Unlocking the Chinese market: A guide to shipping from New Zealand

China stands as a significant trading partner for New Zealand, presenting lucrative opportunities for businesses seeking to expand their reach. While New Zealand's top exports to China traditionally include dairy, meat, wood, and travel-related services¹, there's vast potential to diversify and deepen trade relations.

Recent data reveals a slight dip in New Zealand's exports to the region. The share of total New Zealand exports to China decreased from 31.6% in 2021 to 25% in 2024, with export values declining from a peak of $20.1 billion in 2022 to $17.8 billion in 2024². This indicates an exciting opportunity for New Zealand businesses to revitalize their exports to China and tap into the vast Chinese market with new strategies and a renewed focus on understanding the evolving needs and preferences of Chinese consumers.

However, successfully navigating the Chinese market requires a comprehensive understanding of how to export to China effectively, including its import regulations, shipping processes, and cultural nuances. This guide will provide New Zealand businesses with the essential knowledge and resources to unlock the potential of shipping from New Zealand to China with an expert international logistics service provider like DHL Express.

Understanding China's import regulations

Before shipping from New Zealand to China, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with China's import regulations to best ensure compliance and avoid costly delays or penalties.

Product restrictions and prohibitions

China maintains a list of restricted and prohibited items that are not allowed to be imported into the country. These import restrictions include:

• Certain food products
• Animal products
• Chemicals
• Weapons
• Counterfeit goods

It's essential to consult the official list of prohibited items and ensure your products comply with these regulations before initiating the shipping process. For the most updated information, consult the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China website.

Labeling and packaging requirements

China has specific labeling and packaging requirements for imported goods. For example, labels must be in Chinese and include information such as product name, ingredients, origin, and manufacturer details. Packaging must also meet specific standards to ensure product safety and prevent damage during transit³.

Furthermore, many products, including electronics, must receive a China Compulsory Certification (CCC) marking before they can be sold in China. This involves an application and testing process, and the CCC mark must be physically applied to the products before they enter the Chinese market3.

It's important to note that these are just general guidelines, and there may be more specific labeling requirements depending on the type of product being imported. Hence, consulting with the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China is crucial.

Customs procedures and documentation

Importing goods into China involves navigating the country’s import customs clearance process. This includes providing necessary documentation such as a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin. 

Choosing the right shipping method

Aside from pre-shipping procedures like ensuring compliance with import regulations and proper documentation, you also need to find the right method to ship your goods to China. Several shipping methods are available for transporting goods from New Zealand to China, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

• Sea freight: Shipping to China by sea is a cost-effective option, especially for large or bulky shipments. However, it has longer transit times, which may not be suitable for time-sensitive goods.

• Air freight: Air freight to China offers faster delivery times compared to sea freight, making it ideal for time-sensitive or high-value shipments. However, air freight is generally more expensive.

• Express Shipping: Express shipping provides the fastest delivery option and is suitable for urgent and smaller shipments. While it comes at a higher cost, express shipping offers speed, reliability, and door-to-door delivery services.

Factors to Consider

When dealing with how to import from and export to China, choosing the right shipping method depends on several factors:

• Type of goods: Consider the size, weight, and nature of the goods being shipped.
• Budget: Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different shipping methods.
• Delivery time: Assess the urgency of the shipment and the required delivery timeframe.

Logistics solutions and services

Various logistics solutions and services can assist local businesses in exporting to China, such as:

• Freight Forwarders: Freight forwarders specialize in managing the logistics process, including documentation, customs clearance, and transportation. They can provide valuable expertise and streamline the shipping process for businesses.
• Warehousing and Distribution: Utilizing warehousing and distribution services in China can help businesses store and distribute their goods efficiently, reducing lead times and improving customer satisfaction.
• Insurance and Risk Management: Shipping insurance is crucial for protecting shipments from potential losses or damages during transit. Implementing risk management strategies can further mitigate potential disruptions to the supply chain.

DHL Express: Your shipping partner to China

DHL Express offers a comprehensive range of international logistics services and shipping solutions to support New Zealand businesses in their exporting strategies, such as:

• Express shipping services: DHL provides fast and reliable international delivery options for various shipment sizes and types, ensuring timely delivery of your goods to China.
• Customs expertise: Our team of experts provides guidance and support with China's import customs clearance process and documentation, ensuring compliance and minimizing delays.
• End-to-end logistics solutions: DHL offers comprehensive international logistics services, including freight forwarding, warehousing, and distribution, to streamline your supply chain and optimize your operations.
• Technology and tracking: Our advanced tracking tools and digital solutions provide real-time visibility and control over your shipments, enabling proactive monitoring and efficient management of your logistics.

Tips for Successful Shipping to China

Here are some additional tips for local businesses shipping with DHL Express to China:

• Follow packaging and labeling procedures: Ensure your goods are packaged securely and labeled correctly to protect them during transit and comply with China's import regulations. Pay special attention to fragile items or electronic goods, which may require additional packaging and handling to prevent damage during shipping.
• Ensure accurate documentation: Provide accurate and complete shipping documents to avoid customs delays and penalties. DHL Express can assist you with documentation and ensure compliance with all requirements if needed.
• Utilize communication and tracking tools: Maintain proactive communication with your logistics providers and utilize tracking tools to monitor your shipments in real time.
• Be culturally aware: Understanding Chinese business culture and etiquette can help you build strong relationships with your partners and customers in China.

Navigating the path to success in China

Successfully navigating the Chinese market requires a clear understanding of import restrictions, choosing the right shipping method, and leveraging logistics solutions effectively. By partnering with DHL Express, you can leverage our expertise in international trade logistics and international shipping services to streamline your operations and unlock the vast potential of the Chinese market.

Open a DHL Express business account today and let us support your import-export endeavors with our reliable and efficient shipping solutions.