NZ Customs Release

Issue

802

15 August 2025

Updated guidance for suspected quarantinable disease on domestic and international vessels

Health New Zealand, in partnership with Customs and Maritime NZ, has updated the Vessel Management Framework: Guidance for managing maritime vessels when a quarantinable disease is suspected or confirmed on board. 

This guidance supports port and vessel operators, unions, agents, government officials, and the National Public Health Service in managing suspected or confirmed cases among crew or passengers, international or domestic.

Originally developed during COVID-19, the framework now applies to any quarantinable disease. It reflects best practice and should be read alongside any outbreak-specific legislation or guidance.

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.

MFAT Market Intelligence Reports

The latest edition of the weekly global trade and economic update for New Zealand businesses has been published.