The New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) has published its latest Time Release Study, which looks at how quickly imports and exports are cleared in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Study analysed Customs’ performance in moving cargo through the border over a one-week period in September 2022. It measured the time taken for various events and procedures from when the goods first arrive into the country to their clearance or release.
Customs’ Group Manager Revenue and Assurance, Mr Craig Chitty, says the study showed that the agency has efficient processes and systems to support moving goods through the border. “This includes electronic reporting of shipment details, a risk management and alerts system to flag high risk shipments, post-clearance auditing and ongoing engagement with industry,” he said.
“The time taken for getting imports and exports released at major ports is crucial for businesses and New Zealand’s economy. The Time Release Study findings show most imports are cleared for release before they even arrive into New Zealand, and exports are cleared before departure. If goods are reported to Customs correctly, they can be cleared within seconds.” “New Zealand’s airports and seaports also have automated facilities to get their goods to market as quickly as possible, while still allowing vital security and risk checks.”
“New Zealand Customs is mindful that any delays at the border increase costs for businesses, so this Study is important in pinpointing any bottlenecks to improve performance in the supply chain. We are committed to creating an enabling environment for business, ensuring that trade is quicker and security compliance is easier to do.”
“We also provide exporters with an option to fast-track their goods by partnering in our Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, which we call our Secure Exports Scheme. By meeting our safety, security and integrity measures they receive priority at the border, with less [intrusive] inspections and even quicker clearance,” Mr Chitty said.
By the Numbers:
NZCS used one week’s data from 12,112 import and 5,267 export entries across sea and air cargo. The study also used data from industry partners involved in border clearance, including freight and air cargo companies.
Sea cargo
• 91.5% of import entries for full containers were lodged and ready to be released before arrival.
• 91.3% of export entries for full containers were lodged at least 48 hours before loading.
Air cargo
• 67% of import entries were lodged and ready for release before arrival.
• On average, import entries were lodged and released 8.5 hours after arrival, reflecting the much shorter flight times from an overseas departure point to landing.
• 99.1% of export entries were cleared before departure.
