NZ Customs Release

The ASEAN New Zealand Business Council is hosting a quick-fire panel of the key New Zealand Government agencies that support your export journey.

Exporting isn't for everyone – navigating rules of origin, tariff rates, standards, non-tariff barriers and free trade agreements - it can be hard to know where to get the help you need.

During the webinar, you will hear from several agencies, including New Zealand Customs, as they share the key ways to boost your exports into ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) markets.

This webinar will be hosted virtually via Microsoft Teams on 28 October 2026, 12:30 - 1:30 pm.

New Zealand-based company APVM Electronics Private Limited has been fined NZ$18,720 following a Customs investigation into the attempted export of thousands of electronic components with potential military applications.

A foreign national was sentenced in the Manukau District Court on Wednesday, 30 September to seven years and four months' imprisonment after attempting to smuggle over 1.6 kilograms of cocaine through Auckland International Airport last year.

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. Access the link below for further information.