WHY DO I NEED A CUSTOMS CLEARANCE FOR IMPORTED GOODS?
All imported goods arriving in New Zealand are required by law to be cleared through the New Zealand Customs Service. Imported goods are subject to security requirements and the payment of import duty and GST charges. Customs undertakes security screening and collects revenue charges on behalf of the New Zealand Government.
WHAT IS A CUSTOMS CLEARANCE?
A Customs import clearance refers to the procedure where the importer of the goods is required to lodge an electronic declaration (import entry) covering the particulars of their imported goods, the payment of any revenue charges due and subsequent formal release of those goods by Customs
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR CLEARING COMMERCIAL IMPORT CONSIGNMENTS?
An electronic entry must be lodged.
In some cases, importers may also be asked to provide additional information such as:
• an airwaybill or bill of lading
• invoices
• other documents, such as packing lists, or insurance certificates
USING A CUSTOMS BROKER
Most Importers choose to use the Services of a Customs Broker to prepare and lodge Customs Entries on their behalf. Customs Brokers (such as Pengelly's) are trained professionals and have an intimate knowledge of the Tariff. In order to sign Entries - Individual Brokers are tested by Customs and given a "Pin" number which is used when signing entries.
What is the importer’s liability when a Customs broker clears the goods?
Where an importer uses the service of a Customs broker in the clearance of imported goods through Customs, any declarations or actions undertaken by
the broker in this process are deemed also to have been made by the importer.
The importer may also be liable for any or all penalties or additional duties that are incurred by the broker in this clearance process, for example, additional duties where payment is not made by due date.
Under Customs legislation, actions by the broker in the clearance process are regarded as being attributable to the importer, whether or not the broker is
within New Zealand or overseas
This is why it it is very important to choose your Broker wisely. Incorrect Entries can not only cost you penalties and back-duties, but also delay future shipments in the clearance procedure.
Pengelly's prides itself on our professionalism, our accuracy and knowledge in the Customs Clearance area,
WHO ELSE ACCESSES THE IMPORT ENTRY INFORMATION?
The information provided on the Customs entry form is supplied to Statistics New Zealand for the compilation of official international trade statistics. Individual Customs entries are aggregated and published monthly by commodity and country of origin/destination. No identifying details of individual exporters or importers are published. For more information see www.stats.govt.nz
