Spirits NZ Welcomes Changes to Customs and Excise Act

Spirits New Zealand Welcomes Changes to Customs and Excise Act

Wellington, May 19

Spirits NZ has welcomed government’s announcement today that it will streamline the excise payment system for alcohol manufacturers as part of its review of the Customs and Excise Act.

“Customs Minister Wagner’s announcement that excise on alcohol manufactured in New Zealand will only be applied as the product effectively enters the market is both pragmatic and sensible,” said Spirits NZ Chief Executive, Robert Brewer.

“The changes will not only reduce alcohol manufacturers’ administration costs it will also mean that product will be more easily and efficiently moved between Customs Controlled Areas,” said Mr Brewer.

Significant industry consultation had been entered into by the Customs Ministry over the last 12 – 18 months to better understand the issues alcohol manufacturers faced with the current system.

“The Customs Service should be congratulated on the consultation process they have run to get us to this point,” said Mr Brewer.

“As always in these processes not everything tabled by industry was necessarily accepted.

“However Customs’ desire to listen and to jointly seek workable outcomes has resulted in the development of a more efficient and practical system."

ENDS

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