Customs and Excise Act 2018

Final and miscellaneous provisions - Offences - Other offences

388: Offences in relation to importation or exportation of prohibited goods

You could also call this:

"Breaking the rules about bringing in or taking out banned goods can get you in trouble"

Illustration for Customs and Excise Act 2018

If you import or export prohibited goods without a good reason, you can get in trouble. You do something wrong if you bring prohibited goods into New Zealand, or take them out of a Customs-controlled area. You also do something wrong if you export prohibited goods, or try to export them.

If you break the rules, you might have to pay a fine. If you are an individual, the fine can be up to $5,000. If you are a company, the fine can be up to $25,000. You must follow the rules, like the ones in section 97(8)(a), and the rules about licences and permits, like the ones in section 95A, 96, or 97.

You must do what the rules say, or you can get in trouble.

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This page was last updated on 1 October 2025

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM7039857.

Topics:

Crime and justice > Criminal lawMoney and consumer rights > Consumer protectionEnvironment and resources > ConservationBusiness > Industry rules

387: Offences in relation to use of goods, or

"Breaking the rules about using goods you bring into New Zealand can get you in trouble"

389: Offences in relation to knowingly importing or exporting prohibited goods, or

"Breaking the law by importing or exporting banned goods can lead to punishment."

Part 6Final and miscellaneous provisions
Offences: Other offences

388Offences in relation to importation or exportation of prohibited goods

A person commits an offence if the person, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse,—
imports into New Zealand, or unships or lands in New Zealand, any prohibited imports; or
exports, or transports with intent to export, from New Zealand any prohibited exports; or
fails to comply with section 97(8)(a); or
removes from any Customs-controlled area any prohibited imports; or
fails to comply with a term or condition of a licence, permit, or consent to import or export goods whose importation or exportation is otherwise prohibited under section 95A, 96, or 97.

A person who commits an offence under this section is liable on conviction,—
in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $5,000:
in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $25,000.

Compare

1996 No 27 s 209(1)(a), (b), (ca), (d), (f), (3)

Notes

Section 388(1)(e): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 13 of the Customs and Excise (Tobacco) Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 16).