How To Send Your Parcel from Singapore To New Zealand

30 September 2026 5 min read

New Zealand is one of the world's most trade-dependent economies, with international trade playing a vital role in supporting economic growth. As export-oriented island nations, both New Zealand and Singapore rely on efficient global supply chains and strong international trade relationships. Thanks to established trade agreements and streamlined customs processes, shipping between Singapore and New Zealand remains straightforward when customs and biosecurity requirements are properly met.

Singapore and New Zealand benefit from several regional trade agreements, including the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Depending on the goods and origin requirements, these agreements may provide preferential tariff treatment for eligible shipments.

Read this guide to understand the customs rules and shipping process to send a parcel quickly and safely from Singapore to New Zealand.

Customs guidelines for New Zealand

Tobacco & Tobacco Products	Tobacco products are subject to GST, excise taxes and customs duties regardless of shipment value.
Alcoholic Beverages	Alcoholic beverages are subject to GST, excise taxes and customs duties regardless of shipment value. The alcohol type, alcohol strength and quantity must be declared on the invoice.
Personal Effects	Personal effects shipments may require additional documentation and clearance procedures depending on the contents, shipment value and importer status. Customs, biosecurity inspection and other government charges may apply.
Plant Products	Plant, wood and bamboo products may be subject to MPI biosecurity controls and inspection requirements. Additional documentation, treatment or fees may be required depending on the commodity.
Drugs: Prescription Medicines	Medsafe (Ministry of Health) authorization is required for medications. Private hospitals require a prescription from a New Zealand doctor. Controlled medications require an original licence, which might take up to two days.
Foodstuffs / Animal Products	Foodstuffs, spices, animal products and other biosecurity-sensitive commodities may be subject to MPI inspection and additional clearance requirements. Additional inspection fees and delays may apply.

Additional Biosecurity Requirements

New Zealand operates one of the world's strictest biosecurity systems. In addition to food and plant products, items such as dietary supplements, wood, rattan, bamboo, straw, jute products, animal products, used camping equipment, soil, rocks, used footwear and citrus products may be subject to inspection by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Additional inspection fees, treatment requirements or clearance delays may apply.

Important notes for all Non-doc Goods

Duty rates are based on their HS Codes. GST is calculated at 15% on the value of the goods, plus applicable duties, freight charges and insurance costs

Imported shipments may be subject to GST, customs duties, MPI biosecurity charges and other applicable government levies.

Customs and MPI clearance charges may apply depending on the shipment value, commodity type and transport mode. Importers should refer to the New Zealand Customs "What's My Duty?" estimator for the latest government charges.

New Zealand Customs may combine multiple shipments from the same supplier to the same receiver arriving on the same flight into a single customs entry. This may result in formal customs clearance requirements and additional duties, taxes or fees.

Imports may be subject to GST, customs duties, MPI biosecurity fees and other government charges. For consignments above NZ$1,000, an Import Entry Transaction Fee may also apply.

Shipping Process from Singapore to New Zealand

Prepare your Air Waybill (AWB)

Create a DHL Express Air Waybill (AWB) and ensure all shipment details are accurate to support smooth customs clearance and delivery.

Complete your shipping invoice

Your commercial invoice should be typewritten and include:

Detailed goods description
HS Code
Incoterm
Unit and total value
Country of Origin
Currency
Reason for export
Statistical quantities (where applicable)
Receiver's full name, address, phone number and email address

The invoice should also provide a clear breakdown of goods value, freight charges, insurance costs and packing costs. The declared value on the AWB should match the commercial invoice value.

Goods descriptions should be accurate and specific. Generic descriptions such as "gift" or "sample" may not be accepted by New Zealand Customs and could result in clearance delays.

Pack and ship

Shipments valued at NZ$1,000 or more may require a Client Code (for businesses) or Customs Number (for private individuals) to support customs clearance. Once your documents are ready, securely pack your shipment and arrange collection through DHL Express, MyDHL+, or your nearest DHL Service Point.

Advantages of using DHL Express Courier Service

Its door-to-door shipping service makes international shipping easy
DHL’s wide range of services and network covers 220 territories across the globe
Thanks to MyDHL+, MyBill, and ODD (On-Demand Delivery), the shipping process is made much easier and safer
Customers receive real-time updates on their shipment status and customs clearance progress.
The package collection time is as per your choice
With the help of DHL’s flexible delivery options, now customers can decide the time and place of their shipment delivery