If you are intending to export or import high-value goods (i.e. value of NZ$1,000 or greater), please apply for a client code in advance from the New Zealand Customs Service, in order to avoid delays in sending or receiving your shipment.

A client code (a unique number which identifies the exporter or importer) is required to be shown on export and import entries. Client codes are only issued to New Zealand entities (such as registered New Zealand companies). Applications for client codes should be made to your local Customs office, supported by evidence of identity.

For further information, please visit:
Customs New Zealand

The Customs Legislation Amendment (New Zealand Rules of Origin) Bill 2006 was recently passed through Parliament and became law. The Bill introduced new rules of origin for goods traded across the Tasman.

In short, the Bill provides new product specific rules for determining whether goods are New Zealand originating goods, including the change in tariff classification method. The rules are similar to those that apply under the Australia-United States and the Thailand-Australia free trade agreements.

The new product specific rules of origin are intended to replace the existing regional value content rules of origin, but both sets of rules will operate concurrently from 1 January 2007 until 31 December 2011, when the regional value content rules of origin will be repealed.

The Bill also proposes that specific requirements be established in respect of the retention and maintenance of records where a preferential rate of duty is being claimed.

Full details of this matter can be found on Australian Customs Notice 2006/54 and 2006/64. Importers of 'New Zealand Origin' goods and exporters of 'Australian Origin' goods are encouraged to investigate the proposed changes in greater detail.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS) regulate the imports of the following animals, and products made from these animals:
" non-domesticated animals;
" animals defined by FWS to be endangered or threatened species and products thereof and enforce the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

What is required to import into the US
" The commercial invoice must include the detailed description of the commodity common name, genus name and country of origin.
" If the commodity is control by CITES the original CITES certificate for Endangered Species is required for clearance in the USA (See attached example of a CITIES certificate).
" Any Export/Import Permits
" Any Re-export certificates

Impact to the U.S.
Failure to follow the procedures listed above will result in either shipment delays, seizure of shipment by Customs Border Protection (CBP) and the US Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS). In addition, the Importer as well as DHL may be fined penalties of $25,000 USD.

Further information on Fish and Wildlife commodities can be found under the following websites below.
http://www.fws.gov/
http://ecos.fws.gov/tess_public/StartTESS.do

The New Zealand Customs Service has advised DHL that an increase in the Import Entry Transaction Fee will take place shortly. The Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry (MAF) will impose a Biosecurity Risk Screening Levy of NZ$3.38 (incl. GST), which will apply to all import consignments that undergo formal entry processing. The new fee will be collected by Customs on MAF's behalf.

Therefore from 1 October 2006, the Import Entry Transaction Fee levied by Customs on all formal entries lodged by DHL on your behalf, will increase from NZ$22.00 to NZ$25.38. These charges are paid directly to Customs by DHL at the time the formal entry is completed, and are recharged to the importer of record (excluding Delivery Duty Paid shipments which are reversed to the origin shipper, and Customs Deferred Account holders who will be billed directly by Customs). For further information, please refer to www.customs.govt.nz.

The cost recovery charges set by the Australian Customs Service has recently been amended in the Import Processing Charges Regulations 2005.

From Wednesday 10 May 2006 the charge levied by Australian Customs on all formal entries lodged by DHL increased from $44.10 to $54.20.

The new $54.20 charge levied by Customs is made up of the following elements:

1. $40.20 Customs Air and Post Import Entry Charge. This fee is charged for lodging an electronic entry with Customs.

2. $14.00 AQIS Entry Charge. AQIS electronically screen all inbound shipments to protect Australia's flora and fauna.

These charges are paid directly to Customs by DHL at the time the formal entry is completed and are recharged to the importer into Australia (excluding DDP shipments which are reversed to the origin shipper). Click the following to read the Australian Customs Notice (ACN) 2006/21 for a complete schedule of the revised charges.

Did you know that at the close of 2005 importing into Australia became easier and cheaper, thanks to changes in the Customs Act?

In the past, goods imported into Australia through avenues other than by post (that is by sea and air cargo) that had a value of above AU$250 were subject to formal import entry - and the additional fees and time this involved. In October 2005 Australian Customs lifted this value in line with the postal channel - to a value not exceeding AU$1000.

This means that when you are exporting to Australia you will not be levied duty and taxes unless the value of your goods are over AU$1000.

Please note that consignments containing tobacco, tobacco products or alcoholic beverages are excluded. This means that duty and tax must be paid on these products, irrespective of value.