NZ Customs Release

A Bill to strengthen Customs' ability to combat organised crime and the increasing threats to New Zealand's borders was introduced to Parliament on Wednesday 23 September 2026.

Police and Customs have seized a concoction of addictive and harmful substances, as a part of a coordinated week of action by Australia and New Zealand. 

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 in relation to 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 below for further information.

Transformation at Auckland Airport is continuing, with changes now underway in the heart of the international terminal as the airport prepares for its future integrated departures experience.  

Over time, international travellers will begin moving through security screening before passport control — the reverse of today's process — as Auckland Airport prepares for a future where domestic jet and international travel operate side-by-side within the same terminal.