New Zealand Customs Service

Our Comptroller, Christine Stevenson, and our Deputy Chief Executive International and Governance, Jamie Bamford, recently met with the Meat Industry Association of New Zealand’s CEO and Policy and Trade Manager. This was a good opportunity to hear directly from this important export sector organisation and share how Customs helps to resolve issues at international borders for New Zealand businesses, as well as to discuss market access and free trade negotiations.

The World Customs Organization recently hosted the global Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) conference in Shenzhen, China. Customs was represented by Deputy Chief Executive - Policy, Legal and Strategy, Richard Bargh, and Customs Counsellor China, Brendan Pearce. Brendan, who presented on one of the plenary sessions, said “AEO programmes are partnerships between Customs agencies which play an important role in global supply chains. They not only strengthen end-to-end security, they enhance economic development. “This conference was an opportunity to connect with border agencies, governments, industry and academia from around the world, to hear valuable insights on AEO programmes, trade security, women in trade and the use of technology in border management.”

A Customs investigation has led to five arrests in Auckland and the seizure of over 1.36 million illicit cigarettes, two firearms, and a substantial amount of cash. Customs carried out search warrants in Auckland’s North Shore this morning (Monday 13 May), culminating in the arrest of a 35-year-old man who is scheduled to appear in the Auckland District Court this afternoon. Illicit cigarettes and another large quantity of cash was found during today’s warrant (Monday). This follows from a series of search warrants that Customs, assisted by Police, executed last Friday (10 May) at three residential properties, a private catamaran, and a storage facility in the North Shore as well as a commercial business in Greenlane. Customs Investigations Manager, Dominic Adams, says “This issue is bigger than smuggling or selling cheap cigarettes. Customs is increasingly seeing that well-resourced organised criminal groups are often involved, with cigarette profits potentially being used to fund more serious crimes." Read more here https://lnkd.in/gnE_Dtw2

The New Zealand Traveller Declaration is now available in 14 languages on the NZTD webform! 💻 💡 Simply go online to https://lnkd.in/gbd6AuMv to start a declaration and click ‘select language’ at the bottom of the screen to see questions in your chosen language. This functionality is currently only available on the NZTD website and will be coming to the app soon. Note: Questions still need to be answered in English. Languages available include Te Reo Māori, 简体中文 / Chinese (Simplified), 繁體中文 / Chinese (Traditional), Vosa Vakaviti / Fijian, Français / French, Deutsch / German, हिंदी / Hindi, 日本語 / Japanese, 한국어 / Korean, Malay/Malaysian, Português / Portuguese, Gagana Samoa / Samoan, தமிழ் / Tamil and Lea Faka-Tonga / Tongan.

A woman has been jailed for five years and five months after attempting to smuggle 4.3 kilograms of cocaine hidden in her suitcase lining and cosmetics. The 42-year-old was arrested at Auckland Airport in April last year after Customs officers stopped her for questioning and a baggage search. Customs Manager Auckland Airport, Paul Williams, says this case is a great demonstration of vigilance at the border by our frontline officers. “Customs remains ever-alert in our daily fight to stop the flow of illegal drugs from entering New Zealand. Our officers are well-equipped to identify and stop people who think they can bring illegal substances into our communities.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gWyJygdp

A 36-year-old overseas national was sentenced in the Manukau District Court today to nine years and nine months jail after Customs officers found nearly 26 kilograms of methamphetamine in his luggage last year. This amount would have been worth up to $9 million on the street, and its seizure is estimated to have prevented up to $25.8 million in social harm and cost to New Zealand communities. Customs Manager Auckland Airport, Paul Williams described the case as a brazen smuggling attempt by a drug courier working for an organised crime group. “Customs’ advice to drug couriers and others who work for such drug syndicates is simple - don’t do it. The criminals you work for don’t care what happens to you or your families and you will get caught.” Read more here https://lnkd.in/gTZnRcjc Be on the lookout and remember, if you see unusual or suspicious activity or you know or suspect someone may be involved in illegal smuggling, call Customs’ 24-hour confidential hotline on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768).

Customs detector dog teams recently joined 17 fellow agencies for dog training workshops in Trentham, Wellington. The workshops were conducted by internationally recognised police dog trainer, Dick Staal, and covered detection, puppy development, and tracking. This was an amazing opportunity for Customs to be able to share and have discussions about our dog training programmes, as well as network, make new connections and build relationships. Chief Customs Officer Detector Dog Unit Danielle says, “This type of professional development has not been available in New Zealand, so we were really excited and interested in what Dick had to offer.”

The NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement enters into force today (1 May 2024), providing access to one of the world’s biggest trading markets. Learn more about what this means for traders here: https://lnkd.in/gmEAqw4V

Today, we acknowledge those who served to protect New Zealand and sacrificed their lives for our safety. And those that continue to serve each day to protect our nation and people. #wewillrememberthem

Five fast facts about NZTD 📲 1. It’s free and you can do it on the NZTD website or the app. 2. You can pre-plan your return to New Zealand. Start anytime and submit up to 24 hours before your flight. 3. You can edit it right up until passport control. 4. It’s linked to your passport so no need for printing. 5. If you’re a frequent flyer, you can create and save a personal profile on the NZTD app. And if you can’t complete a digital NZTD, paper forms are available. Visit https://lnkd.in/dpzurSbd to learn more.