NZ Customs Service signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) with United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) in Brussels on June 29, 2007.
This is a 'world first' supply chain security mutual recognition arrangement between customs administrations since the adoption of the Word Customs Organisation's Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade
This acknowledgement by both administrations of their respective customs-to-business supply chain security programmes – NZ Customs' Secure Exports Scheme and USCBP's Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Program - will benefit both industry and government.
Background
This MRA follows a commitment by 140 countries to move towards implementing the WCO Framework of Standards, designed to enhance supply chain security compliance in return for facilitation benefits for traders in supply chain security programmes.
The mutual recognition arrangement is a formal recognition between the New Zealand Customs Service and the US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) that acknowledges New Zealand's Secure Exports Scheme (SES) partners maintain security standards over their export trade.
Mutual recognition will provide closer cooperation and coordination between USCBP's C-TPAT and NZ Customs' SES. It is also recognition by the US of SES partners as 'low risk' trading partners especially when trading with C-TPAT partners. Under the arrangement, SES partners will receive cargo facilitation benefits for goods exported to the US. Benefits for partners may include:
- Streamlining trade flows between New Zealand's SES partners and the US C-TPAT importers
- Reduced level of security inspections – 'first cab off the rank' status at times of disruption
Mutual recognition also provides an opportunity for NZ Customs to engage with other trading partners who have reciprocal standards for trade security.
Questions and Answers
Click here to view frequently asked questions on the MRA.
Further Information
For more information about the MRA, contact Customs National Call Centre - 0800 4 CUSTOMS (0800 428 78) to speak to an operator, or arrange for a Client Service officer to contact you or visit you at your premises.
NZ Customs Exporters Web Page
USCBP Website
WCO Website