Fight Against Pearl Fraud: Tahiti Strengthens Airport Controls
By Sandrine, Wednesday 18 August 2010 at 19:07 :: Legislation
The Minister of Marine Resources, Temauri Foster, personally visited Tahiti Faa'a International Airport to oversee the deployment of new control measures for pearl exports. This initiative is part of a comprehensive restructuring plan aimed at curbing fraud and restoring the value of the Tahitian Pearl on international markets.
Reinforced Airport Control System
The new measures implemented include:
✔ Systematic Double Control: → Mandatory detection of luggage containing pearls at both control points (check-in and boarding)
✔ Additional Equipment: → Installation of a second X-ray machine dedicated to carry-on luggage
✔ Specialized Personnel: → Permanent assignment of sworn officers specifically trained in pearl recognition
A Comprehensive Security Strategy
This airport reinforcement complements:
🔸 The proposed law on quality control before commercialization
🔸 New traceability requirements for producers
🔸 Tougher penalties against fraud
"These strict exit controls, combined with our upstream reform, will create a virtuous circle for the entire industry," explained Minister Foster.
Objectives: Quality and Fair Price
Professionals expect these measures to deliver:
📉 A drastic reduction in smuggling
💎 Better valuation of legal production
💰 A sustained increase in international prices
With nearly 20% of pearls leaving the territory illegally according to estimates, this system could allow local producers to gain up to 30% in margins, according to projections by the ministry.