FOREIGN CITIZENS COVERS THE FOLLOWING:

·        First time immigrants to New Zealand who hold permanent residency visas.

·        Foreign passport holders who hold work to residence, work, student, or visitor visas.

·        Australian passport holders.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

·        Customs & MAF (Quarantine) Declaration (customer must be in country to complete prior to shipment arrival).

·        Passport - original or copy (photograph/signature page plus for non NZ passport holders all pages containing residency visas and entry stamps) certified by a Justice of the Peace, Police Officer, or Solicitor - of the person stated as the Importer on the declaration and all family members

·        Inventory stating contents of cartons in detail including any cartons packed by owner ( any items marked "PBO" - packed by owner, "misc." - miscellaneous or any other such incomplete descriptions are likely to be subject to inspection for which the client will be charged).

·        For persons on a work visa or transfer a signed copy of a contract of employment.

·        For persons on a work to residence visa written confirmation from NZ Immigration that this is their status.

·        For Australian passport holders claiming concessions as first time immigrants proof of intention to reside permanently will be required such as transfer of bank account, sale of overseas property/purchase of NZ property.

·        Keys for any locked trunks, suitcases or vehicles.

·        For alcohol a detailed listing and evidence that it has been collected over a period of time. Alcohol Listing

·        Container Quarantine Declaration

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

• CUSTOMER MUST BE IN THE COUNTRY AT THE TIME OF CUSTOMS CLEARANCE WITH APPROPRIATE VISA TO SUBSTANTIATE ENTITLEMENT TO DUTY/TAX FREE ENTRY OF EFFECTS OTHERWISE DELAYS ARE LIKELY AND CUSTOMS CHARGES MAY BE APPLICABLE.
• Used household goods (including furniture and electrical appliances) and personal effects can be imported free of Customs charges provided they are for their own personal use by the following immigration categories: Persons who hold one of the following on the date of importation of the goods:
  • a current New Zealand permanent residence visa or current returning residents visa
  • a current Australian passport
  • a current permanent residence visa (including a resident return visa) issued by the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia

o        a current work visa or work permit that was issued for a minimum of 12 months

o        a current work visa or work permit, issued under the Long Term Business Visa/Permit category or the Work to Residence (Skilled Migrant Category)

• a current visitor's visa or permit that was issued for a minimum of 3 years.
• All other visa holders cannot import household goods free of Customs charges and will be required to pay duty and or tax on any effects except clothing and personal items imported into New Zealand. The definition of 'personal items' is limited to items generally carried about the person and excludes most general household effects.
• If shipments are forwarded to New Zealand prior to a customer's arrival they can give written authority to someone to complete forms on their behalf provided they will arrive within 6 months of the shipments arrival and hold one of the above documents. However, the nominee must be able to fully answer all questions and be prepared to pay any costs on behalf of the owner.  They must also be able to supply evidence that all the conditions of free entry have been met by the owner (other then them having arrived in New Zealand).  Customs will require a SIGHT ENTRY and usually require a Customs duty deposit paid based on the insured value, until the owner arrives and can provide proof of their legal authority to reside, at which time the deposit will be refunded. This also increases the likelihood that Customs will inspect the shipment.
• Most shipments include items which require inspection by MAF (Quarantine). However, this requirement is only made known during the clearance procedure. Charges for this service will be for the Customer's account.
• Following MAF inspection, fumigation or steam cleaning of items may be required. Charges for this service will be for the Customer's account.
• Importation of household goods from deceased estates will be allowed free of duty provided a copy of the Death Certificate and Will are provided.  The importer must also provide a detailed valued list of the goods.

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

·        All new or unused items (except clothing, footwear, toilet requisites etc.) may be subject to duty and/or GST (tax).

·         All items imported by persons who do not hold one of the above documents to evidence they are entitled to duty free entry or effects imported prior to the owners arrival are subject to duty and/or GST (tax.)

·        Alcoholic beverages. If imported as part of normal household contents or part of a collector's cellar can normally be imported on a duty and tax free basis by persons holding one of the above documents.. A detailed list and proof of previous ownership (cellar notes, receipts, etc) is required.   Alcohol imported by persons not holding one of these documents will be subject to duty and GST on any quantity whatsoever

·        Tobacco products attract Customs charges.

·        Radio transmitting equipment may not comply with New Zealand radio frequency service.

·        Medicines of any kind must be declared.  An itemized list of every medicinal item included in the shipment must be provided, including both prescribed and "over the counter" items and the contents of any first aid kit.  Prescribed medicines must be accompanied by a doctor's prescription and be carried in the original container.

·        Firearms and ammunition strictly controlled and a Police Import Permit is required. Client must hold or obtain a Firearms License before an Import Permit will be issued.

·        Must be packed separately, individually listed on the inventory ,and stowed at the front (door end) of the container for easy access.

·        Shipper must contact the New Zealand Police Department upon arrival to obtain license and permits as New Zealand Customs will not give clearance of the firearms until documentation is received from the police which may hold up clearance/release of the entire shipment.

·        Semi-automatic military type firearms are not allowed and restrictions may apply to other types or firearms.

·        MAF (Quarantine) regulations apply to the following items

·        Food of any kind

·        Biological specimens

·        Plants or animals (alive or dead) or their products

·        Equipment used with animals

·        Garden tools/implements, tents, vacuum cleaners, basket ware, bicycles, outdoor sports equipment, feather, fur , or skin products, etc.

·        Bamboo, cane, or rattan, regardless of origin will usually be inspected and, if infested will be fumigated.

·        All wood (including wood packaging, crates, etc.) must be free of bark, insect and fungal attack and should be treated to comply with International standard ISPM15. Timber treatment certificate should be sent with documents when available.

·        All items of agricultural, animal, or food origin or use MUST be clearly identified and loaded for easy access for inspection. PLEASE NOTE: Agricultural Inspection will add to clearance times with fumigation or treatment causing further delays.

·        Quarantine inspection can take place at residence at time of delivery provided the residence is not in a rural area and has a hard surface (concrete or asphalt) driveway/area where a container can be placed for unloading. If the residence does not meet these criteria then effects will have to be unloaded at our approved store for inspection. All charges associated with inspections are for the customers account.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

·        Canned or dried meat, spices, honey, dairy and egg products or bee keeping equipment.

·        Flick knives, swordsticks, replica firearms, bayonets, daggers and knuckledusters.

·        Semi-automatic firearms and certain other types of firearms

·        Ammunition

·        Controlled Drugs (Prescribed medicine must be accompanied by a doctor's prescription and be carried in the original container).

·        Pornographic or objectionable material (subject to seizure).

·        Ornamental pipes (including Sheesha or Hookah pipes) and other cannabis or methamphetamine utensils

·        All items manufactured from or originating from endangered wildlife must have a CITIES export permit issued by the appropriate authority in the country of origin. this includes ivory, shells & corals, feathers, reptiles, snakes, elephants, rhinos, hippos, members of the cat family, whales, dolphins, zebra, antelope, deer, and birds.

MOTOR VEHICLES

(Including motorcycles and motor scooters):

·        First time immigrants and Australian passport holders taking up permanent residence in New Zealand can import vehicles tax (GST) free provided the vehicles have been owned and used for one year prior to the clients departure to New Zealand, will not be sold for two years and are for the Customer's own personal use and not for sale, gift, or disposal. The client will be required to sign a Deed of Undertaking to this effect. This concession may also be granted to persons on Work to Residency visas provided they supply proof from NZ Immigration that this is their status. Vehicles imported by any other persons will attract Customs charges.

·        IN SOME LOCATIONS THE CUSTOMER MAY BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND A CUSTOMS CLEARANCE INTERVIEW OR TO SIGN DOCUMENTATION IN FRONT OF A CUSTOMS OFFICER.

·        There is no duty on motor cars or motor cycles but duty does apply to some motor homes and other vehicles. Tax (GST - currently 12.5% ) applies.

·        Vehicles MUST comply with New Zealand Ministry of Transport Vehicle Standard regulations. A statement of Compliance must be obtained from the authorized manufacturers representative in New Zealand BEFORE the vehicle is shipped.

·        Restrictions apply to importation of left-hand drive vehicles. Before shipping you must obtain written approval to import from the Ministry of Transport.

·        DO NOT load personal effect into the vehicle for shipping. The clearance procedures are separate for effects and vehicles.

·        ALL VEHICLES are examined by MAF on arrival and should be cleaned before shipping. In particular the underside should have all dirt and soil removed and the inside & boot should be vacuumed. Any contamination found will result in the vehicle being ordered for steam-cleaning and/or vacuuming. Charges for this will be for the Customer's Account.

·        Documents Required (copies acceptable):

·        Original Bill of Sale (showing purchase price and date).

·        Registration document/papers (to prove length of ownership) showing VIN or Chassis No.

·        Service Book, repair accounts and insurance statements can assist in showing further proof of the length of ownership.

·        Condition Report showing date vehicle handed over for shipment

·        Evidence of the cost of freight and insurance charges for the vehicle only.

·        Bill of lading showing vehicle and stating VIN/Chassis no.

·        Passport

PETS

·        Prohibition and restrictions on the import of domestic pets such as dogs and cats apply and are strictly enforced. Details and requirements must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF).

USEFUL WEB SITES

·         NZ Customs - www.customs.govt.nz

·         NZ MAF (Quarantine) - www.maf.govt.nz

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