New customs law proposed

In 2013, the Government launched a review into customs law in New Zealand. The Customs and Excise Bill is the result of that, seeking to replace the current Customs and Excise Act 1996 with clearer and more modern laws. The Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee are seeking public feedback on this bill.

The Customs and Excise Act 1996 applies to the movement of all goods, people, and craft into and out of New Zealand, enabling Customs to collect tax and enforce the law. The new bill would replace the Customs and Excise Act. It largely covers the same provisions as the current Act, but has been rewritten to be easier to understand. It also aims to modernise some of the powers within the law by:

• providing greater scope and flexibility to address smuggling and national security concerns,

• bringing Customs’ revenue system in line with changing trade patterns,

• increasing transparency around Customs’ obligations in respect of information,

• streamlining sections that have been repeatedly amended or use archaic language.

The bill has been drafted to ensure balance between protecting the nation’s interests and individuals’ rights, and to enable business and Customs to quickly adapt to future changes in technology and business practice.

Tell the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee what you think

Send your submission on the bill by midnight on Friday, 10 February 2017.

For more details about the bill:

• Read the full content of the bill

• Get more details about the bill

ENDS

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