New Zealand Customs Guide

🇳🇿 New Zealand Customs Guide

Importing Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Moving to New Zealand? Customs regulations are strict, and certain goods may be subject to duty, tax (GST), and biosecurity inspections. Having the right documents and understanding these rules will ensure a smooth relocation.

Visa Requirements for Duty-Free Entry
To import household goods duty and GST-free, you must have one of the following valid visas or permits:

New Zealand Residence Visa / Permit
Returning Resident Visa / Permit
New Zealand Work Visa / Permit (issued for at least 12 months)
Permanent Resident Visa
Returning Resident Visa issued by the Australian Government
Work Visa / Permit (minimum 12 months, skilled migrant, or long-term business visa)
Visitor Visa / Permit (minimum 3 years)

đź“Ś If you do not hold one of these at the time of shipment arrival, duty and GST will apply.

Duty & GST Charges
If duty-free entry is not granted, the following charges will apply:

Duty (5%) – Charged on the “landed value” (cost of goods + freight + insurance).
GST (15%) – Applied to the landed value + duty amount.
Personal jewelry, books, and clothing are exempt from duty and GST.

đź“Ś Customs duties and taxes paid at entry cannot be refunded, even if you later obtain a qualifying visa.

Wood Packaging & Biosecurity Requirements
All wooden packaging (crates, pallets, etc.) must meet ISPM-15 standards and be properly treated.
Non-compliant wood may be destroyed, treated, or re-exported at your expense.
MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) screens all packing lists and determines if an inspection is needed.

đź“Ś Most personal effects shipments will be inspected.

Common Items Subject to Biosecurity Inspection
Certain items may require cleaning, fumigation, or destruction if they pose a biosecurity risk:

✅ Food Products – All types, including dried and fresh foods.
✅ Animal Products – Dairy, meat, honey, feathers, wool, hunting trophies, shells, coral, and Chinese traditional medicines.
✅ Plant Products – Seeds, bulbs, dried flowers, wooden carvings, bamboo, basketware, and herbal medicines.
✅ Equipment – Fishing gear, pet bedding, gardening tools, forestry tools, work boots, and camping gear.
✅ Miscellaneous – Used bicycles, hiking boots, vehicle parts, water sports equipment, barbecues, and festive decorations.

đź“Ś All outdoor and soil-contact items must be thoroughly cleaned before shipping.

Inheritance Shipments
Permanent residents of New Zealand can import inherited goods duty-free with the following documents:

Copy of Death Certificate or a letter from a solicitor.
Copy of Will or certified extract showing the beneficiary’s name and their inheritance.
Container Inspections
All containers must be unloaded and inspected at a transitional facility before delivery to the final residence.
Direct delivery from port to residence is no longer allowed under New Zealand’s quarantine laws.