Azis Global Investments Limited and Air Customs have today been sentenced to fines of $21,000 and $10,500, respectively, in the Auckland District Court. The sentencing follows guilty pleas from the Auckland-based freight forwarding companies on 4 March 2024, to charges filed by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Azis Global Investments previously held a regulated air cargo agent (RACA) certificate which was suspended by the CAA on 7 July 2022. It continued to act as a RACA without a certificate and was subsequently charged for acting without the necessary aviation document under section 46 of the Civil Aviation Act 1990, facing a maximum penalty of $100,000.
On 16 November 2022 Air Customs NZ Limited issued two declarations of security for cargo consignments which had been transported by Azis Global Investments Limited, and which had not been subjected to the appropriate security control procedures thereby breaching Civil Aviation Rules. It was charged for two breaches of the Civil Aviation (Offences) Regulations 2006, facing a maximum penalty of $50,000 for each offence.
CAA’s Deputy Chief Executive Aviation Security and Infrastructure Mike Hill acknowledged New Zealand’s responsibilities as a signatory to the 1944 ‘Chicago Convention’ to ensure that international civil aviation, and the movement of aviation cargo within that system, is secure and in accordance with international standards.
“The CAA’s primary focus is in ensuring the safe and secure operation of our aviation system to protect New Zealanders and the travelling public, and Civil Aviation Rules place significant trust and responsibility upon RACA certificated companies to discharge the security obligations that underpin New Zealand’s secure aviation supply chain,” he said.
“The sentences today are a welcome confirmation that compromising aviation safety and security will not be tolerated.”
Civil Aviation (Offences) Regulations 2006 – Schedule 1(external link)
Civil Aviation Act 1990 S46(external link)
Civil Rule Part 109 – RACA certification
027 763 0000 | media@caa.govt.nz
