This notice is presented for archival purposes only. It may contain information that is no longer correct or relevant in the current year. Information within this notice was correct on the date it was issued.
This notice was issued in 2023.
We reviewed several of the earlier STL models and pilots which have involved a range of different clearance arrangements. In most cases, while these did produce some modest improvements, they typically involved significant trade-offs for marginal benefits to traders. Issues were often encountered with data alignment, entity identification and the subsequent reconciliation processes. One of our findings was that some of the earlier models tested under the STL banner may become more viable in the future with changes in technology and context.
The Time Release Study undertaken by New Zealand Customs last year (time-release-report-final.pdf (customs.govt.nz) showed the majority of trans-Tasman trade is already cleared prior to the arrival of the goods in New Zealand. We will however continue to engage with ABF looking for opportunities to streamline border clearance processes. This remains a safe environment to trial ideas and arrangements that could be scaled up and applied elsewhere.
We are also aware of a lot of trade innovation is going on across global supply chains, which we will continue to monitor to identify any opportunities for improved border clearance processes for New Zealand traders.