Bringing in banned products gets costlier

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The instant fine for bringing banned products like fruit and meat into the country has been doubled to $400, which the Government says reflects the seriousness of the offence.

Conviction in court for the same offence has been raised from $400 to a maximum $1000.

The changes were enacted in the Biosecurity Amendment Bill which was passed last night while Parliament was sitting in urgency.

Biosecurity Minister David Carter said today there would be a crackdown on travellers who deliberately flouted the law.

"Travellers not declaring or disposing of products such as fruit and meat upon arrival pose a significant threat to New Zealand's economic, environmental and social wellbeing," he said.

"The doubling of the instant fine for not making such a declaration is an appropriate reflection of the seriousness of this offence and will increase awareness of New Zealand's strict biosecurity measures."

The bill was passed with unanimous support.

- NZPA