Household Goods Logistics

New Zealand Customs Information – Hercules Worldwide

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• Original passport
• Proof of residence
• Residence visa
• Inventory indicating the contents of each carton in detail (items marked as “PBO-packed by owner and “misc.”-miscellaneous are subject to inspection)
• Customs declaration – requires that you be in country prior to shipments arrival in order to complete
• Proof of employment
• Proof of transfer of funds to New Zealand

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

• YOU MUST BE IN COUNTRY AT TIME OF CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
• Used household goods and personal effects may import duty-free if:
  • You intend on becoming a permanent resident
  • You have lived outside of New Zealand for at least 21 months
  • Have owned and used goods before shipping to New Zealand
  • These items are for personal use
• If shipment arrives in New Zealand before customer, this will require a sight entry for customs. Your shipment will be inspected by customs and will require a customs duty deposit on the insured value until you can provide proof of entry to New Zealand; at that point the deposit will be refunded to you.
• The import of household goods from deceased estates will be accepted duty-free provided there is a copy of the death certificate and will.
• Shipment may require fumigation; charges will be forwarded to your account
• During the clearance procedure, shipments may require an inspection by Quarantine; these charges will be forwarded to your account.

RESTRICTED ITEMS/DUTIABLE

• New items
• Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages
  • If you are a first time immigrant or a returning New Zealand resident (after 21 month abroad), you may import these as part of normal household goods or part of a collector’s cellar duty and tax free.
• Radio transmitting equipment may not comply with New Zealand radio frequency service
• Ammunition and firearms strictly controlled and requires a police permit. Must also:
  • Be packed separately, individually listed on inventory, and stored at front of container for easy access
  • You must contact the New Zealand Police Department upon arrival in order to obtain the proper permits; customs will not give clearance for entire shipment until documentation is received from police.
  • Small pistols & firearms are not permitted unless you register with a gun club.
  • Semi-automatic military type firearms not allowed
  • Arms permit/registration certificate must detail the make, model and serial numbers of firearms
• Agricultural regulations apply to the following:
  • Any food
  • Biological specimens
  • Animals (dead or alive) or plants, or their products
  • Equipment used with animals
• You must thoroughly clean the following items prior to importation:
  • Garden tools/implements, tents, basket ware, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, outdoor sports equipments, feather, fur or skin products, and so on **THESE ITEMS CLOSELY INSPECTED**
  • Cane, rattan, or bamboo will be inspected regardless of origin; and if infested will be fumigated
  • Wood used for crating purposes must be free of bark, insect and fungal attack. Must send Timber Certificate with documents.
• All items relating to agricultural, animal or food origin or use must be clearly identified and loaded for easy access for inspection. **NOTE: agricultural inspection may take up to 2 days; if fumigated, another 7 days will be required.
• If container is full, quarantine inspection will take place at residence.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Spices, honey, canned or dried meat, dairy and egg products, or bee keeping equipment
• Swordsticks, flick knives and knuckledusters
• Drugs – any medicine requires a prescription from a doctor and must be in original container
• Pornographic materials, subject to seizure

MOTOR VEHICLES

• REQUIREDTO ATTEND CLEARANCE INTERVIEW
• Those taking up permanent residence for the first time in New Zealand may import 1 vehicle exempt from import license duty and GST free if:
  • Vehicle has been owned for 1 year prior to import
  • Will not sell vehicle for 2 years after import; nor will you gift or dispose of vehicle in any other way
  • Will utilize vehicle for personal use only
• New Zealand citizens need to pay customs duty and tax on all imported vehicles
• You and your spouse may each import 1 vehicle if both hold a valid driver’s license and can provide evidence of personal ownership and use of vehicle
• All imported vehicles must comply with New Zealand Ministry of Transport Standard regulations
• The importation of left-hand drive vehicles involves restrictions. Required to obtain written approval before import from the Ministry of Transport.
• ADVISED AGAINST to load vehicle in same container as household goods – any delays for release by customs or quarantine will delay the delivery of both household goods and vehicle.
• Required to steam clean ALL VEHICLES being imported; must be spotless and requires a certificate on arrival.
• The following documents are required:
  • Indicate make, model, year and current value of vehicle
  • Passport
  • Certificate of steam cleaning
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Original Bill of Sale – showing purchase price and date
  • Registration certificate and insurance – to prove the length of ownership

PETS

• Restrictions and prohibitions for import of domestic pets (dogs & cats) apply and are strictly enforced.
  • You can acquire details and requirements from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

**NOTE- all customs regulations and procedures are subject to change at any time. The above customs information is provided as a brief summary of New Zealand customs regulations and applies only to household goods shipments, and is for your general guidance. Hercules Worldwide is not liable for any damage, delays, duties, costs, taxes or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance, omissions or errors. Always check full requirements and restrictions with the local embassy or consulate. **