A new government levy on low‑value imports and exports begins 1 April 2026. Learn how the charges work, who they affect, and how to avoid delays on DHL shipments.
From April 1, Kiwis exporting or buying goods from overseas may start to notice a new charge linked to their DHL deliveries.
The New Zealand Government is introducing a new regulatory levy on shipments valued at $1,000 NZD or less. The change applies to both imports and exports and is designed to help cover the cost of processing the growing volume of low-value goods entering and leaving the country.
For imports, the levy will be $2.21 NZD per shipment, plus GST. For exports, it will be $2.48 NZD per shipment, plus GST. Importantly, this is a government-imposed levy collected as part of the customs process; it is not set by courier companies.
So what does this mean in practice?
For many Kiwis, the change may be most noticeable when shopping online from international retailers. With international online shopping continuing to grow, the change is expected to affect a wide range of everyday purchases - from clothing and electronics to business imports.
Depending on how a purchase is shipped, the levy may either be included upfront or charged separately before delivery. If a retailer or sender chooses to cover all duties and charges at the time of purchase, the levy will typically be built into the total cost at checkout.
However, if these costs aren’t prepaid, the person receiving the item may be asked to pay the charge before their parcel is delivered. This could mean more shoppers see requests for small payments prior to receiving their goods.
“As more goods move across borders, there’s a growing need for systems that can efficiently process high volumes of lower-value shipments,” says Matt Rossiter, NZ Customs and Regulatory Affairs Manager. “Being aware of how charges are applied and whether they’re prepaid can help avoid any surprises at delivery.”
Who does the new levy affect?
The levy applies broadly to low-value shipments and may impact:
- Online shoppers purchasing from overseas retailers
- New Zealand businesses importing or exporting goods valued at $1,000 NZD or less
- Items such as samples or documents, where they are processed as low-value consignments
How can you avoid delays or surprises?
To help ensure a smooth delivery experience, there are a few simple steps senders and receivers can take:
- Check whether duties and fees are included at checkout when buying from overseas
- Ensure all delivery details, including name, address, email and phone number are accurate
- Keep an eye out for delivery notifications in case payment is required before delivery
- Clear communication between the sender and receiver can also help avoid unexpected delays.
How DHL Express Supports You Through the New Levy
DHL Express can help customers understand the new levy and make the process easier. Shippers have the option to pay all import duties, taxes, and other customs-related charges upfront when booking a shipment, ensuring receivers do not need to make any payment on delivery. Alternatively, if charges are not prepaid, receivers will be notified and can pay securely online or through their DHL account before the parcel is delivered.
“These options are designed to provide clarity and flexibility for both shippers and receivers,” says Rossiter. “We know changes like this can be confusing, so our goal is to help everyone navigate the process smoothly and avoid any unexpected delays.”
As international e-commerce continues to grow, changes like this reflect the increasing volume of low-value goods moving across borders, and the systems required to process them efficiently.
Open a DHL Express business account today and take your first step toward confident international shipping.
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