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New Zealand Customs uses different forms and registrations depending on whether you are importing commercially, importing privately, bringing in food for sale, or moving personal household effects.

Choosing the wrong application can create unnecessary delays, particularly when cargo is already on the water, in the air, or waiting for clearance. The four forms below are among the ones importers commonly ask Cusmode about.

NZCS 224 – Commercial Importers and Exporters

NZCS 224 is used to apply for or update a New Zealand Customs Client Code for commercial importing or exporting. A Client Code identifies a commercial importer or exporter for Customs clearance purposes.

Cusmode has already covered the NZCS 224 commercial Client Code in more detail in our NZCS 224 Client Code article.

NZCS 224A – Private Individuals

If you are importing or exporting privately rather than for business purposes, the requirement may instead be a Customs Number. NZCS 224A is the application used by private individuals for a Customs Number.

NZCS 224F – Food Importers

Importing food for sale, or food ingredients that will be used in food for sale, has different registration requirements. NZCS 224F is used for the Client Code and food-importer registration process.

NZCS 218 – Personal and Household Effects

People moving to New Zealand, returning home, or sending personal household belongings may encounter NZCS 218 as part of the personal-effects clearance process. Personal-effects shipments can also involve MPI biosecurity requirements, so the form is only one part of the clearance.

Not Sure Which NZ Customs Form Applies?

The correct route depends on who is importing, what the goods are for and the circumstances of the shipment. There is little benefit in completing a form only to discover that a different registration or clearance process was required.

Cusmode can help identify the appropriate application, check the supporting documents and assist with submission where applicable. If your shipment has already departed or arrived in New Zealand, tell us when you contact us so we can assess the urgency.

Apply for a Customs Client Code or Customs Number through Cusmode →

Customs requirements can change and individual shipments may require additional information or approvals. This article is general information and is not a substitute for shipment-specific advice.