New Zealand - IMPORT REGULATIONS

NEW ZEALAND – IMPORT REGULATIONS

At the time of compiling this information sheet the following documentation is required to import household goods and personal effects into New Zealand.

Please ensure that an original quarantine certificate printed on your company letterhead is provided for all full load containers. Failing to provide a certificate will result in port demurrage charges which will be for your clients account.

Household and Personal effects

Once permanent residency has been granted by the New Zealand Immigration Department, household and personal effects may be imported free of charge however; proof of intent to settle will be required by way of one of the following:

Purchase of a residence
An employment contract
Transfer of funds to New Zealand

All shippers are required to submit their passports to the destination agent for presentation to New Zealand Customs - photocopies are not acceptable.

If shipments are forwarded to New Zealand prior to the shipper arriving, please note that New Zealand Customs will require a SIGHT ENTRY. Please advise full details of when the shipper is due in New Zealand and when the shipper left New Zealand (if applicable). New Zealand Customs may inspect these shipments and require a Customs duty deposit on the insured value until the shipper provides proof of entry to New Zealand at which time the deposit will be refunded.

Importation of household effects from DECEASED ESTATES will be accepted free of duty provided a copy of the Death Certificate and Will are provided.

If a New Zealand citizen has been out of the country for less than 21 months, all items purchased overseas will be levied for Customs Duty and Goods and Services Tax.

For all customs charges and duty rates please visit the New Zealand government website:

http://www.customs.govt.nz

Agriculture Information

New Zealand Agriculture Authority has strict regulations on items imported to New Zealand. Household effects shipments may be subject to inspection and, if required, fumigation. All charges for these services will be debited direct to the shipper. Detailed inventories must be provided.

All items such as garden implements, bicycles, tents, golf clubs, must be thoroughly cleaned prior to shipment. Vacuum cleaners must be emptied and cleaned prior to shipment. Do not include the following items: canned or dried meat, spices, honey, dairy and egg products or bee-keeping equipment. All caneware, regardless of origin WILL be fumigated.

Please note that an Agricultural Inspection may take up to 48 hours, with fumigation a further seven (7) days.

Firearms

Firearms may be imported into New Zealand provided a permit is obtained from the New Zealand Police Department. Please ensure all firearms are stowed at the rear of the container for easy access as they will be uplifted by the authorities until the required permit/licence is obtained.

Motor Vehicles/Motor Cycles

First time immigrants to New Zealand may import a motor vehicle free of GST (Goods & Service Tax), provided the importer has personally owned and used the vehicle for twelve (12) months prior to shipping and retains the vehicle for two (2) years after arrival.

New Zealand citizens will be required to pay Goods and Services Tax on all vehicles shipped to New Zealand.

All motor vehicles/motor cycles MUST be steam-cleaned prior to shipping and an authorised certificate attached to your shipping documentation. The interior of vehicles should also be cleaned prior to shipping.

All shippers of motor vehicles will be required to attend an interview with New Zealand Customs at port of entry. Invoiced proof of purchase, ownership papers, current driving licence, plus an invoice for shipping and insurance costs will be required at this interview.