New Procedure For Import Licences

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30289, 15 November 1963, Page 17

New Procedure For Import Licences

(lieu) Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 14. A new procedure for issuing import licences was announced by the Minister of t ustoms (Mr Shelton) at St. Heliers tonight. , j in support of the National candidate for Tamaki, Mr R. D. Muldon, Mr Shelton said that as from the 1964-65 licensing jienod, importers would no longer be required to submit applications for licences for basic allocations.

Outlining the change, he • a nd that in our present economic circumstances import control must continue. However, while its purpose ang objectives might be well € iOugn understood and accepted, the fact remained that mporters found this form of control irksome. Furthermore, it put them to some inconveniences and expense in complying with requirements which had, of to be imposed ’This has been a matter of some concern to me and I have continually explored ways and means of easing the position for importers. From time to time changes have been introduced and these nave made for greater fllexibility and improved administrative procedures," Mr Shelton said

”1 have now found it is possible to eliminate applications for licences for basic allocations. However, for reasons which wil Ibe apparent importers will still be required to lodge applications for other licence categories.” Under the new scheme the Customs Department would prepare and issue all basic licences from information held on its files. It was expected the majority of licences would be issued soon after the release of the licensing schedule but because of the magnitude of the job it might take some weeks to complete the task at the main ports.

Mr Shelton said the new system would apply to sometn:ng like 80.000 licences or 72 per cent of all licences issued

and as applications under the present system were lodged in sets of seven copies, the effect would be that importers throughout New Zealand would be relieved of the task of handling and processing more than half a million pieces of paper. Details of the scheme would be published in the 1964 '65 schedule. “Worth-while results are expected from the new scheme and importers will. I feel sure, welcome a major change in procedure which will reduce form-filling to a minimum.” Mr Shelton said