Frequently asked questions
Whether you are a commercial or private importer, GST at 15% will be levied. GST is payable on all goods imported into New Zealand and their importation costs. It is calculated at time of import when the entry is submitted to New Zealand Customs. New Zealand Customs collect the GST on behalf of the IRD. If you are a registered New Zealand business, you are able to claim any GST back on your GST return. GST is exempt for exports.
Duty rates vary depending on the Tariff Classification of the goods, the country of origin and export, and the availability of duty-free concessions. Our Customs Team can advise you on these matters prior to importing.
Marine cargo insurance protects the owners of the cargo that is being transported by a third party internationally. This may include protection from damage to cargo such as rogue waves, loss of refrigeration or delays such as port worker strikes that result in a significant financial loss. This insurance is outside of the damage caused to the actual vehicles or freighter, which is covered by the transporter and doesn't cover your cargo.
Incoterms, short for International Commercial Terms, are a standard set of rules to establish who is responsible for various tasks, such as transportation, insurance, customs clearance, and risk transfer, throughout the sale and movement of goods internationally.You can download a PDF of Incoterms here.
No, there is no Insurance on any shipment unless prior arrangement has been agreed on. We don't automatically insure shipments but we can offer Marine Insurance Cover as required. We do however highly recommend that you insure your goods while in transit. Insurance is very easy to quote and arrange we just need a value and commodity.
It is important that you understand and review the process as well as understand Incoterms and insurances. Contact us so we can advise you on your specific circumstances ensure you are aware of what costs you may be liable for as part of the shipping process.
Fumigation is required for plant-based or untreated wooden, organic or dirt-laden products. It is also required during the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) seasons from countries where the bugs are known to inhabit. Info about the BMSB, or other fumigation requirements can be found on our resources page. Fumigation is done at the port the cargo is leaving from and before it leaves for New Zealand.
We'll help you to work through your container requirements with options for LCL (less than a container load), accommodating various sizes of the shipping container or how quickly you want your shipment to arrive at its destination. For a quick guide on volumes, download our container guide, here.