Licensing process
Before making any application to be licensed, it is recommended that you contact your local
Customs office for assistance. You should also contact your local Health Authority, Police and Fire departments for any requirements they may have.
Applications can be made by the owner, occupier or person operating in the area to be licensed. You need to complete an
Application for a Customs Controlled Area Licence, which sets out details of the information required. Please note that additional information may also be requested.
All applications must be accompanied by a plan in the form of a diagrammatic layout of the area. Architects or professional plans can be submitted, if available, or plans used for local body or resource management applications should provide the necessary detail. A "layperson's description" of the area should also to be included.
A security may be required for new manufacturing area licensees who incur a monthly excise liability exceeding $5,000. The security may take the form of:
- a bond (with or without sureties)
- a guarantee to her Majesty the Queen
- a written undertaking in such form as the Chief Executive may require
- a deposit of cash
- a combination of any of the above.
New Zealand Customs will consider the application, which will involve:
- discussion and negotiation with the applicant to ensure any licence issued contains appropriate terms and conditions
- inspections of the premises to check physical and structural security and safeguards. (Manufacturing areas are expected to be structurally sound and secure.)