NZ Customs Release 648

New Zealand Police, with the assistance of Customs, intercepted a shipment of 613 kilograms of methamphetamine arriving through Auckland Airport last Thursday.

The deal will see the UK eliminate all tariffs on New Zealand exports, with duties removed on 99.5 percent of current trade from entry into force.

It's expected to boost New Zealand's GDP by between $700 million and $1 billion and save local exporters roughly $37m each year on tariffs.

146 children around the world have been safeguarded from potential harm following a Department of Internal Affairs led international operation with New Zealand Police, Customs and international partners.

Customs provided intelligence assistance to support the DIA's operation into the sharing of Child Exploitation material online.

Dana McDonald, Customs Group Manager Intelligence, Investigations and Enforcement, said Customs is fully committed to protecting not only children in New Zealand community, but children around the world, against the threats of child sexual exploitation, especially across our borders.

"Customs has a team of investigators who work closely with colleagues at the Department of Internal Affairs and Police, as well as a network of international partners, to identify online offending, forensically examine electronic devices, execute search warrants and gather evidence for prosecutions.

Exporters to the Russian Federation are advised to familiarise themselves with the new Gazette Notice.

This Notice sets out firm controls over the export of any goods to the Russian Federation which may be intended for military use, including "dual use" (civilian/military) goods. Exporters are recommended to undertake careful due diligence on the intended end user of any goods they are proposing to export. Any breaches of the export controls may result in the exporter facing substantial penalties.

Please contact exportcontrols@mfat.govt.nz with any questions. 

Only Ministry of Health approved Point of Care (includes Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT)) tests can be imported or used in New Zealand. There are no restrictions on who can import the authorised tests.