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| | | Import Entry Transaction Fee refunds | | | Customs has become aware of an administrative issue which resulted in some individuals being charged the Customs portion of the Import Entry Transaction Fee (IETF) in error.
This error impacted individuals importing goods through mail during the period 1 July 2021 to 3 March 2023.
This only pertains to Import Clearances completed by Customs.
Customs invites importers who may have been impacted to apply for a refund. Guidance on how to apply and what information is required to support a refund application is available on Customs' website's Important Notices section. | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | Import and export restrictions on all e-waste: immediate effect | | | From 25 July 2025, all waste electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste), whether or not hazardous, requires a permit issued by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to be imported or exported.
E-waste includes a wide range of goods being imported or exported for recycling, recovery or disposal. Such consignments must be classified under heading 85.49. More information on this important change can be found on EPA's website.
If you have any enquiries, please contact info@epa.govt.nz. | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | Goods description on entries | | | Declarants are urged to improve the standard of information being entered into the goods description field on entries. Customs is seeing many entries with incorrect and vague descriptions.
Customs (Import Entry) Rules 1997 require the specific nature and type of goods to be clearly described. Generic trade descriptions, catalogue numbers, tariff concession descriptions or headings are not acceptable.
Goods should be described in plain English, with enough detail to identify the goods being entered. This information is used to verify the entry is correct and the correct duty is being paid. It is also used for risk assessment and statistical purposes. Vague and inaccurate information can lead to delays in entry processing if Customs must make follow up inquiries. Customs may also consider enforcement action where entries are erroneous or defective. | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | Updated guidance on selling temporarily imported small craft | | | Customs has recently updated its guidance on selling temporarily imported small craft in New Zealand.
The guidance has been updated to ensure full awareness of the New Zealand legislation covering sales of temporarily imported small craft and to ensure any sales are made in compliance with the legislation.
The guidance covers the process for getting permission to sell, criteria for sale, and refund of security deposit.
This change only affects people wanting to sell craft that are in New Zealand under a temporary import entry (TIE). Craft visiting New Zealand for tourism purposes or refits and refurbishments are not impacted by the updated guidelines. | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | 'Significant threat' exposed in second phase of smuggling operation | | | A joint Police-Customs investigation has unravelled a major transnational organised crime syndicate working with local gangs to import significant quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine into New Zealand.
Operation Matata has identified that the syndicate was allegedly smuggling Class A drugs through unattended baggage on international flights, primarily through Auckland International Airport.
In total 15 current and former baggage handlers employed by airline baggage handling agencies at Auckland International Airport were charged. | | | | | | | | | | 
| | | Cocaine investigation uncovers largest ever LSD seizure | | | A joint drug importation investigation has intercepted a record-breaking quantity of LSD brought into New Zealand.
Under Operation Spin, New Zealand Police and Customs have been investigating the importation and supply of Class A controlled drugs from the United States into New Zealand.
Four search warrants were carried out in the Auckland region by the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) last week.
The operation located 40,800 LSD tabs, with a street value totalling more than a million dollars.
A 30-year-old man has been charged with offences relating to the importation, possession and supply of cocaine and the possession for supply of LSD, while a 25-year-old male has been charged with importing cocaine. | | | | | | | | | 
| | | MFAT Market Intelligence Reports | | | The latest edition of the weekly global trade and economic update for New Zealand businesses has been published. | | | | | | | | |