New Zealand acts over Importation of Handheld Transceivers
/A Northland man who breached the Radiocommunications Act faces a fine of up to $30K
It relates to the importation of two types of handheld transceiver which should only have been sold to licensed radio amateurs.
New Zealand has specific regulations around the use of two-way radios. Concern about them led to the introduction of a Notice in 2018 banning the importation, sale and distribution of two-way radios without a special, endorsed licence.
“The man, who has interim name suppression, recently appeared in Whangārei District Court, pleading guilty to breaching the Radiocommunications Act 1989 by importing Prohibited Unrestricted 2 Radios without a licence. Scheduled for sentence later this year, he faces a fine of up to $30,000.”
The charge is related to a consignment of 50 Baofeng UV-5R and 2 Baofeng UV-82 two-way radios, which was addressed to the man's home and intercepted by Customs.
Radio Spectrum Management had previously issued Warning and Infringement Notices to the man for offering similar devices for sale via Trademe. The defendant continued to ignore these notices which culminated with the interception of the illegal radio transmitters and subsequent charges.
