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.