Becoming an exporter
Not yet an exporter, but thinking about the Secure Exports Scheme for when you begin?
If your business is not currently exporting goods but intends to start soon, there are some key things to consider that will help your entry into the Secure Exports Scheme (SES) when appropriate.
The Ministry of Foreign affairs has some general exporting resources to get you started. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise also has resources to assist you in becoming an exporter. There are also customs requirements that you will need to meet when you start exporting.
Key SES considerations if you are setting up an export business:
- Access to your site should be controlled. This means the public should not have access to where you pack and load goods.
- Ideally, as you load goods into a container or package, they will be recorded electronically by scanning a barcode or other automatic system as you will need to ensure accurate records are kept.
- Encourage a culture of security awareness, such as challenging unknown people in secure areas, not sharing access codes, and being proactive when something suspicious is spotted.
- Putting in place good digital security practices, for example having individual logins making sure the security systems are up to date.
- Maintaining a record of training that your staff receive.
These are some of the key things that you can start to put in place now to prepare for becoming an SES exporter in the future. For more information, read the full standards.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your specific circumstances, please contact us at ses@customs.govt.nz.