How to ship wine internationally from New Zealand: 2026 wine delivery guide

The global wine trade has been uncorking new opportunities in recent years, with continued demand for premium vintages and distinctive regional varieties across international markets, such as London and Los Angeles. 

New Zealand sits firmly in the spotlight, as celebrated wines like Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and Central Otago Pinot Noir give the country a coveted reputation among discerning buyers worldwide.

That reputation is reflected in the numbers. According to New Zealand Wine, the country's wine exports amounted to NZ$2.1 billion in 2024, growing 5% over the prior 12 months1. 

On top of its established markets, others are gaining momentum fast. For instance, shipments to China and South Korea grew by 47% and 92% respectively, signaling significant opportunity for New Zealand exporters willing to diversify their reach1.

In light of these opportunities and shifting regulatory landscapes, it’s essential for established wineries and newcomers alike to know how to ship wine internationally. This blog will explore how you can stay ahead of the game in 2026, with guidance on customs compliance, best practices for international wine delivery, and more. 

Can you ship wine internationally from New Zealand? 

Yes, you can ship wine internationally, but restrictions apply and may vary by carrier and destination market.

Firstly, all New Zealand exporters must comply with the Wine Act 2003, which requires:

• Registering a Wine Standards Management Plan (WSMP) with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and undergoing annual verification.
• Obtaining export eligibility approval for each shipment, including batch tracking and meeting the Overseas Market Access Requirements (OMARs) for each target market.

For Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) shipments, you can ship up to 27 litresliters of wine per consignment directly to individual consumers. This offers a practical option if you’re a small-scale exporter testing new markets or fulfilling individual orders. 

To comply, each shipment must be registered through the MPI’s Trade Certification system, accessible via the MyMPI portal, and meet all current export eligibility requirements4.

Meanwhile, if you’re sending wine as a gift in small quantities, shipments can be sent via post provided the volume does not exceed five litresliters and the alcohol content is no more than 70%.

Compliance doesn't end at New Zealand’s borders. Each destination country has its own import regulations governing wine delivery, covering areas like labeling requirements, import permits, and customs duty on wine. 

As such, it’s essential to research your target market’s requirements before shipping to avoid incurring costly delays or shipment rejections at the border.

Critical regulatory updates in 2026

New Zealand wine exporters should prepare for several regulatory updates affecting key markets in 2026:

• United Kingdom: As of 1 February 2026, an alcohol tax hike of 3.66% on all alcohol duty rates will be in effect, in line with the Retail Price Index².
• United States: From 1 October 2026, all wine shipments via express or mail must include the carrier name and tracking number on the Prior Notice³.

While you may benefit from duty-free access under free trade agreements, such as the UK-New Zealand and EU-New Zealand agreements, excise duty on wine will still apply in your destination markets.

What’s the best way to package wine for shipping?

Proper packaging is the foundation of successful international wine delivery. When preparing your shipment, consider the mode of transport at every stage of the journey, as well as the packaging requirements of your carrier and destination country.

Presentation matters too. Whether you’re fulfilling an overseas order or shipping wine internationally as a gift, a well-packaged shipment reflects the quality and care behind your brand.

For best results:

1. Wrap each bottle individually in bubble wrap or protective material to cushion against impact.
2. Use thermal liners inside your carton to protect the wine from heat shock, particularly during equatorial crossings where temperature fluctuations are significant.
3. Place wrapped bottles in a sturdy carton or box, filling empty spaces with cushioning material.
4. Seal the carton securely with high-quality adhesive tape.
5. Double-box your shipment by placing the inner box inside a larger outer box, filling remaining gaps with cushioning. Seal securely with strong adhesive tape.
6. Label all sides of the outer box clearly with “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” markings to alert handlers at every stage of the journey.

Simplify your packaging with DHL Express Bottle Boxes

For an even more streamlined packaging solution, DHL Express offers purpose-built Bottle Boxes with optional wine inserts, designed for safe and secure wine delivery. Available in a range of sizes, these boxes take the guesswork out of wine packaging:

• Bottle Box 2: For one bottle
• Bottle Box 3: For two bottles
• Bottle Box 4: For three bottles
• Bottle Box 6: For six bottles
• Bottle Box 12: For twelve bottles

Each Bottle Box is compatible with DHL's multipurpose wine insert, which wraps and secures individual bottles snugly within the box. The insert features adjustable perforated edges to suit different bottle configurations, so you simply need to adjust the edges based on the box size you are using before packing. 

Using DHL Express Bottle Boxes ensures your wine is packaged to meet carrier requirements from the outset, saving you time on shipment preparation and reducing the risk of damage in transit.

Sustainable wine packaging for the 2026 global buyer

Sustainable wine packaging is becoming an increasingly important consideration for exporters, particularly when shipping to the UK. 

Under the UK's Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme, large packaging producers are now required to pay fees based on the volume and type of household packaging they supply, rated under a red-amber-green system⁵. 

Green-rated packaging incurs lower fees, while red-rated packaging attracts higher charges5. As such, opt for recyclable or sustainably sourced packaging materials to manage your export costs.

What are the customs requirements for sending wine overseas? 

Before your shipment leaves New Zealand, ensure your wine complies with all applicable requirements under the Wine Act 2003, as outlined earlier in this guide.

From there, smooth customs clearance hinges on accurate and complete documentation. Depending on your destination market, this may include:

• Commercial invoices detailing the product description, quantity, and value
• Packing lists
• Certificates of origin (if required)
• Health certificates or export certificates from MPI
• Import permits for the destination country
• Alcohol-specific declarations or tax documentation

Your 4-step international shipping checklist for wine exports

Here’s a simple checklist to keep your wine exports on track:

• Verify OMARs: Check the latest Overseas Market Access Requirements via MPI and confirm your shipment meets all destination-specific standards before proceeding.
• Calculate landed costs: Factor in customs duty, excise duty, and shipping fees to price accurately for each market. DHL's MyGTS tool can help you generate a quick landed cost estimate
• Prepare digital documentation: Submit your HS codes and tracking numbers paperlessly through DHL's platform, reducing manual errors and speeding up customs clearance.
• Choose express transit: Minimize time in transit to preserve the delicate profiles of your vintages by opting for express international delivery services, such as DHL Express. 

Ship wine abroad with DHL Express

International wine shipping demands a level of care and expertise that goes beyond standard freight. The product’s fragile nature and strict customs regulations make it one of the most complex categories to export successfully. 

However, DHL Express is equipped to meet these demands, offering:

• Temperature-controlled services: Protect the integrity of your wine throughout its international delivery journey, from pickup to final destination.
• Paperless Trade: Our systems automatically submit the required customs data, feeding accurate information for smoother, faster customs clearance on every shipment.
• Fast transit times: Minimize transit times to preserve the quality and character of your wines.
• GoGreen Plus: Support your sustainability reporting requirements by using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Your wine deserves to arrive in the same condition it left the cellar. Open a DHL Express business account today and gain access to specialized international shipping services that protect both your bottles and your bottom line.