Important notices & updates

Minister of Customs has asked Customs to review the de minimis applying to imported goods. Comments on the issues raised and the analysis presented are being sought by 12 February 2011. 

​Auckland Client Services (Sea Cargo and Air Cargo) are introducing changes to the way we receive and handle documents relating to held entries across our Auckland and Mangere offices. These changes will greatly assist us in managing entries held on the Client Services work queue. 

​The New Zealand Customs Service and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, extend our concern and support to everyone affected by the earthquake in Christchurch. To assist you in anyway possible we have put together a list of contact people and phone numbers for your use.

​The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) has advised Customs that from 17 March 2011 biosecurity clearance will be required to import animal toilet preparations classified in tariff item 3307.90.01.19D.

​After consultation with a number of user groups and extensive planning we have developed a site that is more intuitive with easier navigation, improved functionality, a new search engine, and a better platform to allow us to provide added features in the future.

In October 2009, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet prepared a report to the Prime Minister recommending a cross-agency plan of action to tackle the harms caused by methamphetamine. Reports on progress against the Action Plan are provided every six months and the latest report  has been released. It is available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.​

​Working in conjunction with the Ports of Auckland (POAL), we have recently come up with a number of refinements to our operational procedures which will benefit the importing and exporting communities – improved service delivery is the prime driver.

New rates for the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand levy (‘ALAC levy’) will apply from 1 July 2011. The new rates are those set out in the Alcohol Advisory Council Levy Order 2011. ​

​On 4 August, the Government passed amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 that give the Minister of Health the ability to issue temporary class drug notices (TCDN). These are effectively temporary bans on substances. 

​If you using a track and trace facility to locate a parcel it is possible that the status may be shown as 'Customs Clearance' or some similar wording. This does not mean that the New Zealand Customs Service is holding your parcel — we are unable to track parcels carried by independent companies and you should make contact with the carrier. 

​Customs is currently experiencing intermittent outages with its telephone system in Auckland. You may experience issues if you are trying to contact Customs in Auckland by phone or email. We will advise as soon as this has been resolved and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

​The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) has advised that from 1 September 2011 biosecurity clearance will be required to import 'Cullet and other waste and scrap of glass; glass in the mass', and Asbestos waste.

Users of the Customs website should be aware of planned changes to the Customs website. Changes are scheduled for implementation Wednesday 21 September 2011.

Changes to the CER Rules of Origin (ROO) provisions take effect from Thursday 1 September 2011.

​New Zealand Customs is shifting the location of its Saturday and Sunday morning goods clearance service for private importers/exporters.  

​Customs officially welcomed its new Chief Executive and Comptroller of Customs, Ms Carolyn Tremain, on Monday 19 September.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) has reviewed the current tariff-based alerts for biosecurity clearance on CusMod. The purpose of the review is to validate and refine current alerts and to add any new alerts as needed. 

​If your mail item or private import has been assessed as liable for GST and/or import duty you can now pay these charges via internet banking.

Payment can be made through the bill payments section of your bank’s internet banking website.

​Customs is mindful of the uncertainty regarding cargoes on the M/V Rena and would like to reassure affected persons that we are available to assist in responding to any enquiries. Contact should be made with Customs on 0800 428 786. 

​This update provides information on the Joint Border Management System (JBMS) Programme including details on recent consultation meetings, plans for cost recovery, and the current state of the programme. The JBMS team intends to publish updates on the programme and upcoming events on a regular basis until the end of 2012.

Customs understands the uncertainty regarding goods on board the M/V Rena and wants to reassure those affected that we are available to assist in responding to any enquiries.

An individual letter has been sent to those affected importers whose goods were destined for discharge at Tauranga.

​From 1 December 2011 the permit authority codes on CusMod ‘MOC’ (used for ozone depleting substances and hazardous waste) and ‘DOL’ (used for explosives) will be replaced by a new code ‘EPA’.