Export Controls

Diversionary Activities

When you are exporting controlled goods, you should exercise prudence in any transaction. Diversion of exports to third countries is always a possibility. Successful diversions of controlled goods to certain countries via intermediate destinations is harmful to New Zealand's reputation as a reliable recipient of high technology and could lead to New Zealand firms being denied access to such technology. If your suspicions are aroused by the unusual nature of a transaction or inquiry please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (contact details are listed at Annex A); if you are overseas you should contact a New Zealand Embassy or High Commission.

You are assured of complete confidentiality. Failure to seek advice from the New Zealand Government could leave you open to illegal export or diversion which could result in seizure of the goods by a foreign customs agency, or by New Zealand authorities under the Customs and Excise Act 1996.

The following are some indicators that possible illegal exports or diversions are being attempted:

• a customer's willingness to pay cash for high value orders or offers of unusual or extremely lucrative financial compensation for the product;
• reluctance on the part of the purchaser to provide end-use or end-user information or where information provided is incompatible with the usual purpose for which the product is designed;
• instructions to make direct shipments to trading companies, freight forwarders or export companies which have no apparent connection with the purchase;
• packaging requirements inconsistent with the shipping mode and/or destination;
• products or options ordered that appear to be incompatible with the customer's environment or line of business;
• circuitous or commercially illogical routing;
• customer's unfamiliarity with the product or its application, support equipment or performance;
• the customer's order is for parts known to be inappropriate or for which the customer appears to have no legitimate need.

 

top of page