Under the Customs and Excise Act 1996, anyone who wishes to lodge electronic export entries or export Electronic Cargo Information (EDI) reports may apply to Customs to be registered. Approved applicants are issued with a Customs declarant code and a unique user identifier (UUI) if lodging entries.
The UUI is used in the same way as a Personal Identification Number (PIN). The UUI is issued to an individual and identifies the person responsible for lodging an electronic entry. It is considered to be the electronic signature and should only be used by the person to whom it is issued. All reasonable precautions should be taken to keep the UUI confidential.
A registered user may only have one current declarant code and one current UUI. The UUI may be transferable when individuals move from business to business.
If you consider your UUI number has been compromised, advise your local Customs office immediately and contact the National Call Centre to arrange cancellation and issue of a new UUI.
Under the Customs and Excise Act 1996, the registered user is responsible for all entries made under their UUI.
To become a registered user, the following steps apply:
- If you wish to work as a Customs broker, or will lodge entries for a wide range of goods, you will need to sit and pass three basic courses to give you the competencies enabling you to complete and lodge entries. The courses are:
- Origin/Preference/Valuation
- Introduction to Customs Brokerage or Customs Broking and Law
- Tariff Interpretation
Course details can be found on the Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders website.
- If you only deal with a few commodities, and feel you have the competencies to lodge entries or ECIs (Electronic Cargo Information reports), you will need to visit your local Customs Client Service office for your competencies to be assessed.
- You must complete an Application for Registration as a User of a Customs Computerised Entry Processing System form.
- You must personally deliver the completed form to your local Customs office.
- You must provide proof of identity as specified on the application form. and present certificates of completion for the above-mentioned courses, if applicable.
You will be advised of your registration by mail and supplied with a Customs declarant code that is to be inserted on clearances, and a unique user identifier (UUI) if lodging export entries.
Please advise Customs if you change your business name and details, or if you change your employer. Changes should be advised on the prescribed form NZCS 229 Customs Computerised Entry Processing System Registered User Update form.