FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
New Zealand Customs, Biosecurity & Logistics
Practical answers about New Zealand Customs clearance, MPI biosecurity, importing, exporting, personal effects, vehicles and freight. Requirements vary by shipment, so contact Cusmode Customs Brokers for advice specific to your goods.
BROWSE QUESTIONS BY TOPIC
CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
A licensed Customs Broker can prepare and lodge import and export entries, help classify goods, calculate duties and taxes, and deal with New Zealand Customs requirements on your behalf.
Not every shipment legally requires a broker, but commercial imports can involve tariff classification, Customs entry requirements, permits, duty, GST and biosecurity controls. Using a broker can reduce errors and delays.
Common documents include a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading or air waybill, plus any permits, licences, treatment certificates or other supporting documents required for the goods.
There is no fixed clearance time. Timing depends on the shipment, documentation, Customs processing, inspections, holds and whether MPI or another agency is involved. Sending documents before arrival usually gives the best chance of avoiding unnecessary delay.
Duty depends on the tariff classification and origin of the goods. Import GST is generally 15% and is calculated under New Zealand Customs valuation rules.
In some cases, yes. Importers still need to meet the relevant Customs requirements and may need a Customs Client Code or other registration. Commercial entries can be technical, so many importers use a licensed Customs Broker.
BIOSECURITY — MPI
The Ministry for Primary Industries manages New Zealand biosecurity requirements. Goods that may carry pests or diseases can require documentation checks, inspection, treatment or other action before release.
Examples include food, plant and animal products, wood packaging, used machinery and vehicles, seeds and other risk goods. Requirements depend on the exact commodity and origin.
An Import Health Standard sets biosecurity requirements for specified goods entering New Zealand. The applicable standard should be checked against the exact product and country of origin.
Only where the applicable import requirements call for it. Treatment type, timing and certification depend on the commodity and relevant MPI requirements.
There is no universal timeframe. It depends on the goods, documents, inspection availability, treatment needs and any issues identified during clearance.
IMPORTING & EXPORTING
Start by confirming your product description, tariff classification, supplier documents and any Customs or MPI requirements. Commercial importers may need a New Zealand Customs Client Code.
New Zealand does not use the EU EORI system for normal New Zealand import clearance. The relevant New Zealand identifier is generally a Customs Client Code or Customs Number, depending on the circumstances.
Some restricted or controlled goods require permits, approvals or licences. Requirements vary by product and should be checked before shipment.
Export requirements depend on the goods and destination. They may include a Customs export entry, commercial documents, permits, certificates and destination-country requirements.
A certificate or declaration of origin can be required for some trade transactions or to support a preferential tariff claim. The required form and issuer depend on the applicable trade agreement and destination requirements.
PERSONAL EFFECTS & VEHICLES
Yes. Whether duty and GST concessions apply depends on the circumstances and whether the Customs requirements for personal effects are met.
No. Eligibility is not automatic. Customs may require evidence about ownership, use, residence, immigration status and the nature of the goods. Some items can remain subject to duty, GST, restrictions or biosecurity requirements.
Documents can include a detailed inventory, passport or immigration documents, transport documents and any evidence Customs requests to support a concession claim.
Vehicles can involve Customs, MPI biosecurity, entry certification, safety and emissions requirements, registration and other compliance steps. Requirements should be checked before purchase or shipment.
FREIGHT & SHIPPING
FCL means Full Container Load. LCL means Less than Container Load, where cargo shares container space with other shipments.
Transit times vary by origin, carrier, routing, transhipment, port congestion and schedule changes. Check the current carrier schedule for the shipment rather than relying on a fixed estimate.
These are carrier or terminal charges that can arise when cargo or equipment remains beyond the applicable free period. Exact definitions and charges depend on the carrier and terminal terms.
Yes. Cusmode Customs Brokers assists with customs clearance for sea freight, air freight, courier shipments, vehicles, personal effects and commercial cargo entering New Zealand.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Cusmode operates as an online customs brokerage and assists importers and exporters throughout New Zealand, including Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Yes, we assist with urgent and after-hours matters where available. Contact us with the shipment details so we can confirm what can be done and any applicable charges before proceeding.
Cusmode provides customs brokerage services in New Zealand through licensed Customs Brokers.
Yes. We can assist with export entries and review the Customs documentation required for the shipment. Certificates of origin and destination-country documents may need to be issued or approved by the appropriate third party or authority.
Send us the product description, shipment type, origin, value, expected arrival date and available shipping documents. We will review the job and advise the applicable brokerage charges.
NEED HELP WITH A SHIPMENT?
Auckland: 09 927 8059 • Customs & After-Hours: +64 21 807 814 • Sales: +64 27 296 7357
Email: info@cusmode.co.nz • Service: Auckland • Wellington • Christchurch • Nationwide
The information on this page is general guidance only. Customs and biosecurity requirements vary by goods and circumstances and can change. Check the current requirements for your shipment before acting.
