Border requirements for exporting
Exports are subject to border requirements. Different government agencies have requirements you need to meet to ensure that the New Zealand brand is not damaged.
Declaring your goods
To declare your goods, you:
- must lodge documentation for export entry clearance with Customs. You must do this at least 48 hours before your goods are due to be loaded for export.
- may need to get assurance (like export certificates) from MPI that the product meets export requirements, depending on the type of product and the requirements of the importing country. Some goods may need cleaning or treatment to make sure they're free from pests and diseases.
Clearing exports
Exports won’t be cleared to leave until Customs has verified the details of your electronic export entry clearance. You need to lodge all export entry clearances electronically either:
- through Customs' online declaration website (TWS), or
- using EDI software from a private provider.
The type of entry you need to lodge depends on:
- the free on board (FOB) value of the goods you’re exporting – this is the total value of the goods, including packaging and transport
- whether they’re classified as exempt-entry (see the ‘Exempt-entry’ section below)
- whether you’re re-exporting them and claiming a refund on the duty originally paid (this process is also called claiming drawback).
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All New Zealand exporters need a client code.
Restrictions and prohibitions
Some export items might need specific permits and clearances depending on:
- the types of goods they are
- where they’re being exported to.
Some items may also be prohibited from export.
After the goods have been cleared
Once the goods have been cleared, Customs will allow your export goods to leave the country. You’re required to keep all your commercial export documents on record for at least 7 years.
Secure Exports Scheme (SES)
The Secure Exports Scheme (SES) is designed to make business easier by helping New Zealand’s exporters clear customs both here and overseas. Exporters joining the scheme need to ensure their goods are packed, stored and transported in a way that meets global customs standards.
Two essential parts of international trade are:
- supply chain security
- the facilitation of low-risk goods across international borders.
The SES provides value in different ways:
- For Customs, it means the supply chain is secure.
- For exporters and their customers, it means less chance of border delays and greater certainty at international borders.
New Zealand’s SES is aligned with the World Customs Organization (WCO) Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme.
You can apply to become an SES member if you meet the scheme requirements.
Exempt-entry goods
Exempt-entry goods are goods that are exempt from having to lodge an export entry. However, you still need to:
- submit an electronic clearance
- forward all documentation to your customs broker, freight forwarder or logistics company.
Exempt-entry goods include the following:
- Bona fide gifts to residents outside New Zealand.
- Trade samples supplied free of charge to residents outside New Zealand.
- Passengers’ baggage and effects (except goods sold from a licensed export warehouse or under drawback). This exemption doesn’t apply to motor vehicles or boats.
- Goods exported by diplomatic missions.
- Films and video tapes exported for use overseas and returned to New Zealand.
- Ships and aircraft leaving New Zealand under their own power other than those departing for sale overseas.
- Goods sent by parcel post for repair and return.
- Commercial documents and newspapers.
- Goods normally used for commercial or business purposes, carried by passengers leaving New Zealand, that are to be returned to New Zealand – including laptops, palmtops and notebooks.
- Shipments having a FOB value under $1,000 and not sold from a licensed export warehouse or under drawback.
If you’re exporting a business or commercial item on this list that’s likely to be returned to New Zealand, you should declare it by lodging an export entry rather than a Cargo Report Export (CRE) to help processing on its return. Exempt-entry goods can still be subject to border agency requirements, for example a permit.
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