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Customs and Excise Act 2018

Final and miscellaneous provisions - Offences - Interference with goods or cargo

362: Unauthorised use of seals, interference with sealed Customs packages, etc

You could also call this:

"Don't mess with Customs seals or packages, or you could get a big fine."

Illustration for Customs and Excise Act 2018

If you use a Customs-approved export seal without permission, you commit an offence. You also commit an offence if you alter or interfere with a Customs-approved export seal on a package of goods. This includes damaging or disposing of the seal.

If you use a special seal or marking on a secure package in the wrong way, you commit an offence. You can find out more about these special seals in clause 2(a)(ii) of Schedule 6. You commit an offence if you add goods to a sealed Customs package.

If you commit one of these offences, you can get a fine. As an individual, your fine can be up to $5,000. As a company, your fine can be up to $25,000.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM7039824.

Topics:
Crime and justice > Criminal lawBusiness > Industry rulesMoney and consumer rights > Consumer protection
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361: Interference with seals, etc, or

"Don't touch or break Customs seals or locks without permission"

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"Breaking the law by not following entry rules can lead to fines of up to $1,000 for individuals or $5,000 for companies."

Part 6Final and miscellaneous provisions
Offences: Interference with goods or cargo

362Unauthorised use of seals, interference with sealed Customs packages, etc

  1. A person commits an offence if the person, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse,—

  2. uses a Customs-approved export seal in relation to a package of goods; or
    1. alters, removes, damages, disposes of, or otherwise interferes with a Customs-approved export seal used in relation to a package of goods; or
      1. uses an approved seal, marking, substance, or device of a kind referred to in clause 2(a)(ii) of Schedule 6 in relation to a Customs-approved secure package otherwise than in accordance with the relevant Customs-approved secure exports scheme; or
        1. tampers or interferes with a sealed Customs package by adding other goods to the goods that were in the package when the package was secured.

          1. A person who commits an offence under this section is liable on conviction,—

          2. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $5,000:
            1. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $25,000.

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