The instant fine at the border will double from $200 to $400. If an instant fine is unsuccessfully contested in court, the penalty will be $1,000 plus court costs.
“Biosecurity risk goods brought into New Zealand, deliberately or accidentally, could introduce pests and diseases that could damage our natural resources, threaten our economy, and undermine our way of life,” says Theresa Morrissey, MAFBNZ’s Director of Passenger Clearance.
“Raising the infringement fine to $400 sends a signal that we take border biosecurity very seriously. It will provide travellers with an added incentive to comply with New Zealand’s biosecurity laws.”
An infringement notice is issued when a passenger doesn’t fully or truthfully declare biosecurity risk goods - whether accidental or not - on their Passenger Arrival Card when entering New Zealand.
Travellers entering New Zealand won’t be fined if they read the Passenger Arrival Card thoroughly and declare any biosecurity risk goods on it, or dispose of them in one of the amnesty bins at their point of arrival. If unsure of anything, they can ask one of the MAFBNZ Inspectors.
Airport signage and information materials will be updated to reflect the change and improved payment options will be available for passengers who are fined.
MAFBNZ is charged with protecting New Zealand from exotic pests and diseases that could devastate our environment and economy.
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