How to ship wine from New Zealand abroad: An international shipping guide

The global wine trade has been uncorking new opportunities in recent years. Demand for premium vintages and distinctive regional varieties has been soaring in international markets, from London to Los Angeles. Among the countries making their mark is New Zealand, which has carved out a coveted place in this landscape thanks to celebrated homegrown wines like Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and Central Otago Pinot Noir, among many others.

Today, New Zealand ranks among the top wine exporters in the world, generating US$1.29 billion in export value in 2023¹. Wine shipping is big business in New Zealand and in fact, of the 360 million liters of wine produced in the country, around 315 million liters—almost 90%—were destined for overseas buyers². 

For both established wineries and newcomers, knowing how to ship wine internationally is critical. Every bottle of wine that leaves the country must comply with a complex web of regulations. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of sending bottles of wine overseas: from packaging best practices and customs requirements, to choosing the right logistics partner to ensure your shipments arrive safely and on time.

Can I send wine internationally from New Zealand? 

Yes, you can send wine abroad. However, restrictions apply and may vary depending on your carrier and the country that you’re shipping to. 

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. Each shipment must also have export eligibility approval, including batch tracking and meeting Overseas Market Access Requirements (OMARs) tailored to each target market.

New Zealand’s Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) rules allow exporters to ship up to 27 liters of wine in a single consignment directly to individual consumers. To comply, each shipment must be registered through the MPI’s electronic certification system, called e-Cert, and meet all current export eligibility requirements.

If you’re sending small quantities, for example, as a personal gift, wine can be sent overseas via post, provided it does not exceed five liters in volume and has an alcohol content of no more than 70%.

Regulations don’t stop at New Zealand’s borders — the destination country’s requirements can be just as detailed. In the United States, for example:

• A Prior Notice must be submitted to the FDA before shipping.
• Importers need a Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) Importer’s Permit, and every label must have a Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) before release from customs.

These examples illustrate how international wine shipping requires compliance with New Zealand’s export rules while also aligning with each destination’s import regulations. Opting to partner with an international shipping service like DHL Express ensures you have both ends of the journey covered.

How should I package wine for international shipping? 

Knowing how to package wine properly is essential to ensure that your shipment doesn’t get damaged in transit. When packaging wine for shipping internationally, you will want to consider the mode of transport at every point of the logistics process and the packaging requirements of both the recipient country and your carrier.

Presentation matters too, whether you’re fulfilling an online order for an overseas customer or sending a carefully chosen bottle as a gift. A well-packed shipment of wine for international delivery conveys professionalism and care.

For best results:

1. Wrap each bottle individually in protective material such as bubble wrap.
2. Place wrapped bottles in a sturdy carton or box, and fill any empty spaces with cushioning material.
3. Seal the carton securely with high-quality adhesive tape.
4. Double-box the shipment. Place the first box inside a larger outer box, fill remaining spaces with cushioning, and seal again with strong tape.
5. Label clearly with “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” markings on multiple sides to alert handlers at every stage of the express wine delivery process.

What are the customs requirements for sending wine overseas? 

When shipping wine from New Zealand, you’ll need to comply with all applicable regulations, including the standards under the Wine Act 2003, which we covered earlier, before your shipment even leaves the country.

Once your wine is ready for export, customs clearance for international wine delivery depends on preparing accurate documentation. Depending on your destination, 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
• Any alcohol-specific declarations or tax documentation

Because wine is tightly regulated, import rules vary significantly between markets. To illustrate, below are a few examples from some of the most common export destinations for New Zealand wine For example:

• United States – Requires FDA Prior Notice, plus label approval via the Certificate of Label Approval (COLA).
• United Kingdom – Requires compliance with labeling rules for alcohol content, allergens, and health warnings.
• Australia – Labels must clearly state product type, alcohol percentage, net volume, and manufacturer/importer details in English.
• China – Requires Chinese-language labeling, ingredient and allergen lists, and pre-registration with Chinese customs for certain importers.
• European Union – Enforces strict labeling standards and product classifications; some markets also require specific analytical testing.

These examples are only a starting point. Requirements can change quickly, so it’s essential to check the most up-to-date import export regulations for each shipment. 

If you’re unsure about the customs requirements for a particular market, partnering with an experienced international carrier such as DHL Express can provide valuable guidance.

How do I get started on shipping wine abroad from New Zealand? 

To sum it up, here are the steps you need to follow to send wine internationally: 

• Familiarize yourself with the import rules and regulations of the countries you intend to ship to. 
• Package your shipment securely and add “fragile” or “handle with care” labels. 
• Prepare the necessary customs documentation, such as declarations, permits, and licenses. 
• Check if your shipment will be subjected to additional taxes or duties by the destination country. 
• Partner with a reliable courier that offers international wine delivery services, such as DHL Express. 

International wine shipping and delivery demands extra care and expertise. Its fragile nature, strict customs regulations, temperature sensitivity, and duty requirements set it apart from typical shipments. 

With DHL Express, your wine enjoys specialized temperature-controlled services and fast transit times, ensuring every bottle arrives in perfect condition, ready to accompany a steak dinner, elevate a celebration, or simply be shared among friends and family.

Ready to ship with peace of mind? Open a DHL Express business account today and let us help you deliver excellence worldwide.