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| | | Import Entry Transaction Fee refunds | | | Customs has become aware of an administrative issue which resulted in some individuals being charged the Customs portion of the Import Entry Transaction Fee (IETF) in error.
This error impacted individuals importing goods through mail during the period 1 July 2021 to 3 March 2023.
This only pertains to Import Clearances completed by Customs.
Customs invites importers who may have been impacted to apply for a refund. Guidance on how to apply and what information is required to support a refund application is available on Customs' website's Important Notices section. | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | Import and export restrictions on all e-waste: immediate effect | | | From 25 July 2025, all waste electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste), whether or not hazardous, requires a permit issued by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to be imported or exported.
E-waste includes a wide range of goods being imported or exported for recycling, recovery or disposal. Such consignments must be classified under heading 85.49. More information on this important change can be found on EPA's website.
If you have any enquiries, please contact info@epa.govt.nz. | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | Customs welcomes four new detector dog teams | | | Customs has welcomed the graduation of its four new detector dog teams alongside four Police patrol handlers and dogs at a ceremony hosted at the New Zealand Police Dog Training Centre in Trentham, Wellington yesterday.
All graduates are first time detector dog handlers and will be deployed at New Zealand's borders across a range of areas including international airports, the Auckland Processing Centre, air and sea cargo facilities, small craft and cruise ships. | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | 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. | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | MFAT Market Intelligence Reports | | | The latest edition of the weekly global trade and economic update for New Zealand businesses has been published. | | | | | | | | |