NZ Customs Release

Customs is aware of cases where ethyl alcohol and other goods imported for manufacture under duty-free status are being offered for further sale post import – meaning the goods are incorrectly classified and therefore subject to excise-equivalent duty.

Customs is further aware of cases of incorrect or inappropriate activity concerning permit compliance concerning ethyl alcohol and other goods imported duty-free for manufacture.

As a result, an Important Notice has been issued on compliance rules and obligations and warns that such activity will be subject to enforcement action, including collection of duty.

Recent Customs activity located differences concerning the classification of the tyres suitable for multiple use with SUVs and light trucks/UTEs. Customs website page Fee for regulated tyres under the Waste Minimisation (Tyres) Regulations 2023 has been updated with further guidance and/or rulings involving SUV and light truck tyres.

Customs has published a notice providing clarification on the classification for SUV and light truck tyres, click read more for further information.

Importers of seeds and their agents are advised that the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is seeking feedback on a proposed group standard for treated seed. This proposal may affect anyone importing treated seed into New Zealand. Public consultation will run from 18 August to 29 September. For more information, please visit their website Proposed group standard for treated seed | EPA.   

A recording of the public consultation webinar will be available on the EPA website for the duration of the consultation period which ends on 29 September 2026.

Two New Zealanders have appeared in the Manukau District Court after Customs stopped two separate attempts to smuggle clothing saturated with methamphetamine through Auckland International Airport on 26 and 31 August 2026.

A 44-year-old woman has been arrested by Customs after she attempted to smuggle approximately 3 kilograms of etomidate through Auckland International Airport on 29 August 2026.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Exporter Help team has developed a new Beginner's Guide to Exporting to support new and early-stage exporters of food and fibre products.

If you're exploring whether exporting is right for your product, or supporting businesses that are, this resource provides a practical overview of what's involved in exporting from New?Zealand and highlights key requirements you may need to meet.

The guide will help you to:

- understand whether export requirements may apply to your product
- find the requirements that apply to your product and target market
- identify key steps and where to get help.

If you have any questions, you can contact MPI's Exporter Help team at exporterhelp@mpi.govt.nz.