The instant fine for travellers who fail to declare products such as fruit and meat when they arrive in New Zealand is to be doubled to $400.
The Biosecurity Amendment Bill passed its final reading in Parliament on Thursday night.
The legislation increases the instant fine, and raises the maximum penalty for conviction in court for the same offence from $400 to $1000.
Biosecurity Minister David Carter says the levy increases, along with a move away from 100% bag screening, will be in place at airports by March next year.
