BPL consultation 2021
09.00am 04 June 2021
Joint Public Consultation - Resetting the Border Processing Levies (the levies), also known as the Border Clearance Levy (BCL) for international travellers to New Zealand.
Customs and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) are the border agencies with the primary responsibility for processing travellers (both passengers and crew) arriving and departing New Zealand. The two agencies work together, along with other border agencies, to protect New Zealand from imported pests, diseases, illegal drugs, and contraband, and help to maintain NZ’s COVID-19 free status.
As part of the Government’s COVID-19 Aviation Relief Package, the Government suspended reviews of the Border Processing Levies for 12 months. The Government has agreed to fund the deficits in border processing services up to 30 June 2021 because of the extraordinary impacts of COVID-19.
The Government has directed Customs and MPI to consult on options for ensuring travellers resume paying the costs created by their travel. The levies ensure that NZ has a sustainable infrastructure to protect New Zealand’s borders, and help to maintain NZ’s COVID-19 free status as international travel options start to widen.
Customs and MPI are inviting feedback from the public, particularly those who are potentially impacted by the options in the attached consultation document.
A key principle of the levies is that users who create the need for services pay for those services via the levies. Although New Zealand is not ready to welcome cruise liners to our shores yet, when we are ready, the levies will be charged to cruise passengers as well.
You can find detailed information about the options, and supporting information, in the consultation document below.
The deadline for submissions is 9am (NZT) on Friday 2 July 2021.
For more information:
- Download the Border Processing Services consultation document (PDF 1 MB)
- Read the Frequently Asked Questions
Details on how to make a submission are included in Section 2 of the Consultation Document. If required, download a blank submission template (DOCX 86 KB).
Submissions can be emailed to LevyConsultation2021@customs.govt.nz or by post to:
BPL 2021 Consultation
New Zealand Customs Service
PO Box 2218
Wellington 6140
Customs and MPI welcome your feedback.