Preparing to import
All commercial goods being imported into New Zealand must be cleared through Customs and go through a security screening. Commercial goods are any goods intended for use in your business or for resale.
Before you start importing, check with your customs broker, freight forwarder or logistics company if there are any border requirements that may require a permit or could prohibit certain goods.
Customs and MPI have different requirements and it’s your responsibility to make sure you meet and verify all requirements.
MPI must be satisfied that what you’re importing:
- meets import regulations and rules
- doesn't pose a biosecurity risk
- meets food safety and labelling requirements if it's a food product.
Some goods may:
- be prohibited from import
- need cleaning or treatment, to make sure no unwanted pests or diseases are introduced to New Zealand.
Customs is the border agency for multiple government departments. It’s your responsibility to obtain necessary clearances needed at the border.
Declare your imports
All business or commercial goods coming into New Zealand need to be declared. You need to lodge the details of your imports by submitting an import entry to Customs, no later than 20 days after the goods arrive.
MPI prefers that you lodge your details in advance – this is sometimes required.
You must lodge all import entries electronically either through:
- Customs' online declaration website (TSW)
- an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) software from a private provider.
You will need a Customs Client Code to be registered with Customs – and registered with MPI if you are importing food. All suppliers importing into New Zealand also require a supplier code.
You won’t be able to pick up your goods until Customs has:
- verified your import entry clearance
- confirmed the duties and charges
- verified any other conditions that might apply – for example, biosecurity clearances from MPI.
Once the shipment is cleared, an electronic release message is sent to the Customs warehouse where the goods are held.
In most cases, a customs broker or freight forwarder will manage clearance on your behalf – but you can do this yourself if you choose to.
Different types of import entry
For Customs, the type of entry you need to lodge depends on the value of the goods you’re importing.
If your goods are valued at less than $1,000, you’ll need to submit Electronic Cargo Information (ECI).
If your goods are valued at more than $1,000, you’ll need to:
- lodge an import entry
- apply for a client code from Customs (if you haven’t already got one)
- apply for a supplier code from Customs (if your supplier hasn’t already got one).
Accompanying imported goods
Business owners often bring in commercial goods as accompanied luggage on a flight into New Zealand, such as one-off imports or product samples.
These goods are still classed as imported goods and are treated the same as any other goods brought into New Zealand. You’ll still need to provide information to Customs either before or after you land in New Zealand.
At the very least, you need to:
- declare the goods on your arrival card
- tell Customs that you’re carrying imported commercial goods.
Make sure you know what documents will be needed.
Sometimes you may be bringing in goods that you intend to take out later. These are known as temporary imports and different rules apply.
Check duties, tariffs and charges
All imported goods are subject to duties, GST and other possible charges.
They may also be subject to preferential tariffs from New Zealand’s external trade agreements with select countries. This means the duties on items from some countries are lower.
If you submit your own import entry, you need to know how to calculate your fees and charges correctly. If you use the services of a customs broker, agent or freight forwarder, they will work out your charges for you.
Exempt-entry goods
Exempt-entry goods are goods that are exempt from having to lodge an import or export entry. However, you’ll still need to:
- submit Electronic Cargo Information (ECI)
- forward all documentation to your customs broker, freight forwarder or logistics company.
Exempt-entry goods can still be subject to prohibitions or border agency requirements – for example, a permit.
Examples of exempt-entry goods for importing and exporting include:
- 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 Free on Board (FOB) value under $1,000 and not sold from a licensed export warehouse or under drawback.
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