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| | | U.S. Tariff Announcement – contacting New Zealand Customs | | | On 2 April (US time) US President Trump signed an Executive Order on reciprocal tariffs that means that New Zealand goods exports to the US are subject to an additional 10% tariff over current tariff rates from 5 April, 5:01 pm NZT.
There were some exceptions to this:
- Products covered by earlier US tariff increases, such as steel products and their derivatives and aluminium products and their derivatives as well as automobiles and key automobile parts.
- Products, including lumber, copper, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals, certain critical minerals, and energy and energy products, listed in Annex II of the above Executive Order, which may be subject to sector-specific tariffs in future.
Changes to the US tariffs policy have been made since President Trump's 2 April announcement, and further developments cannot be ruled out.
Customs will continue to closely monitor the situation in coordination with other New Zealand government agencies.
If you have any Customs-specific matters in relation to the US tariff changes that you would like to bring to our attention, please email USTariffDesk@customs.govt.nz. | | | | | | | | | 
| | | Defence and Customs strengthen maritime security with uncrewed vessels | | | Defence and Customs have acquired the two new Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs), to further enhance New Zealand's ability to patrol and protect its maritime interests and security.
Customs Deputy Chief Executive Operations Jamie Bamford says organised crime groups exploit the Pacific to smuggle drugs to New Zealand, and this additional capability helps us counter that threat and protect our coastline.
"By investing in new technology that enhances our ability to monitor New Zealand's vast maritime environment, and can operate at sea for extended periods, USVs represent a, practical, cost effective and future-ready capability to help protect New Zealand interests." | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | Man jailed for major South Island tobacco seizure | | | A 42-year-old Christchurch man was sentenced yesterday at the Christchurch District Court to three-years and four-months' jail for his involvement in an illegal tobacco importing and manufacturing operation.
He was found guilty of nine charges. In total, Customs estimates 740 kilograms of illicit tobacco has been seized, representing at least NZ$1.56 million in revenue evasion. | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | Customs seizes 52 kilograms of methamphetamine and cocaine in two smuggling attempts over weekend | | | Customs officers at Auckland International Airport seized more than 52 kilograms of methamphetamine and cocaine over the past weekend, once again thwarting two smuggling attempts in quick succession.
In the first intercept, approximately 50 kilograms of methamphetamine was found in two unaccompanied bags on a flight from San Francisco, USA.
In the second intercept, 2 kilograms of cocaine was found concealed in the lining of a passenger's suitcases.
It is estimated the amount of methamphetamine and cocaine seized would have had a combined street value of up to NZ$19.7 million and caused around NZ$54 million in potential harm and cost to New Zealand. | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | Compensatory interest rate decreases from 8 May 2025 | | | 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 8 May 2025.
The interest rate will change from 10.88% to 9.89%. | | | | | | | | | 
| | | Payment of duty is not suspended when there is an appeal, administrative review, or legal proceeding | | | Customs would like to remind duty payers that the obligation to pay duty (imposed under the Customs and Excise Act 2018) is not suspended by any appeal, administrative review, or legal proceedings.
Likewise, the right of Customs to recover and receive duty is not suspended by any appeal, administrative review, or legal proceedings. Customs will continue to recover duty that is subject to an appeal.
Duty payers must pay duty in line with the Chief Executive's assessment until all proceedings are finalised.
Please refer to Section 127 and section 128 of the Customs and Excise Act 2018 for full details. | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | Exporting Goods to the USA? | | | New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) has published resources to support New Zealand exporters with US tariffs.
They are also hosting a session designed to equip exporters of goods with essential knowledge of tariffs.
Key topics will include:
- Understanding the US tariffs: Learn key fundamentals on tariffs, Country of Origin and next steps you can take.
- Information sources: Discover where to find accurate and up-to-date tariff information.
- Tariff documentation: Get tips on documenting your processes to ensure effective and efficient tariff compliance.
Please note, this session is not intended to provide specific professional advice on your individual situation but aims to give an overview of possible next steps.
This free session is available to all NZTE Customers and is fully subsidised by NZTE.
This session is happening on Tuesday 22 April, 4:00 - 5:00 pm. | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | We're recruiting at Auckland International Airport | | | Customs is now recruiting Assistant Customs Officers at Auckland International Airport. Based at New Zealand's largest and busiest Airport, our Assistant Customs Officers play a vital role in welcoming and farewelling all international passengers.
This is an excellent entrance-level opportunity to begin your career with Customs in a role that provides real purpose in an ever-changing, and often fast-paced, environment.
To learn more or to apply, visit our Customs Careers site.
Applications close 24 April 2025. | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | Travelling overseas these school holidays? | | | Everyone returning to New Zealand must complete a declaration, including New Zealand passport holders.
To make your return easier, complete your digital declaration before boarding your flight back to New Zealand.
It's free and you can do it using the online form or the New Zealand Traveller Declaration app. | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | MFAT Market Intelligence Reports | | | The latest edition of the weekly global trade and economic update for New Zealand businesses has been published. | | | | | | | | |