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Importing goods into New Zealand can look straightforward until the shipment is on the water or in the air and somebody asks for a Customs entry, client code, tariff classification or MPI documentation.

You do not necessarily need a Customs Broker for every shipment. New Zealand Customs says electronic lodgement is required before goods can be cleared, and lodgements can be made through a Customs broker, freight forwarder, Trade Single Window for some lodgements, or EDI software. For many importers, however, using a broker is the practical way to manage the border-clearance work.

What does a Customs Broker actually do?

A Customs Broker prepares and lodges Customs entries using the commercial and shipping information for the consignment. This can involve checking the invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, tariff classification, Customs value, duty and GST treatment and any permits or restrictions that may apply.

Where goods are also subject to biosecurity requirements, Customs clearance and MPI clearance may both need to be completed before the cargo can be released.

When is using a broker particularly useful?

Professional help becomes especially useful for commercial sea freight and air freight, containers, vehicles and machinery, food or other biosecurity risk goods, personal effects, restricted products, urgent cargo and shipments where documentation is incomplete or a border hold has already been issued.

MPI specifically advises importers of containers and cargo to consider using a Customs Broker and notes that some Customs services can only be accessed by registered brokers.

What documents should I send before the goods arrive?

For a typical commercial shipment, start with the commercial invoice, packing list and Bill of Lading or Air Waybill. Depending on the goods, further documents may include permits, treatment certificates, phytosanitary or health certificates, origin information, product specifications or MPI declarations.

Sending documents early matters. New Zealand Customs says documentation can be submitted before arrival, and MPI recommends advance submission for container and cargo information to help avoid delays.

What happens if I wait until the shipment arrives?

The goods may remain at a port, airport, depot or other storage facility while clearance is completed. Storage, demurrage and other logistics costs can build quickly, particularly if information is missing or Customs or MPI needs further action.

Pre-arrival review does not guarantee immediate release, because Customs, MPI and other agencies control their own processes. It does give the importer and broker more time to identify problems before they become urgent.

Customs and MPI are not the same thing

New Zealand Customs deals with matters such as import declarations, tariff classification, valuation, duty, GST, restricted goods and border compliance. MPI manages biosecurity requirements for risk goods. Import Health Standards set requirements for many products and items that could carry pests or diseases.

A shipment can therefore have Customs clearance but still be waiting for MPI, or vice versa.

Need help with an import?

Cusmode Customs Brokers assists importers throughout New Zealand with Customs clearance, MPI biosecurity clearance, sea freight, air freight, vehicle imports, personal effects and tariff, duty and GST questions.

If your shipment is already booked, send the invoice, packing list and shipping document as early as possible so the clearance requirements can be reviewed before arrival.

This article provides general information only. Requirements depend on the goods and circumstances of each shipment.