Electronic devices targeted in New Zealand Customs Law review

International travellers will be required to give New Zealand Customs officers passwords to their phone and computer data in certain conditions in a proposed Customs Law reform, Customs Minister Nicky Wagner said Thursday.

The government had agreed to a series of proposals that would modernize the Customs and Excise Act to strengthen border management, streamline the excise system, and address a range of issues for New Zealand businesses, Wagner said in a statement.

"The changes will make the Act simpler, more efficient and increase transparency for businesses who import and export. We have worked with the sector and implemented many of the changes they have advocated for," Wagner said.

The government had also agreed in principle that Customs needed to meet a statutory threshold before examining electronic devices.

"We have asked Customs to do further work on what this would look like in practice and report back prior to introduction of the Bill. The government has also agreed in principle that, once the threshold is met, a person should have to assist Customs with the examination if asked," she said.

"The changes to the Act will allow Customs to concentrate on high-risk goods and travellers, and make life simpler for the vast majority of traders and travellers who willingly comply with their legal obligations."

A report on submission for the legislation review said Customs currently examined electronic devices for two broad reasons: to verify information provided by people; and to detect evidence of offending, such as the importation of objectionable material or controlled drugs and prohibited and controlled material, such as prohibited weapons.

A Bill would be drafted for introduction to Parliament this year. Endit