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

India and New Zealand share a longstanding and warm relationship. According to official statistics from New Zealand Foreign Affairs & Trade, the trade between the two countries is worth NZ$3.14 billion annually¹. At the moment, India ranks as New Zealand’s 12th two-way trading partner, though the two countries have been in talks to broker a free trade agreement² which could expand bilateral trade. 

While it’s no surprise that New Zealand products remain popular overseas, it’s important to note the increasing demand for Indian products back home. Much of the international shipping from India to New Zealand, in part, 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. And with an import business, understanding the steps to take when shipping goods from a country is necessary for smooth customs clearance. 

We outline what you need to know when shipping products from India to New Zealand.

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. Key imports shipping from India to New Zealand include³:

• Electrical and mechanical machinery and equipment (NZ$174m)
• Textiles and apparel (NZ$147m)
• Pharmaceuticals (NZ$131m)
• Precious stones and metals (NZ$60m)
• Vehicles (NZ$62m)
• Paper products (NZ$44m)

Knowing these popular import categories can be strategically advantageous for your business in several ways:

• Identify untapped niches: Analyze import volumes to discover underserved areas. For example, are specific Indian textiles or regional pharmaceuticals underrepresented in the New Zealand market?
• Tailor product offerings: Meet the needs of the Indian community by sourcing in-demand goods like specific Indian snacks or traditional clothing.

How to check prohibited and restricted goods 

Exported goods designated for international shipping from India 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.

*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 shipping to New Zealand.

Under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, goods that are not listed as prohibited or restricted are considered freely exportable. However, the free exportability of these goods is subject to any other laws that may be in force at the time of export. It's important to note that goods not listed in the Schedule are presumed to be freely exportable without any conditions. This is in accordance with the rules, notifications, public notices and circulars issued under the Act from time to time.

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

Export regulations from India

How to obtain an export licence to ship restricted items

When shipping from India to New Zealand, one of the important licences to obtain is the export licence to ship restricted items out of the country. To determine which category your product falls into, you can refer to the ITC and obtain the necessary licence. 

The export policies related to terms and regulations are provided in Schedule II of the ITC-HS code. Export licences in India are issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

To obtain an export licence, certain key documents are required, which include:

• 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

To apply for an export licence from DGFT, follow 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 and include all the necessary details.

4. Send a copy of the application and the mandatory documents in PDF format to export-dgft@nic.in.

Other licences or permits you may require include the:

• Importer-Exporter Code (IEC): This is indicated in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) and 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 authorised by the Government of India.

Import regulations into New Zealand

If you are shipping to NZ, be aware of New Zealand's import regulations concerning customs duties and Goods and Services Tax (GST)⁴. These will add to your courier charges and affect your shipping cost from India to New Zealand.

• 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.

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:

• Commercial invoice cum packing list: The Indian customs have merged these into a single document. The invoice indicates the value of the products while the packing list details the distinct items in a parcel.
• Shipping bill: It provides details on the goods being exported, applicable charges such as freight, insurance, and commission as well as duties and taxes that apply to the courier of goods. It is issued by the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE).
• Certificate of origin: It is an affidavit submitted with the commercial invoice that states the manufacturing destination of the goods.
• Inspection certification: Exporters must have their products certified for their quality.
• Insurance certificate: A document that confirms that insurance has been obtained to cover the cost of the goods being shipped.

You’re advised to find out the necessary documents you’ll need when you import the goods into New Zealand. Often, the same documents will apply.

Packing your goods

Proper packaging is essential for international shipping to ensure that goods arrive at their destination safely and without damage. 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.

Start shipping from India to New Zealand with DHL Express

When it comes to global shipping, time is of the essence for businesses to succeed, which is why at DHL Express, we provide fast and efficient international express delivery solutions. With our expansive global network and decades of experience, we have the expertise to handle your import requirements, whether you're shipping bulk liquids or preparing a wine delivery. 

We’ll tailor our services to meet all of your specific shipping needs, providing you with a personalized package that ensures your goods are delivered securely and promptly. You can rely on us for guidance on the necessary permits and licences required when shipping from India to New Zealand.

Sign up for a DHL Express business account today and experience the benefits of our comprehensive services for your importing needs.