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How to Clear Goods Through Customs Importing commercial goods into New Zealand does not need to be complicated, but delays can quickly become expensive when Customs or biosecurity requirements are dealt with too late. Whether you are importing by sea freight, air freight or courier, understanding the clearance process before your goods arrive can help avoid unnecessary storage, demurrage and other delays. What happens when commercial goods arrive in New Zealand? Imported goods may need clearance from New Zealand Customs Service, and depending on the goods, they may also require clearance from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Customs and MPI perform different roles. Customs is responsible for matters including import entry processing, tariff classification, duty and GST, prohibited or restricted imports and border compliance. MPI manages New Zealand’s biosecurity requirements. Products such as food, plant material, timber, animal products and other risk goods may require additional documentation, inspection or treatment. What documents will your customs broker normally need? The documents required depend on the shipment, but commercial imports commonly require: Commercial invoice Packing list Bill of Lading or Air Waybill Freight and insurance information where applicable Country of origin information Import permits, certificates or other approvals where required Some goods may also require phytosanitary certificates, health certificates, treatment certificates or other supporting documentation. Providing complete documents before the shipment arrives gives your broker an opportunity to identify problems early. How is the Customs entry prepared? Your customs broker reviews the shipment information and determines the appropriate tariff classification and other information required for the import entry. The entry is then lodged electronically with New Zealand Customs. Depending on the goods and circumstances, Customs may release the shipment or require further information, examination or another form of intervention. What about MPI clearance? Customs clearance does not necessarily mean the goods are also cleared by MPI. If the shipment contains biosecurity risk goods, MPI requirements may apply separately. This is particularly important for importers dealing with food, plant products, wooden products, animal products and other regulated goods. Why should clearance start before arrival? One of the most common mistakes is waiting until the vessel or aircraft arrives before sending documents to the customs broker. By then, the clock may already be running on port storage, container detention or other charges. Where possible, send the documents to your broker as soon as the supplier provides them. Early preparation gives everyone more time to identify missing documents, permits or other clearance requirements. Importing into New Zealand for the first time? If you are planning your first commercial shipment, it is worth checking the requirements before the supplier dispatches the goods. A relatively small documentation or biosecurity issue at origin can become a much more expensive problem once the cargo reaches New Zealand. Cusmode Customs can assist importers with New Zealand Customs clearance and coordinate applicable border clearance requirements. If you have a shipment coming to New Zealand, you are welcome to contact us before it departs or before it arrives.