NZ Customs Release

A 42-year-old man has been jailed on drugs-related and other charges following a Customs' seizure of approximately 24 litres of gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) in a courier shipment from China nearly four years ago (December 2020). 

The shipment also contained 24 litres of hypophosphorous acid; an ingredient used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. 

Appearing in the Auckland District Court, Kitson Henderson was sentenced to two-years-and-five-months' imprisonment. He was convicted on charges of importing a class B controlled drug, GBL, as well as possession of equipment for the manufacture of methamphetamine. 

The man was also convicted of firearms offences – unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of explosives and unlawful carrying of an imitation firearm.

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has updated the rules for importing and manufacturing graphic materials marketed at children, such as fingerpaints, crayons, and felt-tip pens, as part of their decision to reduce the lead impurity levels allowed in paints.

The key changes for importers and manufacturers of graphic materials marketed at children are: 

- Products using the Graphic Materials Group Standard must meet the new element migration levels by 1 March 2025;
- The Graphic Materials Group Standard is now the only group standard for graphic materials marketed at children;
- The notification requirement (ie need for an EPA import permit) prior to importing these products is removed. 

From 19 September 2024, importers are no longer required to notify the EPA, or seek a letter and customs clearance code (permit number), to import these products.

Samoa is preparing to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) this October, which will see heads of state, VIPs, and delegations from 56 nations arrive into Faleolo International Airport.
 
Customs is pleased to collaborate with our Samoan colleagues to support them managing the large number of international arrivals expected.

Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori | Maori Language Week begins tomorrow, Saturday, the 14th of September. 

The theme this year is 'Ake ake ake – A Forever Language'. It represents the resilience, adaptability and endurance of our language. It also reflects the commitment New Zealanders have to embracing and learning te reo Maori long into the future.

Under enduring pressure te reo Maori has shown it will adapt and survive. It grows with our people, our culture and our environment.

Check out the link below for more information, resources, and events near you for Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori.
 

Join New Zealand Food Safety - Haumaru Kai Aotearoa (NZFS) for a webinar to discuss your food safety importing requirements.

This webinar will discuss what you need to do to meet your food safety requirements, the risks you need to be aware of, and how you might prepare for them.

This webinar is taking place on Wednesday, 18 September 2024, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM.