NZ Customs Release

Issue

805

19 September 2025

New Customs arrangement to boost business with key export market

An arrangement to improve trade between New Zealand and Malaysia was signed 10 September 2025 in a move to promote exports and make doing business between the two countries easier.

Malaysia is New Zealand's tenth-largest trading partner and a major market destination for dairy products, sheep and beef. The new MRA means that both countries will recognise each other's authorised economic operator programmes, giving exporters who meet globally accredited security criteria the benefit of simplified customs procedures.

Customs arrests man following investigation into kamini pills

Customs has arrested a 66-year-old Auckland man for allegedly smuggling 10 kilograms of the illegal drug commonly called kamini pills into New Zealand from India.

Kamini is a type of traditional Indian herbal medicine. The import, supply and possession of kamini without a prescription is prohibited in New Zealand. 

Kamini is a cause of concern – it contains opioids and there is a high risk of dependency. Customs wants to stop these products from entering New Zealand communities where they can cause harm.

International mail used to smuggle drugs to Waihi, Whangarei, Lower Hutt and Auckland

Customs has traced the unlawful smuggling of methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine to Waihi, Whangarei, Lower Hutt and Auckland.

Between November 2024 and April 2025, Customs identified the attempted import of 25 packages containing approximately 28.3 kilograms of methamphetamine, as well as pseudoephedrine, a precursor to methamphetamine, being sent to addresses in New Zealand by mail and by airfreight.

Packages were seized in New Zealand by Customs officers, while others were seized by law enforcement partner agencies in the United States, Pakistan, Thailand, and Australia.

Customs intercepted a parcel containing 2.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, declared as roasted macadamia nut samples. Customs has not ruled out further arrests.

The total quantity of methamphetamine seized has an estimated street value of NZ$9.1 million and could have caused around NZ$32 million in potential harm and cost to New Zealand.

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.

MPI webinar for food importers

Are you planning to import food into New Zealand, or do you work with food importers? Whether you're just starting out or looking to refresh your understanding, New Zealand Food Safety's recorded webinar Food Importing 101: Understanding the Basics of Food Importing has you covered and is now available to watch on demand.
 
The webinar provides a high-level overview of the key steps and responsibilities involved in importing food, with a focus on food safety. It covers:

- Key food safety responsibilities as an importer
- Understanding what to expect at the border
- Accessing tools and support to help you succeed

The team at New Zealand Food Safety have also put together a Food Importer Information Pack that covers key points from the webinar and provides useful links for further reading.

If you have any questions, please email foodimporteradvice@mpi.govt.nz

MFAT Market Intelligence Reports

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