Latest news with #NewZealandCustomsService
Scoop
10-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Welcoming Closer Ties With Singapore
The New Zealand Customs Service hosted a week-long visit by a group of senior officials from Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Led by Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Mr. Hsu Sin Yun, the delegation's visit to New Zealand (7-11 July 2025) was centred on the use of technology to enhance border security, with a focus on fast freight and cargo-related operations. New Zealand Customs' Deputy Chief Executive International and Governance Joe Cannon said ICA's visit will further strengthen New Zealand's cooperative relationship with Singapore, which is a world-leader in the use of digital technology at the border. 'Singapore is a major global trading hub and while there is currently good cooperation between New Zealand and Singapore's border agencies, there is an opportunity to deepen our links and share knowledge that will help us strengthen our response to transnational and serious organised crime.' 'ICA's visit is a great opportunity to recognise a highly valued relationship as we work towards protecting our communities from the scourge of the illicit drug trade and help create opportunities for a more prosperous Indo-Pacific region,' Mr Cannon said. ICA is responsible for the clearance and inspection of passengers, goods, and vehicles entering Singapore. Their priority is identifying and targeting risks associated with trade and travel. ICA's Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Mr. Hsu Sin Yun said: 'The visit to the New Zealand Customs Service has been both insightful and thought provoking. I would like to express my greatest appreciation to New Zealand Customs for the warm hospitality and comprehensive sharing. And I look forward to strengthening and deepening the collaboration between our agencies.' The Singaporean delegation visited Customs sites in Auckland and Wellington including Auckland International Airport, the Integrated Targeting and Operations Centre, and the newly opened Auckland Processing Centre. There were a wide range of topics discussed during the visit including utilising technology to combat transnational and serious organised crime, criminal threats from inside the supply chain, ongoing eGate development, and staff training. This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Singapore. This visit supports the New Zealand Government's objective of enhancing New Zealand's strategic relationship with Singapore. Notes: New Zealand has more free trade agreements (FTAs) with Singapore than with any other country [Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade]. New Zealand Customs has a Mutual Recognition Arrangement in place with Singapore, which recognises supply chain security standards and grants authorised traders access to fast-track customs processing in both countries. In 2024, Customs signed a cooperation arrangement on Facilitating Safe and Efficient Trade with Singapore Customs and Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority. This set out a framework for developing and strengthening practical cooperation on trade and the use of emerging technology. Eligible New Zealand and Singapore citizens can use e-Gate/Frequent Traveller Programme facilities when arriving and departing from each other's airports, enabling easier access through borders for travellers.
Scoop
22-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Speeding Up Customs Clearance Of Fresh Foods Exports Into China
The New Zealand Customs Service and the General Administration of China Customs (China Customs) have agreed a new pilot to trial speedier border clearance for airfreighted fresh foods. The pilot was announced on 20 June 2025 by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during his recent trade visit to China. Comptroller and Chief Executive of the New Zealand Customs Service Christine Stevenson was in Beijing to support Prime Minister Luxon's delegation. The pilot will see both customs agencies expedite the clearance of fresh food produce before its arrival into Auckland International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Ms Stevenson said this pilot would reduce the need for documentation checks, resulting in faster access to the Chinese market for a range of items including fresh seafood, meat, dairy and fruit. 'We know that it is important for New Zealand businesses to be able to get the fresh food they are sending cleared on the same day it arrives into China, so that their high-quality products can be at restaurants or on the shelves of supermarkets that same evening. 'This trial will give our exporters increased certainty that their high-value produce will be processed with minimal delay when they arrive into Shanghai, ensuring the produce is in optimal condition for Chinese consumers. 'Low-risk goods from China entering New Zealand through Auckland will similarly receive reciprocal treatment at our border,' said Ms Stevenson. Over the last 12 months (1 May 2024 to 30 April 2025) New Zealand exporters airfreighted over NZ$221 million dollars' worth of fresh food to Shanghai. During the trade visit, Prime Minister Luxon also announced a Customs Arrangement to identify areas for improving trade efficiency on Single Window, the New Zealand automated system that is used by traders and supply chain partners to submit craft and cargo information to border agencies. Fresh food airfreight exporters can register their interest in further updates from Customs on the fresh food pilot by emailing ses@ with the subject line 'China Pilot'. More information about exporting to China is available on Customs' website at
Scoop
06-06-2025
- Scoop
Customs Arrests 19-year-old Passenger With 15 Kilograms Of Methamphetamine And Cocaine
Press Release – New Zealand Customs Service A 19-year-old Kiwi national has been arrested at Auckland International Airport after Customs officers found an estimated 15 kilograms of methamphetamine and cocaine in his luggage. The passenger was referred for a baggage check after arriving on a flight from Los Angeles on Thursday 5 June. An examination of the suitcase identified 15 vacuum-sealed packets – 13 of which contained methamphetamine, with an estimated weight of 13 kilograms. The remaining two packets were found to contain cocaine, with an estimated weight of two kilograms. Removing this amount of methamphetamine from the market has prevented up to NZ$13 million worth of social harm and cost, and if sold in retail amounts, it would be worth approximately NZ$3.9 million. The seized cocaine has prevented up to $747,160 worth of social harm and cost, and would have had a street value of approximately NZ$776,000. Customs Auckland Airport Manager, Paul Williams, says transnational criminal syndicates will prey on the young and vulnerable, but anyone caught up in this sort of crime faces the harshest penalties. 'Organised crime groups do not care how much life you have ahead of you. In this instance, a teenager is looking at life imprisonment for the importation and possession for supply of Class A drugs.' Mr Williams adds that Customs officers are trained and committed to blocking any attempt to get drugs or other harmful substances across our border, and the volume of record seizures at Auckland Airport already this year is testament to that. Suspicions about drug smuggling can be reported by calling 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) in confidence, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Scoop
05-06-2025
- Scoop
Auckland Man Sentenced For Smuggling Card-Skimming Equipment
Press Release – New Zealand Customs Service A Customs investigation has resulted in the sentencing of a 21-year-old Auckland man to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision for smuggling card-skimming equipment. The defendant appeared in the Auckland District Court yesterday (4 June 2025) and was convicted for knowingly importing goods for dishonest purposes under the Customs and Excise Act 2018 and possessing goods designed with intent to facilitate the commission of crimes involving dishonesty under the Crimes Act 1961. This sentencing concludes a case in which a second man, also a 21-year-old from Auckland, was sentenced in the Auckland District Court in November 2024 to 10 months' home detention for the same charges. Customs officers intercepted an air freight package in April 2023, that hid a card-skimming device sent from the United States. Further investigations identified that between March and July 2023, the defendants had smuggled up to 12 packages into New Zealand, which contained ATM card-skimming equipment. This was concealed in low-value electronic goods such as air fryers, used laptops, and TV antennas. The packages were sent to fictitious names at parcel collection lockers throughout Auckland. The two defendants then targeted ATMs and parking machines, including at a hospital carpark. A Customs search at the home address of the man sentenced today unveiled evidence including retail rewards cards which held skimmed bank data, and a cash counting machine. Further analysis by Customs Electronic Forensic Investigators identified card-reading software on the man's laptop. In total NZ$60,477.61 had been successfully withdrawn by the two men, with a further NZ$21,500 of attempted or declined withdrawals. Chief Customs Officer – Fraud and Prohibition, Nigel Barnes, said Customs takes card-skimming crimes very seriously and is actively investigating and prosecuting the criminal syndicates operating in New Zealand. 'Card-skimming is a financial crime that directly targets unsuspecting New Zealanders going about their daily business, and which causes a lot of stress for victims when they discover their card has been used to withdraw large sums without their knowledge. 'Customs will do our part in stopping these devices getting into New Zealand, and prosecuting those involved in bringing them in,' Mr Barnes says. Tips to keep yourself safe Do a quick assessment of an ATM before using it to check that nothing looks tampered with; Cover the keypad when you're entering a PIN; If you suspect your card has been skimmed, block your card immediately and contact your bank. Visit Customs' Border Protect webpage or call Customs on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) confidentially, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, if you have information regarding unusual or suspicious activity.
Scoop
04-06-2025
- Scoop
Auckland Man Sentenced For Smuggling Card-Skimming Equipment
Press Release – New Zealand Customs Service This sentencing concludes a case in which a second man, also a 21-year-old from Auckland, was sentenced in the Auckland District Court in November 2024 to 10 months home detention for the same charges. A Customs investigation has resulted in the sentencing of a 21-year-old Auckland man to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision for smuggling card-skimming equipment. The defendant appeared in the Auckland District Court yesterday (4 June 2025) and was convicted for knowingly importing goods for dishonest purposes under the Customs and Excise Act 2018 and possessing goods designed with intent to facilitate the commission of crimes involving dishonesty under the Crimes Act 1961. This sentencing concludes a case in which a second man, also a 21-year-old from Auckland, was sentenced in the Auckland District Court in November 2024 to 10 months' home detention for the same charges. Customs officers intercepted an air freight package in April 2023, that hid a card-skimming device sent from the United States. Further investigations identified that between March and July 2023, the defendants had smuggled up to 12 packages into New Zealand, which contained ATM card-skimming equipment. This was concealed in low-value electronic goods such as air fryers, used laptops, and TV antennas. The packages were sent to fictitious names at parcel collection lockers throughout Auckland. The two defendants then targeted ATMs and parking machines, including at a hospital carpark. A Customs search at the home address of the man sentenced today unveiled evidence including retail rewards cards which held skimmed bank data, and a cash counting machine. Further analysis by Customs Electronic Forensic Investigators identified card-reading software on the man's laptop. In total NZ$60,477.61 had been successfully withdrawn by the two men, with a further NZ$21,500 of attempted or declined withdrawals. Chief Customs Officer – Fraud and Prohibition, Nigel Barnes, said Customs takes card-skimming crimes very seriously and is actively investigating and prosecuting the criminal syndicates operating in New Zealand. 'Card-skimming is a financial crime that directly targets unsuspecting New Zealanders going about their daily business, and which causes a lot of stress for victims when they discover their card has been used to withdraw large sums without their knowledge. 'Customs will do our part in stopping these devices getting into New Zealand, and prosecuting those involved in bringing them in,' Mr Barnes says. Tips to keep yourself safe Do a quick assessment of an ATM before using it to check that nothing looks tampered with; Cover the keypad when you're entering a PIN; If you suspect your card has been skimmed, block your card immediately and contact your bank. Visit Customs' Border Protect webpage or call Customs on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) confidentially, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, if you have information regarding unusual or suspicious activity.
