My cargo was seized by Customs, what can I do?

Customs has powers under the Customs and Excise Act 2018 to detain and examine goods to check compliance with import prohibitions, restrictions, biosecurity requirements, intellectual property concerns or incorrect declarations. The specific process and timeframe depend on the reason for detention, for example whether it involves a biosecurity risk assessed under the Biosecurity Act 1993, an intellectual property issue such as suspected counterfeit goods, or a tariff or valuation query. Respond promptly to any request for information or documentation from Customs, and provide accurate supporting evidence, such as invoices, certificates of origin or compliance certifications. If goods are detained for an extended period without adequate explanation, you can request an update or escalate through Customs' contact channels, and in cases of dispute over classification or valuation you may be able to seek a review. Engaging a customs broker or lawyer experienced in these procedures can help resolve the matter faster.