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Customs Officer

Customs officers control, monitor and administer the entry and departure of goods, vessels and people to and from New Zealand.

 

Tasks & duties

Customs officers may do some or all of the following:

  • inspect mail and imported goods for illegal items
  • patrol wharves and search ships and aircraft for prohibited and restricted goods
  • check passengers' passports and travel documents
  • check passengers for prohibited and restricted goods
  • assess and collect duty or GST on goods coming into the country
  • assess and collect taxes (excise duty) on alcohol and tobacco made within New Zealand
  • collect import and export data
  • keep records of exported goods
  • check exported goods for restricted or illegal items
  • conduct intelligence gathering and assess security risks
  • conduct drug and commercial investigations
  • administer computer-based customs declarations and enquiries

 

Skills & knowledge

Customs officers need to have:

  • knowledge of legislation relevant to customs work
  • understanding of customs procedures and policies
  • knowledge of border protection methods
  • knowledge of search and investigation techniques
  • skill in inspecting and evaluating people, goods and areas
  • excellent communication skills
  • analytical and problem-solving skills
  • planning skills
  • computer skills

 

Entry requirements

To be eligible to become a customs officer you need to be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident and hold a current driver's licence.

Trainee customs officers must complete a five-week residential induction training programme in Wellington and 18 weeks of on-the-job training, predominantly in Auckland.

Applicants must pass medical, drug and fitness tests, as well as undergo a police background check to assess their suitability for the work.

New Zealand Customs Service website – further information about job and training requirements

 

Secondary education

Level 2 NCEA or equivalent in English and maths is preferred.

 

Training on the job

Customs officers move around different areas of Customs to build on their skills and experience.

 

Useful experience

Being able to speak and understand other languages is useful.

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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