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The New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) is the government agency which protects the community from potential risks arising from international trade and travel, while also facilitating the legitimate movement of people and goods across the border. 

While originally goods had to come to New Zealand by air or by sea, these days the internet makes bringing in items a much easier proposal. Not only can people view, order and pay for goods from the other side of the world and have them arrive at their door within a few days, but also some things can be delivered instantly as downloads from websites based overseas.

Customs operates under the auspices of the Customs and Excise Act 1996 (CEA), which amongst other things prohibits the importation of objectionable material. “Importation” in this sense would include publications downloaded or ordered off the internet. The definition of 'objectionable' is set by the Films, Videos and Publications Classification Act 1993 (FVPCA).

The penalty for breaching the CEA and the FVPCA can be up to five years imprisonment, and offenders are caught and prosecuted on a regular basis.

Customs works with the New Zealand Police and the Department of Internal Affairs to complete many of its investigations. While each agency has its area of responsibility, the internet and the application of the FVPCA is part of the responsibility of all three government agencies and much has been achieved by them working together. All three agencies also work with Interpol and various government agencies around the world.

Any information you have that may assist the Customs Service can be sent to feedback@customs.govt.nz, or you can call them on 0800 4customs / 0800 428786.

Many thanks to the NZ Customs Service for this article.