A comprehensive guide to importing to New Zealand with DHL

From deciphering strict regulations to ensuring your documents needed for customs clearance are in order, importing goods into New Zealand can feel like a complex task. 

As such, many businesses and individuals rely on a trusted international logistics partner like DHL Express to streamline the process. 

So, if you’re looking to enter the NZ market, read this guide to learn how to import goods into New Zealand and ensure your shipments arrive smoothly and efficiently.

Understanding New Zealand’s import landscape 

A growing import market for high-demand products

New Zealand has a robust and growing demand for a wide range of imported goods, with imports rising by 19% to NZ$6.5 billion from 2024 to 2025¹. This growth demonstrates the diverse market opportunities you can leverage, especially in top import categories like vehicles, electrical machinery and equipment, and petroleum1.

Moreover, if you’re importing from top trading partners like China, the EU, Australia, the US, and South Korea, you stand to enjoy even more promising growth opportunities1. Some of these countries also have Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with New Zealand, potentially allowing you to benefit from preferential tariffs. 

Strict customs laws and regulations

Before importing, it’s essential to understand and comply with the NZ customs regulations. These laws aim to safeguard the country's economy, environment, and public health from potential risks. As such, your compliance will go a long way in helping you avoid potential delays, fines, and the seizure of goods.

Here are the two primary government bodies that you’ll work with to navigate the requirements:

• New Zealand Customs Service: This agency oversees all goods entering and leaving the country. It is responsible for collecting customs duties, GST, and other charges, as well as enforcing regulations on trade.
• Ministry for Primary Industries: As the lead biosecurity agency, the MPI handles all matters related to biosecurity. It inspects food, plants, and animal products to ensure they don't introduce pests or diseases that could harm New Zealand's ecosystem and primary industries.

How to import to New Zealand

1. Check if your goods are prohibited or restricted 

Before you ship your items, the first step in importing goods into NZ is to check the country's list of prohibited items and restricted goods. This will help you ascertain if your goods are allowed to be imported. 

Goods are categorized into two key types:

• Prohibited goods: These items are strictly banned from import into New Zealand, and no approval can be given for their entry. Examples include chewing tobacco, objectionable publications, and certain dog tracking collars².
• Restricted goods: These items may be imported only with special permits or approvals. Examples of restricted items include controlled drugs, food products, plants, animal products, and tyres².

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2. Submit an electronic lodgement to declare imports

Before your goods can be released for collection, you must submit an electronic declaration, also known as an import entry, to NZ Customs within 20 days of the goods’ arrival³. 

Your shipment may fall under one of the following types of import entry, depending on its value and purpose³:

• Electronic Cargo Information (ECI) form or Simplified Entry: This applies to commercial or private imports with a value of less than NZ$1,000.
• Standard Entry: This is required for goods with a value of NZ$1,000 or more.
• Temporary Import: This is for items that will only be in New Zealand for one year or less before being exported.

While NZ Customs does not offer this service directly, you can submit your import entry through the following options³:

• A customs broker
• A freight forwarder
• The New Zealand Trade Single Window (TSW) (for some lodgements)
• Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) software

3. Calculate the costs

On top of staying compliant with NZ customs regulations, you will also need to consider the additional costs of importing to New Zealand. The following New Zealand customs charges should always be factored into your business plan:

• Customs duties and tariffs: Duties are calculated based on the product’s tariff classification (HS code) and its value. Most import duty rates in New Zealand range from 0% to 10%, but you should also check if you qualify for preferential or zero duty rates if your country has an FTA with New Zealand⁴.
• Goods and Services Tax (GST): A standard rate of 15% GST on most imported goods in NZ will apply, calculated on the goods' total value plus the cost of international shipping, insurance, and customs duties⁵.

However, non-tobacco and non-alcohol shipments valued at NZ$1,000 or less will not be liable for duties and GST charges⁶. 

4. Prepare documents needed for customs clearance

Accurate and complete documentation is essential for a smooth customs clearance process. As such, ensure you have all the documents needed for customs clearance ready.

Standard import documents

• Commercial Invoice: This document details the transaction between buyer and seller. When preparing the invoice, include all shipper and receiver details, a full description of the goods, HS codes, Incoterms, quantities, unit value, total value, and country of origin.
• Air Waybill: As the core shipping document needed for all air shipments, this acts as a receipt and a contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier. DHL Express makes it easy to create the air waybill online, ensuring it contains all the information needed to keep your package moving.
• Purchase order: This document from the buyer confirms the purchase. It helps customs verify the transaction details and value of your goods.
• Certificate of Origin: This document proves where your goods were made, making it essential for claiming preferential duty rates under FTAs.
• Insurance certificate: An insurance certificate provides financial protection for your goods against loss or damage during transit.
• Packing list: This document lists all items being transported, their weights, and dimensions. It is not always mandatory for clearance, but it can be helpful to customs when inspecting your shipment’s contents.

Special-case and product-specific documents

If your imports contain restricted items, you may need to provide several special case documents to prove compliance and obtain approval for your shipment.

• Import permit or license: This document certifies approval for your goods, which must be obtained before shipping.
• Phytosanitary or health certificates: Goods that may contain biosecurity risks, such as food, agricultural, and animal products, will need these documents to prove that they are free from pests and diseases⁷. 
• Heavy metals certificate: Imported ceramic items may need this certification to ensure they are safe for use.
• Power of Attorney: If you use a customs broker to act on your behalf, you may need this document to grant them the legal authority to handle customs clearance procedures and documentation for your shipment.

The DHL advantage: Streamlining your import process

Importing to New Zealand may seem like a complex undertaking, but by partnering with reliable import shipping services like DHL Express, you can significantly streamline the process.

With end-to-end tools and extensive expertise, here’s how we enhance your shipping experience:

• Integrated online platforms: DHL shipment tracking on MyDHL+ gives you real-time visibility over your packages, while the MyGTS platform provides essential customs information and landed cost estimates to help you plan ahead.
• Expert customs handling: Rely on our brokerage services and in-depth knowledge of NZ customs regulations to handle complex electronic filings. Avoid costly delays and ensure a smooth customs clearance process. 
• Flexible and swift deliveries: With a full suite of import shipping services, you can choose from time-definite express services for urgent deliveries, like DHL Express 9:00 or 12:00. 

Grow your business in New Zealand confidently – open a business account with DHL Express and enjoy a stress-free import experience today.