NZ Customs Release

Issue

781

21 March 2025

Customs agencies bolster New Zealand-India engagement to improve market access  

Customs administrations in New Zealand and India have taken a significant step towards deepening the trade relationship between our two countries with the signing of a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) in New Delhi on Monday.

The arrangement recognises the Customs supply chain security standards of both countries and promotes market access for exporters between them. 

Authorised exporters from New Zealand and India that meet the supply chain security measures will now receive priority at their respective borders, with less likelihood of inspections and quicker clearance of their goods. This provides them with certainty and increased speed to market in one of the world's fastest growing economies.

Customs arrests three airport workers for smuggling 58 kilograms of methamphetamine

Customs has arrested three airport workers for the importation of boxes containing approximately 58 kilograms of methamphetamine off an international flight.  

Customs, working closely with industry partners, identified suspicious activity within airport precincts. Investigations established that the three workers had moved a container off a flight from Malaysia at Auckland International Airport on 12 March 2025.

The men were arrested and appeared in the Manukau District Court on the same day (12 March 2025). They are facing multiple charges for the importation of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine for supply and have been remanded in custody. 

Cabinet approves fee changes for border management of goods

Cabinet has approved changes to the fees and levies that Customs and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) charge to recover the costs of managing goods crossing our border.

Customs' goods fee rates will change on 1 July 2025, and the structure and rates of Customs' and MPI's fees and levies will change on 1 April 2026.

ExportNZ's All of Government Roadshow is on now

Want to hear from our key government partners in the export sector?

ExportNZ has brought together representatives from government agencies and government-funded programmes and is running a roadshow talk about everything and anything export.

This free series of events is designed to give exporters and businesses the opportunity to hear from our partners about how they are supporting exporters and give you the space to engage, provide feedback, and ask questions.

The roadshow began on 17 March and is running until 2 April 2025 in Dunedin, Cromwell, Christchurch, Wellington, Hawke's Bay, Tauranga, Hamilton, and Auckland.

Visit ExportNZ's page to find events in your region and to book.

MFAT Market Intelligence Reports

The latest edition of the weekly global trade and economic update for New Zealand businesses has been published.