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| | | Clarification on interest rate update: Compensatory interest rate remains at 9.89%, reduced rate at 3.29% | | | The compensatory interest rate (normal rate) remains at 9.89% as updated on 8 May 2025.
The reduced rate was updated from 1 July 2025 to 3.29%. The reduced rate may apply instead of the normal compensatory interest rate if you voluntarily disclose an error and can demonstrate that it was inadvertent.
The compensatory interest rate (normal rate) is based on Inland Revenue's use of money interest underpayment rate whereas the reduced rate is based on the 90-day bank bill rate.
For more information please see the Customs' website. | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | Goods description on entries | | | Declarants are urged to improve the standard of information being entered into the goods description field on entries. Customs is seeing many entries with incorrect and vague descriptions.
Customs (Import Entry) Rules 1997 require the specific nature and type of goods to be clearly described. Generic trade descriptions, catalogue numbers, tariff concession descriptions or headings are not acceptable.
Goods should be described in plain English, with enough detail to identify the goods being entered. This information is used to verify the entry is correct and the correct duty is being paid. It is also used for risk assessment and statistical purposes. Vague and inaccurate information can lead to delays in entry processing if Customs must make follow up inquiries. Customs may also consider enforcement action where entries are erroneous or defective. | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | Modernised service workflows rolled out across Service Delivery | | | Customs has recently completed the successful rollout of modernised service workflows, with Zendesk now used for all enquiries and requests coming into its Service Delivery team.
Client enquiries and requests should now be directed through the new online service request form on the Customs' website Contact us page. This form replaces the service.delivery@customs.govt.nz email address, which is being phased out.
Submissions through the new form feed directly into Zendesk, generating a support ticket that includes all necessary information to process the request. This will result in faster response times and providing clients with the help they need more quickly. | | | | | | | | | 
| | | New items covered by the Heavy Engineering Research Levy | | | New Tariff items now attract the Heavy Engineering Research Levy in accordance with the Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Act 2025. This legislation has made changes to the Heavy Engineering Research Levy Act 1978.
A further adjustment is required for Customs to collect the levy on two new Tariff items as a result of an unrelated international agreement, which amended the Tariff from 1 July 2025. Further notice of that adjustment will be made in due course. | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | Updated guidance on selling temporarily imported small craft | | | Customs has recently updated its guidance on selling temporarily imported small craft in New Zealand.
The guidance has been updated to ensure full awareness of the New Zealand legislation covering sales of temporarily imported small craft and to ensure any sales are made in compliance with the legislation.
The guidance covers the process for getting permission to sell, criteria for sale, and refund of security deposit.
This change only affects people wanting to sell craft that are in New Zealand under a temporary import entry (TIE). Craft visiting New Zealand for tourism purposes or refits and refurbishments are not impacted by the updated guidelines. | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | Join NZ Food Safety for their upcoming seminar | | | Are you planning to import food into New Zealand, or do you work with food importers? New Zealand Food Safety are hosting an upcoming webinar, Food Importing 101: Understanding the Basics of Food Importing.
This session will provide a high-level overview of the key steps and responsibilities involved in importing food, with a focus on food safety including:
- Key food safety responsibilities as an importer
- Understanding what to expect at the border
- Accessing tools and support to help you succeed
The seminar is happening on Thursday 31 July 2025, from 11am to 11.30am.
If you have any questions, please email foodimporteradvice@mpi.govt.nz. | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | Wrexham get a green card for completing their digital traveller declaration | | | Customs along with New Zealand border officers welcomed the Wrexham Association Football Club team to Wellington ahead of their game on Saturday against the Wellington Phoenix.
The team made their arrivals process smoother by completing their digital traveller declaration prior to touch down.
Give the digital traveller declaration a go. It's free, and can be submitted up to 24 hours prior to your arrival in New Zealand. | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | MFAT Market Intelligence Reports | | | The latest edition of the weekly global trade and economic update for New Zealand businesses has been published. | | | | | | | | |