Fact Sheet 7 - Questions 4 to 7

How do I lodge a Customs import entry?
Using a freight forwarder, Customs broker or other agent
Client codes
What do I need to know prior to completing an import entry?

How do I lodge a Customs import entry?

Import entries may be lodged over the Internet or via EDI. Many importers use their freight forwarder or a Customs broker to lodge import clearances on their behalf, as they generally already have EDI software, and are familiar with Customs legal requirements.

Using EDI
EDI users are required to:

• Develop or purchase EDI software which contains features necessary to transmit clearance messages and receive responses.
• Test proper functionality with Customs prior to use.
• Pay for the EDI link and associated messaging costs.

Thus EDI is generally more suitable for higher-frequency users. For further information on EDI requirements, refer to the Customs website www.customs.govt.nz under Exporters/Customs Requirements/Clearance of Goods/Electronic Lodgement.

Clearance via the Internet
The Customs online declarations website www.cusweb.co.nz is designed for regular importers who have sufficient knowledge of Customs requirements to clear their own imports with Customs. If you are unfamiliar with how to determine the tariff classification, value or permit requirements for the goods you import, Customs suggests you engage your freight forwarder or a Customs broker to lodge import clearances on your behalf. Alternatively, contact the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation (CBAFF) on 09-419 0042 or email freighttrain@cbaff.org.nz to enquire about training programmes you can attend to equip yourself to lodge your own entries.

Users of the Customs online declarations website require access to the Internet but do not need any special software, and pay for messaging costs at a higher rate than EDI. Therefore the online declarations website is generally more suitable for lower-volume users.

For information about Internet clearances, refer to the Customs website www.customs.govt.nz under Importers/ Commercial Importers/Clearance Via Internet.

Registering as a user of the Customs entry processing system
Every individual person who wishes to lodge electronic clearances, whether via EDI or the Internet, needs to apply to Customs to be registered to do so. Approved applicants are issued with a Customs declarant code and a Unique User Identifier (UUI). The UUI is issued to an individual and identifies the person responsible for lodging an electronic entry. It is considered to be their electronic signature.

For more information on registering as a user of the Customs entry processing system, refer to Fact Sheet 11, or see the Customs website www.customs.govt.nz under Importers/Customs Requirements/Entry Processing Registration.

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Using a freight forwarder, Customs broker or other agent

Importers need to decide which freight forwarder, Customs broker or other agent to engage. Customs brokers and freight forwarders are listed in New Zealand business directories under those headings. A list of those affiliated to CBAFF is also available at www.cbaff.org.nz

What is the importer’s liability when a Customs broker clears the goods?
Where an importer uses the service of a Customs broker in the clearance of imported goods through Customs, any declarations or actions undertaken by the broker in this process are deemed also to have been made by the importer. The importer may also be liable for any or all penalties or additional duties that are incurred by the broker in this clearance process, for example, additional duties where payment is not made by due date. Under Customs legislation, actions by the broker in the clearance process are regarded as being attributable to the importer, whether or not the broker is within New Zealand or overseas.

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Client codes

The importer named on an import entry, must hold a Customs client code. A code for a new importer will be issued by Customs on application. Visit the Customs website www.customs.govt.nz for more information about client codes, or contact the Customs National Call Centre on 0800-428 786.

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What do I need to know prior to completing an import entry?

The Customs import entry must be correctly completed and contains a legally binding declaration. It is important that importers understand the definitions for the terminology used on the import entry in order to correctly complete the entry. Explanations of the terminology are set out below and are followed by an explanation of how to complete an import entry.

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Back to Fact Sheet 7