries will help make international trade easier and enhance supply chain security.

MRAs are formal arrangements between customs agencies that recognise each other’s supply chain security programmes. Members of these programmes enjoy a commercial advantage, with fewer border checks and speed to market for export products.

New Zealand has MRAs with the United States, Japan, and Republic of Korea. Learn more about NZ Customs’ Secure Export Scheme:customs.govt.nz/features/ses

-ends-

© Scoop Media