New Zealand Customs wants correct container numbers
The New Zealand Customs Service said its information system will no longer accept invalid container numbers for import and export entries, starting Feb. 23.
“Many import and export entries lodged with customs for containerized sea freight show an incorrect container number due to miskeying or other errors,” said the agency. “As the container number is an important identifier on a customs delivery order, errors cause delays in the release of import cargo, and the processing of export cargo at ports.”
In general, the international standard for numbering containers contain four letters followed by a series of digits.
If the container numbers do not comply with international standards, the entry will be rejected. “The number will need to be corrected before the entry will be accepted,” the agency said.
“For the small percentage of containers that are not numbered according to the international validation standard, the ‘override indicator’ on the entry should be set, to enforce acceptance,” New Zealand Customs said. “Such entries will be checked by customs to ensure the container number is valid.”