Customs Clearance FAQs for New Zealand Importers

You can lodge your own import entry, but most businesses use a customs broker because errors can cause delays, storage charges and penalties. A broker classifies your goods, calculates duty and GST, meets MPI biosecurity requirements and lodges the entry with the New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) on your behalf.

A customs clearance is required when the goods you import are valued at over NZ$1,000. This applies to both businesses and individuals, and to goods arriving by mail, air or sea.

A customs broker prepares and lodges your import entry with NZCS, checks biosecurity requirements with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), calculates duty and GST, and arranges release of your goods. A good broker does most of this before your goods arrive. See our customs clearance services.

Ideally before you pay your overseas supplier a deposit. Send us your supplier's proforma invoice and we will flag any duty, MPI or paperwork issues while there is still time to fix them overseas.

No. Platinum® clears new goods only. We do not work with pre-owned or used goods, including used machinery.

A customs broker's fee depends on how your goods arrive and how complex the clearance is. It is charged on top of duty, GST and government fees. Platinum® provides a detailed costing before you pay your supplier, so you know your full landed cost.

The importer pays. The broker's fee is charged on top of any import duty, import GST and entry fees that NZCS charges for shipments over NZ$1,000.

Duty depends on how your goods are classified in the tariff and where they were made, and some goods are duty-free. GST of 15% applies to most imported goods and is calculated on their value plus freight, insurance and duty. Read our guide to fees for importing goods into New Zealand, or see New Zealand Customs.

Allow for airline terminal charges for air cargo, depot charges for LCL sea freight, and port charges and container detention for FCL sea freight. Clearing your goods early is the best way to keep these charges down.

Yes, if you are approved for the NZ Customs deferred payment scheme. It lets regular importers pay duty and GST on an account rather than for each shipment. You can download the application from our forms and downloads page.

At a minimum you need a commercial invoice, a packing list and a transport document: an air waybill for air cargo or a bill of lading for sea freight. Parcels held by NZ Post need the invoice and the NZ Post letter or tracking number.

Your supplier's invoice is enough for a first costing, and a proforma invoice is fine if you have not bought yet. Upload it through our quote form.

An FCL packing declaration states what packaging and packing materials were used in a full container, so MPI can assess the biosecurity risk. It is usually completed by your overseas supplier. Download the FCL packing declaration.

Yes. Before your first clearance, you will need to complete an Authorisation and Acknowledgement form, which authorises Platinum® to act as your customs broker. You can find it on our forms and downloads page.

LCL (Less than a Container Load) means your goods share a container with other importers, which suits smaller shipments. FCL (Full Container Load) means the container holds only your cargo, which is the most economical option if you have enough goods to fill it.

Clearance time depends mainly on how much notice your broker has. When Platinum® receives your documents before the goods depart, we can often clear them before they arrive, so they are released without waiting at the terminal, depot or port.

Airline terminals, depots and ports charge storage while your goods wait, and shipping lines charge container detention. Starting the clearance as soon as your goods depart for New Zealand helps you avoid these charges.

No. We need you to receive the NZ Post letter advising that your parcel is held for a customs entry. Once you send it through with the invoice, we can process the clearance the same day.

You can let NZ Post clear the parcel for a fee, plus any import taxes and an entry fee, or ask Platinum® to process the clearance the same day. Learn about NZ Post customs clearance.

Yes. Platinum Transport® can deliver your goods from the airline terminal, depot or wharf once they are cleared. Alternatively, you can collect them yourself.

Platinum® is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm. You can send a message or upload your supplier's invoice at any time, and a broker will get back to you during business hours.

Platinum® has seven branches across New Zealand: Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin. Every branch can be reached on 0800 166 716. See all branch addresses.

One Touch™ means you deal with one contact at Platinum® from your first enquiry to the end of your project, so you never have to repeat yourself or chase updates.

Yes. Platinum® regularly clears goods such as machinery, prefab homes, building products, spas and gym equipment. Browse our importing guides by sector.