Shipping from India to New Zealand: A guide for new exporters

India and New Zealand share a longstanding and warm relationship, reflected in their growing trade partnership. As of June 2025, bilateral trade between the two nations reached NZ$3.68 billion annually¹, and this relationship is only set to strengthen further with the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which was concluded in December 2025 and will introduce duty-free imports from India beginning in the second half of 2026².

This growing partnership creates exciting opportunities for businesses on both sides. While it’s no surprise that New Zealand products remain popular overseas, there's equally strong demand flowing in the opposite direction. Indian products are increasingly sought after in New Zealand, which can be attributed to the fact that Indians made up the second-largest share of New Zealand's international student count.

Tapping into this trend, your business can benefit greatly when importing items from India, which can include an assortment of products, from textiles to Indian snacks to festive goodies. While first-time exporters may encounter challenges when shipping from India to New Zealand, such as navigating permit requirements, biosecurity checks, and documentation standards, having the right knowledge and preparation makes these steps straightforward. With proper planning, you can successfully tap into this growing market opportunity.

This guide will help you understand how you can export from India to New Zealand successfully. We'll walk you through the essential steps to prepare your shipments, comply with Indian and Kiwi import/export regulations to ensure smooth, efficient delivery.

Common imports from India to New Zealand

Understanding the common imports from India into New Zealand can provide valuable insights for businesses looking to cater to the Indian diaspora or tap into emerging market opportunities. Based on 2024 trade data³, the top import categories include:

• Pharmaceutical products (USD $81.43m)
• Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers (USD$70.16m)
• Other made textile articles, sets, worn clothing (USD$46.16m)
• Vehicles other than railway, tramway (USD$38.50m)
• Electrical, electronic equipment (USD$38.24m)
• Pearls, precious stones, metals, coins (USD$36.62m)
• Paper and paperboard, articles of pulp, paper and board (USD$28.06m)

These import categories reveal opportunities for your business. By analyzing current trade volumes, you can identify market gaps or use this data to tailor your product selection, sourcing specific items that resonate with the Indian community in New Zealand, such as authentic snacks, traditional clothing, or cultural goods that aren't readily available locally.

How to check prohibited and restricted goods

When you're learning how to export from India, understanding which goods you can legally ship is your first critical step. Exported goods designated for international shipping  are categorised into three categories:

1. Freely exportable
2. Restricted
3. Prohibited

These categories are based on the Indian Trade Clarification (ITC), which uses the Harmonised System of Nomenclature (HSN) coding to classify goods for export.

Understanding export categories

*The list in the table is non-exhaustive. Regulations regarding prohibited and restricted items for international shipping from India are subject to change. Always verify the latest official guidelines before you start importing into New Zealand.

Under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, goods that are not listed as prohibited or restricted are considered freely exportable, subject to compliance with any other applicable laws in force at the time of export.

Do note that your imported goods must also comply with the New Zealand customs laws post-shipping before they’re allowed to enter the country.

Understanding shipping regulations on both sides

Successfully shipping goods from India to New Zealand requires navigating two distinct regulatory frameworks. Let's break down what you need to know.

Export regulations from India

India's export framework is governed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), which administers export policies through the Indian Trade Classification (ITC-HS) system. The ITC provides detailed classifications for all exportable goods and specifies which items require licenses or permits.

How to obtain an export licence to ship restricted items

If your products fall into the restricted category, you'll need to get an export license from the DGFT.

To obtain an export licence, here are some key documents you need:

• ANF-1 form with the exporter and importer profiles
• ANF-2N form for the export licence application of restricted items
• A copy of the purchase orders, import orders or contractual agreements between the exporter and importer
• Receipt of the application fee
• PAN card
• Identity and address proof
• Bank certificate

Then, apply for the licence from DGFT, following these steps:

1. Go to the Online ECOM Application section under services on the DGFT website.
2. Select 'Restricted Export Item'.
3. Complete the application online.
4. Send a copy of the application and the mandatory documents in PDF format to export-dgft@nic.in.

You may also need other permits and licenses, including:

• Importer-Exporter Code (IEC): Mandatory for most export businesses, this can be filed online via the DGFT website after filling out the ANF 2A form.
• Registration cum membership certificate (RCMC): You’ll need to obtain the RCMC if you’re shipping products that are registered with an agency authorized by the Government of India.

Import regulations into New Zealand

If you are shipping to New Zealand, be aware of the country’s import regulations concerning customs duties and Goods and Services Tax (GST). These will add to your courier charges and affect your shipping cost from India. 

• Duty threshold: New Zealand Customs does not collect duty, fees, or GST on shipments valued at NZ$1000 or less.
• Exclusions from duty threshold: Exemption from the duty threshold does not apply to alcohol or tobacco products, which are subject to charges regardless of value.
• Combined shipments: If multiple orders from the same supplier arrive on the same day, they are treated as one shipment and may exceed the NZ$1000 threshold.
• Goods and Services Tax (GST): A 15% GST applies to almost all imported items, including online purchases and gifts. The GST is calculated on the total value, including insurance and freight costs. As the exporter, you're responsible for ensuring this tax is paid before goods are released from Customs, which adds to your total import costs.

Preparing your shipping documents

When shipping goods from India to New Zealand, there are several important documents that need to be prepared and submitted to the appropriate authorities. These include:

Here's what you need to prepare, organized by importance and likelihood of requirement.

Documents you will almost always need

These are the essential documents every shipment from India needs for export:

• Commercial invoice cum packing list: Indian customs have streamlined this into a single document. The commercial invoice indicates the value of your products, while the packing list provides detailed information about the individual items in your parcel, including quantities, weights, and descriptions.
• Shipping bill: Issued by the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE), this document provides comprehensive details about the goods being exported, including applicable charges such as freight, insurance, and commission, as well as any duties and taxes that apply.
• Certificate of origin: This affidavit is submitted with the commercial invoice that verifies the manufacturing origin of your goods. This is particularly important as the India-New Zealand FTA comes into effect as the certificate of origin determines eligibility for preferential duty rates under the agreement.

Documents you may need depending on the goods

Certain products require additional certification when shipping from India to NZ:

• Inspection certification: For products requiring quality verification (such as food items, pharmaceuticals, or certain textiles), exporters must obtain inspection certificates from authorized agencies confirming that goods meet required standards.
• Insurance certificate: While not always mandatory, an insurance certificate confirming coverage for the cost of goods during transit is highly recommended, especially for high-value shipments. Many New Zealand importers require proof of insurance.

Additionally, depending on your product category, New Zealand may require:

• Biosecurity import permits for food, plant, or animal products
• Medsafe approval for pharmaceuticals and health supplements
• Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) clearances for any organic or agricultural items
• Electrical safety compliance certificates for electronic goods

We recommend taking the time to research the specific documents your products need for smooth entry into New Zealand. Working with your freight forwarder or a customs broker is a smart way to ensure you've got all your documentation sorted before shipping.

Packing your goods for shipping to New Zealand

Proper packaging is essential for international shipping to ensure goods arrive at their destination safely and undamaged. Before you start shipping from India to New Zealand, carefully consider the right packaging materials based on the items you are sending.

Here are some suggested packaging materials and techniques to ensure safe transit when you courier or send a parcel to New Zealand:

Select appropriate materials

• Bubble wrap: Ideal for cushioning fragile items and preventing impact damage during international shipping.
• Foam: Provides excellent shock absorption and is suitable for delicate or irregularly shaped parcels.
• Corrugated boxes: Choose sturdy boxes that are appropriately sized for your shipment to prevent crushing during transit. Consider double-walled boxes for heavier or more fragile items being shipped via courier from India to New Zealand.

Secure your goods

• Pack items tightly within the box to minimize movement during shipping. Use void fill materials like packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent shifting.
• Securely tape all seams and edges of the box with strong packing tape to maintain its integrity throughout the journey.

Protect fragile items

• Wrap fragile items individually with ample protective material like bubble wrap or foam before placing them in the box.
• Clearly mark packages containing fragile items with "FRAGILE" labels on all sides to alert handlers.

Proper labeling and markings

• Ensure your package has clear and accurate shipping labels, including the complete sender and recipient addresses, postal codes, and contact information.
• Remove any old labels or markings to avoid confusion during transit.
• Consider adding handling instructions (e.g., "THIS SIDE UP") if necessary for the safe handling of your parcel.

New Zealand biosecurity requirements

As mentioned earlier, certain products are subject to heightened inspection at New Zealand's borders due to biosecurity concerns. New Zealand takes biosecurity seriously to protect its unique environment, so when preparing packaging for international shipping, keep these critical considerations in mind:

• Keep packaging completely clean: All packaging must be free from soil, food residues, seeds, plant material, or any other organic matter.
• Be aware of higher inspection risk: Food products, plant-based items, and textiles face heightened scrutiny at New Zealand borders.
• Avoid biosecurity-risk materials: Don't use straw, hay, or untreated wooden materials as cushioning, these may result in your shipment being held or rejected.

Start shipping from India to New Zealand with DHL Express

With the right partner, first-time exporters navigating India's export regulations can find the process straightforward and manageable.

DHL Express provides the support you need to ship confidently and efficiently. With an extensive global network and decades of expertise in international shipping from India, DHL provides expert guidance on permits and documentation to help you get everything right the first time, while our deep customs and biosecurity expertise ensures your goods meet requirements on both sides. Plus, DHL’s end-to-end online shipment tracking gives you and your customers real-time visibility and peace of mind throughout the delivery journey.

Whether you're shipping textiles in bulk, sending time-sensitive pharmaceutical products, or delivering specialty food items, we tailor our international shipping services to meet your specific needs. Our personalized approach ensures your goods arrive securely and promptly, while our expertise helps you avoid the costly mistakes that often trip up new exporters.

When it comes to international shipping, time is of the essence for business success. DHL Express delivers the speed, reliability, and expertise you need to compete effectively in the Kiwi market.

Ready to simplify your shipping from India to NZ? Open a DHL Express business account today and discover how our comprehensive services can support your export growth.