Fonterra joins world's leading customs advisory group

Fonterra has become the first New Zealand company to be invited to join the World Customs Organization’s Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG).

The PSCG provides trade-related advice to the World Customs Organization, the intergovernmental body that develops global customs standards, and procedures relating to trade facilitation and supply chain security.

Fonterra Group Customs Manager, Robb Stevens, says membership of the 30-strong PSCG is by invitation only and includes major global companies such as General Motors, IBM, FedEx and the World Shipping Council.

Mr Stevens says the invitation to join recognises the cooperative’s global presence as a manufacturer, international seller and experience with Customs authorities in various markets. As a member of the PSCG, the co-operative will have input in simplifying customs processes to smooth the flow of goods for all New Zealand importers and exporters.

“As a country that relies on exports, it’s in our interests to see consistency in market rules, access and regulation. As the world’s largest dairy exporter and with our products now in over 140 countries, we have an important contribution to make both for New Zealand and for Fonterra,” says Mr Stevens.

The New Zealand Customs Service Group Manager Policy, Denise Hing, says having a company involved in this group is a major opportunity for New Zealand.

“The PSCG has significant influence on the WCO’s role in supporting the growth of world trade. This a genuine opportunity for a major New Zealand company to have a say in the development of more efficient global supply chains.”

Since its establishment in 2006, the PSCG’s focus has been implementation of the WCO’s SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade. The Group now also advises the Secretary General and WCO Policy Commission on issues such as the impact of the global financial crisis and business recovery.

Mr Stevens will represent Fonterra at the 19th meeting of the PSCG on June 20-22, 2011 in Brussels, Belgium.