International shipping rules for importing items from China to NZ

Cross-border shipping always comes with a lot of restrictions, especially if you’re shipping items from China to New Zealand. In this regard, it’s imperative to get some fundamental knowledge supplement to get started in the right direction. Let’s get started.

Foreman control loading Containers box from Cargo freight ship in Warehouse shipping transportation concept.

Goods you have to pay tariff for

As a basic rule, the goods that are imported from China to New Zealand will not require any tariff as long as the goods type is not available or manufactured in New Zealand itself. However, if you are importing usual stuff like clothing, cosmetics, footwear, etc., that are also domestically produced in the country will require you to pay high tariff rates. 

In cases of exceptions, if your shipment value is more than NZ$1000, you will have to pay 15% GST along with a $55.71 Import Transaction Fee. In importing from China, you will also have to pay any Import Duty of 5%. Import duty depends on where your item is from and what it is and therefore changes from time to time. 

In the case of gifts where you have not really paid for the item, the value of the item would still require an estimation upon which the tariff will be charged if applicable. 

Is GST (Goods and Service Tax) always applicable?

GST is calculated on the Customs value of the item plus tariff duty along with any freight and insurance costs incurred in bringing the goods to New Zealand via international shipping. Even though some items might not require a tariff, they will definitely require payment for GST. GST is charged irrespective of whether the payment for the item was made in China or New Zealand.

Minimum Duty Collectable for items shipped from China

Unless you are importing tobacco or alcohol from China, if the total payable tariff for your shipment stands below NZ$60, customs will not charge GST or tariff. The total payable tariff includes duties, insurance, shipping cost, and GST. 

Do online orders from China qualify for tariffs?

Yes. Tariffs on all goods and items imported from China to New Zealand will have to be paid for if they are worth more than NZ$1000. 

Are there any other fees or costs involved in international shipping?

If Customs mandates a person to enter their shipment on an electronic entry, an Import Entry Transaction Fee (IETF) may be charged. The IETF is usually around NZ$25.30, inclusive of GST. When a shipment goes in electric entry, a biosecurity levy of NZ$13 is collected by Customs on behalf of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

What cannot be imported to New Zealand?

• certain dog breeds
• endangered animals
• objectifiable items
• equipment for administering cannabis or methamphetamine
• radioactive materials
• illegal substances (Illegal in NZ)

End Thoughts

You can avoid all these hassles to an ideal shipping company like Rocket Freight who has two decades of international shipping experience. All you need to do is to get to them with your shipping requirements and documents asked, and they will do the rest for you. 

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