A new gazette order has been issued affecting how certain customs licence applications are processed. The Customs (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2026, gazetted as P.U. (A) 310, amends subregulation 26(3) of the Customs Regulations 2019. This subregulation applies to businesses applying for a licence to operate a bonded warehouse, a manufacturing warehouse, a duty-free shop, an inland clearance depot, or a petroleum supply base under the Customs Act 1967.

Previously, such an application had to be submitted together with approval from the relevant local authority to construct or set up the facility. The amendment adds the words "or government agencies" after "local authorities" in the subregulation. This means the required approval can now come from a local authority or a government agency, rather than a local authority alone.

The changes come into operation on 31 August 2026. Businesses currently applying for, or planning to apply for, a customs licence involving a warehouse, duty-free shop, inland clearance depot, or petroleum supply base should take note that the range of bodies whose approval is recognised under this provision has been widened.

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