NZ Customs Release 717

Friday, August 11, 2023

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CUSTOMS RELEASE
KEEPING YOU INFORMED

 
Issue71711 August 2023
Exporting gets easier with online Secure Exports Scheme applications

It's now easier than ever for businesses to apply to join Customs' Secure Exports Scheme, which helps exporters save time and money at the border.

The scheme is designed to help New Zealand exporters by reducing barriers, improving certainty in key export markets and speeding up cargo into and out of New Zealand. 

Applications to become an SES partner can now be submitted online through the Business Connect website. This will simplify and streamline the process, making it easier and more accessible for exporters to join and benefit from the scheme.

   
  
   
Customs methamphetamine seizures land a man more than 10 years in jail

Hong Kong national, Chi Pang Li, was sentenced to 10-years-and-four-months' jail after a Customs investigation into a methamphetamine smuggling operation.

Customs began its investigations in 2020 after multiple packages sent from Canada through the mail system were found to contain methamphetamine.

The methamphetamine was predominantly hidden in tubs of protein powder, nine packages in total, with each consignment of methamphetamine weighing upwards of two kilograms.

   
  
   
A family reunion for Detector Dog Kale

Detector Dog Kale was reunited with his Australian Border Force foster family after seven years.

Kale's foster family made the trans-tasman journey from Melbourne and paid Kale a visit at the Air Cargo Inspection Facility where they were treated to a demonstration from Kale and his handler, Senior Customs Officer Clare.

   
  
   
Credit card payments unavailable from 13 July 2023

Customs is currently transitioning to a new credit card payment portal with a new service provider.  While everything is being done to ensure that this happens in a timely manner, we have become aware that the option to pay by credit card may not be available for a number of weeks from 13 July 2023.  

We apologise for any inconvenience and advise that, during this time, customers will be required to pay Customs through internet banking. It is important to follow our internet banking instructions precisely to ensure that payments can be processed correctly, reducing the risk of any delays.

Changes to Customs Goods Fees in 2023 and 2024

Customs' goods fees are to be increased to reflect inflation on 1 October 2023 and 1 July 2024. A table of the fees to apply from 1 October 2023 is found using the link below. 

These increases are interim, pending a longer, more comprehensive review of Customs' goods fees. These interim fee adjustments will reflect the rate of inflation since the fee levels were last agreed in 2019, maintaining the real value of the fees. 

Customs consulted stakeholders on these increases in March and April 2023 and stakeholders' submissions informed the Government's decisions. 

   
  
   
Intellectual Property Rights

Updates to trademark and copyright notices have been accepted by Customs.

For more information on IPRs, email IPRnotices@customs.govt.nz.
 

   
  
   
Tariff Concession Notices

A tariff concession removes the tariff duty that would be payable for certain goods. 

Tariff Concession Advertisement Notice 27 is now available.
 

   
  
   

Rates of Exchange

Customs Controlled Areas

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