Shipping from USA to New Zealand: Your comprehensive guide

However, navigating the shipping process from the USA to New Zealand requires an understanding of specific regulations. This includes New Zealand's strict biosecurity laws, the mandatory commercial invoice, and Goods and Services Tax (GST) requirements. Let’s explore the essential steps and considerations for shipping from the USA to NZ with quick links to more detailed information available further down this guide.

The import process at a glance

Shipping from USA to New Zealand can seem complex, but by understanding the key stages, you can navigate the process with confidence. Here’s an overview of the import process, with quick links to more detailed information further down this guide.

• Step 1: Prepare your shipment: This initial phase involves properly packing and labeling to ensure your items are secure for transit.
• Step 2: Prepare shipping documents: This crucial step involves gathering all necessary shipping documents, including the commercial invoice and any required permits, for customs clearance.
• Step 3: Choose a reliable shipping partner: Selecting a partner with strong customs expertise and real-time package tracking is advisable for a smooth process.
• Step 4: Clear New Zealand customs: This involves understanding GST and duties, as well as navigating import regulations.
• Step 5: Deliver to recipient: The final leg of the journey, where your goods are delivered to the intended recipient in New Zealand.

Understanding these steps from the get-go will save you time and potential headaches, ensuring your shipment from the USA arrives without a hitch.

Step 1: Prepare your shipment

Proper packaging and labeling are necessary for protecting your goods and ensuring they arrive safely when shipping to New Zealand from the USA. Inadequate packaging often causes damage and delays at customs. Here are key tips to prepare your shipments:

• Choose the right box: Select a new, sturdy box appropriate for your item's size, weight, and nature. Avoid using overly large boxes that allow items to shift, or small boxes that offer insufficient protection.

• Provide ample cushioning: Use materials like bubble wrap or foam inserts to protect items from shocks and vibrations. Individually wrap each item, filling all empty spaces to minimise movement. For fragile items, ensure you can't feel the shape through the wrapping.

• Seal securely: Use strong, pressure-sensitive plastic tape (at least 38mm wide) to seal all box openings and seams. For larger or heavier parcels, consider additional plastic strapping.

• Special considerations: For liquids and individually wrapped bottles, cushion them, and place them in a sealed bag within a sturdy carton with absorbent material. Cover sharp objects' edges. Tools with engines must have fuel and oil thoroughly drained.

When labeling, ensure the labels are printed clearly and securely attached to the largest, flattest surface. Include complete and accurate sender and recipient addresses (postal code and country), plus a contact number. Always remove or cover old labels on reused boxes to prevent confusion. If necessary, clearly mark "Fragile," "This Side Up," or "Keep Dry." Remember, these labels are for guidance and don't replace proper internal packaging.

Step 2: Prepare shipping documents

Aside from the packaging and labeling, preparing the following shipping documents is also vital to ensure a smooth international shipping to New Zealand:

• Commercial invoice (Mandatory): This document details the transaction, including buyer/seller information, product descriptions, quantities, values, commodity classification code (HS code), country of origin, and Incoterms.

• Air Waybill or shipping label: Provided by your courier (e.g., DHL Express), this acts as the contract of carriage and receipt. Ensure all details match your commercial invoice.

• Required permits (if applicable): Depending on the goods, specific permits may be needed from either U.S. export authorities or New Zealand import authorities.

• HS Code(s) and Country of Origin info: These are vital for customs to assess applicable duties and taxes.

If any of these documents required for customs clearance are missing or incorrect, it may cause significant delays and inconvenience during the shipping process to New Zealand.

Step 3: Choose a reliable shipping partner

Selecting the right international shipping services provider is also critical. Look for a courier service that understands both U.S. export laws and New Zealand's specific import regulations, including strict biosecurity rules. Consider also whether they offer real-time, online shipment tracking like DHL Express. This allows you and your customer to monitor your package's journey.

Step 4: Clear New Zealand customs

Clearing New Zealand customs is a crucial stage in the process. For goods valued over NZ$1,000, the receiver will typically be responsible for applying for a Customs Number² and paying:

• GST (15%): New Zealand's Goods and Services Tax.
• Duties (if applicable): Customs duties vary depending on the HS code and country of origin.
• Import Entry Transaction Fee (IETF): This is a processing fee applied by Customs.
• MPI Biosecurity Levy: A fee related to biosecurity inspections.

Meanwhile, for goods valued at NZ$1,000 or less, there’s generally no duties or GST collected at the border for these shipments. However, if you’re a seller, you may be required to register for GST and charge 15% at the point of sale, unless your annual sales to New Zealand are under the NZ$60,000 threshold. It’s essential to clarify this obligation as part of your overall fees and shipping cost from the USA to New Zealand.

Step 5: Deliver to recipient

The final step is the delivery to the recipient's door from customs. Your chosen carrier will provide delivery notifications to the customer, keeping them informed of their package's arrival. Last-mile delivery is crucial for overall customer satisfaction when sending a parcel to New Zealand.

What items are prohibited?

When shipping from the USA to New Zealand, you must comply with both U.S. export laws and New Zealand import regulations. You must also pay particular attention to New Zealand's strict biosecurity laws. Here’s the list of prohibited and restricted items that cannot be imported into New Zealand³:

• Animals and plants
• Antarctic and Patagonian toothfish (prohibited)
• Asbestos
• Chewing tobacco (prohibited for sale)
• Certain consumer products (e.g., some children's art supplies containing lead)
• Controlled drugs
• Defense and strategic goods
• Dog-tracking devices
• Explosives (including fireworks)
• Firearms
• Hazardous goods
• Intellectual property and cultural items
• Pork (some restrictions apply)
• Tobacco (some restrictions apply)
• Weapons

For the list of prohibited and restricted items that cannot be exported from the USA, you may refer to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Always check the full official lists for the most up-to-date shipping restrictions.

Looking for a reliable logistics partner? Start shipping from USA to New Zealand with DHL Express to set your business up for success.

Shipping to New Zealand from the USA can be complex, but with the right preparation and a trusted delivery partner, it can be a smooth process. By understanding New Zealand's import regulations, preparing accurate documentation, and knowing what to expect regarding duties and taxes, you set your business up for success.

DHL Express offers a comprehensive range of shipping services designed to meet the specific needs of businesses shipping from the USA to NZ. With expertise in customs clearance, shipment tracking, and delivery options, DHL Express can help you navigate the import and export in New Zealand and ensure your goods reach their destination on time.

Ready to take your business to the next level and get your goods to your customers in New Zealand? Open a DHL Express business account today.