Importing Te hoko whakaroto

Importing goods from overseas can have advantages for your business, but you’ll need to do some research before putting in an order. Planning well, knowing your responsibilities and building strong relationships within your supply chain are key to success.

Make sure importing is the best option for your business

Importing means buying stock from overseas and shipping it to New Zealand. You could import products you plan to resell or use in your business, or raw materials to make your own products. 

Importing may allow your business to access cheaper prices, better products or things you can’t find in New Zealand. 

But before you place an order, you’ll need to think through some of the costs, risks and hurdles involved in importing.

For example, ask yourself:

  • do the expenses of importing make good financial sense?
  • can you minimise the risks and uncertainties?
  • is your supplier reliable and easy to communicate with?
importing overview

Follow the rules whenever you import

The New Zealand Customs Service and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) have processes for approving goods entering the country. 

Their checks protect New Zealand from biosecurity risks and illegal goods, and they make sure everyone pays their fair share to import from overseas.

As an importer, you’ll need to take a few steps to let Customs and MPI do their jobs. These include:

  • registering as an importer, or “client”
  • getting your supplier to register
  • declaring the goods
  • cleaning or treating goods that might carry pests or disease
  • paying any duties and charges.

Following the requirements closely will help you avoid delays or penalties, which could be disruptive for your business. 

What's next

  • Prepare for unexpected events

  • Health and safety

  • Intellectual property

  • IT risks and scams

  • Understanding customer complaints

  • Premises and assets

  • Operations strategy

  • Running a sustainable business

  • Manufacturing

  • Exporting

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