NZ Customs Release

Customs is sending a stern warning to drug smugglers this busy summer travel season after arresting a 29-year-old Canadian national at Auckland International Airport for attempting to smuggle methamphetamine wrapped as a Christmas gift inside her carry-on duffle bag.

The woman arrived in Auckland on a flight from Vancouver in Canada on Sunday 8 December 2024 and was questioned by Customs officers on arrival. A baggage search found her with an estimated 10.2 kilograms of methamphetamine wrapped as a Christmas present.

This amount of the drug would have been worth up to NZ$3.8million in street value and a potential social harm cost of approximately $10.7 million. 
 

On 9 December, the Chief Executive of Customs made a suite of new Chief Executive Rules in order to standardise and modernise the language used, so that these documents are easier to follow and easier for Customs' clients to better understand their obligations. Through 2024, most of the 25 Chief Executive Rules have been remade, with the final five rules to be reviewed and remade in 2025. 

These new 2024 Rules are available on the Customs website.

The rate of compensatory interest payable under sections 154 and 161 of the Customs and Excise Act 2018 will change with effect on and after 16 January 2025. 
 
The interest rate will change from 10.91% to 10.88%. 
 

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has new annual reporting requirements for importers (and manufacturers) of certain?hazardous substances commencing in the 2025 calendar year. The?substances include agrichemicals, timber treatment chemicals, antisapstain chemicals, antifouling paints, and parasiticides used as veterinary medicines in large animals. Annual reports for the 2025 year will be due to the EPA by 31 May 2026. 
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This means that? from 1 January 2025, importers of hazardous substances should ensure their record keeping supports this new annual reporting requirement. The new information will help us better understand and manage hazardous substances in New Zealand. 

Remember: If you currently import, or plan to import, hazardous substances, you need to notify the EPA as required under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act.?You can do this here is you haven't already done so.

Read more about the upcoming changes and timeframes, and what it means for you.

Are you a seasoned traveller who enjoys dashing through arrivals at the airport? 

Everyone must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration every time they arrive in New Zealand. You'll be pleased to know you can save your details such as your name, date of birth, passport number and home address on the app.
 
This will make it easier to complete your declaration the next time you return to our shores. Download the NZTD app from the Apple and Google Play app stores today.