Mastering New Zealand customs clearance: A guide for businesses

Navigating international trade requires precision, and for businesses engaging with New Zealand, understanding customs regulations is paramount. With New Zealand's exports increasing to $43.8 billion and imports reaching $49.6 billion in 20231, the stakes for smooth operations are higher than ever.

Whether you’re importing into or exporting from New Zealand, understanding the latest customs regulations is not just advisable, it's essential. This comprehensive guide will help businesses avoid costly penalties and significant delays by providing critical information on New Zealand's customs rules and essential tips for compliance.

1. Understanding import laws in New Zealand

For businesses, whether you are a brick-and-mortar owner serving local demand or an e-commerce enterprise managing inventory, importing goods into New Zealand is a crucial step. New Zealand maintains stringent import laws, underpinned by a strong commitment to safeguarding its unique natural environment, robust primary industries, and overall economic stability.

These regulations are designed to prevent the introduction of pests, diseases, and other risks that could jeopardize the nation's biosecurity and economic well-being. Failure to comply with these strict laws can lead to severe consequences, including significant fines and charges, confiscation of goods, and extensive delays, underscoring the critical importance of a thorough understanding.

1. Prohibited and restricted goods

When planning your imports into New Zealand, it is essential to distinguish between prohibited and restricted goods. Prohibited items are absolutely forbidden from entering the country under any circumstances due to their inherent risk or illegality. Conversely, restricted goods can be imported, but only under specific conditions, which typically require the importer to obtain relevant licenses, permits, or specific clearances from New Zealand Customs or other regulatory bodies.

Some examples of prohibited items include:

• Antarctic and Patagonian toothfish
• Chewable tobacco products
• Certain dog breeds, such as the American Pit Bull Terrier and Japanese Tosa

Some examples of restricted items include:

• Controlled drugs
• Dog-tracking devices
• Explosives, including fireworks

To verify whether your specific products fall under either of these categories, you should always consult the official New Zealand Customs website. This resource provides detailed and up-to-date information on all items with import limitations.

New Zealand places a significant emphasis on biosecurity, meaning that all food products are subject to strict safety and labelling requirements. Certain goods may have to be cleaned or treated to ensure no unwanted pests or diseases are brought into the country. There is also a wide range of items for which the New Zealand customs require approval through biosecurity and food security clearances. 

For food products, some examples of prohibited and restricted items include:

• Pork
• Honey
• Fresh fruit and vegetables

2. Import declaration

Importers bringing in goods valued over NZ$1,000 must provide an import declaration, which has to be entered electronically. As such, you will need to register for the Trade Single Window (TSW). The TSW is a platform that allows importers to submit import information (known as ‘lodgements’) and receive responses from border agencies. You will also need a client code to import goods worth over NZ$1,000, which you can easily apply for via the NZCS Form 224. You will also need a supplier code.

Goods valued less than the threshold stated above are typically screened and pass through appropriate customs actions and are released, unless they attract charges over NZ$60. Should your goods attract charges of more than NZ$60, they will be kept aside to determine the value. You will be contacted to arrange for clearance so that the goods can be released.

Please note that for such goods, the customs officer will submit an electronic lodgement for you, which will take extra time.

All goods imported into New Zealand need to be declared no later than 20 days after they arrive. However, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) recommends all declarations be lodged in advance.

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3. Import tax in New Zealand

Goods (including secondhand items) worth over NZ$1,000 are subject to import duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) at the New Zealand customs. However, if your shipment includes alcohol or tobacco, while valued below the de minimis rate, you are required to pay both the import duty and GST.

The fees you need to pay for customs clearance will depend on the value of your goods, the type of item you are shipping, the country it was manufactured in and sent from, the duty rate against the tariff schedule and any other additional customs concessions. 

GST is charged at 15% on the value of goods entering New Zealand. Please note that if you’re shipping from overseas suppliers, they may charge GST even if your shipment is worth below the threshold value.

Do note that you may enjoy preferential rates due to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), not just when importing goods but also when exporting to designated countries.

2. Export laws in New Zealand

1. Prohibited and restricted goods

Similar to imported goods, there are items prohibited or restricted for exportation, according to New Zealand’s export laws. Prohibited goods for export are similar to those not allowed entry into the country.

For restricted goods, exporters are required to register with certain authorities. These include meat, live animals, birds and other wildlife, dairy products and controlled drugs. More information about these can be retrieved from the New Zealand Customs website. 

2. Export declaration

Exporters have to declare their goods by lodging documentation for export entry clearance with customs. This must be done within 48 hours before goods are loaded for export. An export certificate may be required depending on the importing country and type of goods. 

Export entries provide you with details on your export, such as how your items are classified. These are mandatory if:

The free on board (FOB) value of your exported goods is above NZ$1,000

You are claiming a refund on the duty paid. 

New Zealand exporters are also required to have a client code to clear shipments valued above the de minimis rate.

3. Export tax in New Zealand

Although taxes are not levied on exports, you must pay export entry transaction fees or outward cargo transaction fees. These are divided into two categories each.

If you’re exporting under the Secure Exports Scheme (SES), the fee amounts to NZ$3.27, including GST. Otherwise, you’re required to pay NZ$6.82. All outgoing cargo transaction fees exported by air and sea are pegged at NZ$14.35 and NZ$18.58, respectively. These must come with the Electronic Cargo Information (ECI), one of two customs clearance documents New Zealand exporters need to provide at customs, the other being the export entry.

3. Tips for successful importing and exporting from New Zealand: Partnering for success

Expanding your business and exporting to another country can seem challenging. To help you get started and maximize your chances of building a successful export business in New Zealand, we have prepared the following tips:

1. Plan export strategy

Have clear objectives about what you can achieve within your resources. Pay attention to customs regulations locally, and in the countries you want to ship to, as well as any legal requirements. 

2. Ship to countries New Zealand has FTAs with

If you want to reduce shipping costs, one of the ways to trade with countries that have eliminated taxes and duties due to FTAs. New Zealand has 13 trade agreements with several countries.

3. Partner with DHL Express: Your one-stop shop for importing, delivery and customs clearance

Navigating the complexities of international customs regulations can be a daunting task, particularly for businesses new to global trade. This is precisely where partnering with a seasoned expert like DHL Express becomes invaluable, offering a truly seamless, one-stop-shop solution for all your import, delivery, and customs clearance needs in New Zealand and beyond.

DHL Express stands as the ideal partner for New Zealand businesses, distinguished by our unique ability to provide an integrated shipping solution that covers every aspect of your international shipments. Our team of experts possesses unparalleled knowledge of local customs regulations and intricate international express shipping processes. This allows us to handle all facets of the operation, from the moment your goods are imported, through efficient delivery, right up to the meticulous customs clearance procedures, significantly simplifying global trade for New Zealand businesses.

Furthermore, DHL Express proactively assists with import compliance and streamlines customs clearance through international shipping services and platforms like My Global Trade Services (MyGTS). This platform offers comprehensive tools, including a pre-shipment planner, to help you comply with import and export regulations. It also provides estimated costs for your products, landed costs, entry fees, taxes, and freight charges upfront. To ensure an uninterrupted flow of your goods, we can even simplify the process by paying duties and taxes on your business's behalf, ensuring your shipments always move smoothly.

Similarly, for exporters, DHL Express provides crucial support in complying with regulations related to prohibited and restricted goods, offering vital information and documentation assistance to ensure your shipments meet all necessary international standards.

Grow your business with DHL Express

The complexities of cross-border trade shouldn't hinder your business's growth in New Zealand or internationally. With DHL Express, you gain a partner whose deep understanding of global logistics and local customs intricacies is designed to turn potential obstacles into pathways for expansion. We're here to ensure your shipments are not just delivered, but handled with the precision and expertise needed to support your ambitions. Elevate your trade operations and unlock new possibilities: Create a DHL Express account today and start trading with confidence.