Importing and Exporting to New Zealand

Exporting from New Zealand

Import and export trade is very important to the New Zealand economy, with computers and electronics being some of the key imports into the country. Despite New Zealand’s small population and remote location, it has a well-developed free-market economy and high GDP.

New Zealand is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with many countries worldwide. These agreements aim to reduce tariffs and other barriers to trade, making cross-border trade easier in New Zealand. According to the ITA, New Zealand would like to have FTAs covering 90% of its exports by 2023. Its existing FTAs include:

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) FTA with 11 Asia-Pacific countries,
Closer Economic Partnership (CEP) with Hong Kong,
CEP with Singapore,
CEP with Thailand,
Closer Economic Relationship (CER) which eliminates tariffs (but not all duties) between Australia and New Zealand,
Digital Economy Partnership Agreement for digital trade between Chile, New Zealand, and Singapore,
FTA with China,
FTA with the European Union,
FTA with South Korea,
FTA with Malaysia,
FTA with the United Kingdom,
Indo Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Supply Chain Agreement which facilitates cooperation and collaboration to fortify supply chains across the 14 members (Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam),
Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus agreement to connect the Pacific region through trade and development, and
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) for the Asia-Pacific region.

Population

5.2 million

Biggest Industry by Export

Agriculture

Biggest Industry by Import

Machinery

Capital City

Wellington

New Zealand customs also have a range of Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) in place under the Secure Exports Scheme (SES). These cover low-risk countries and allow mutually recognized countries to fast-track customs clearance in their destination, streamlining the process to export from New Zealand. New Zealand has MRAs with Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the UK, the US, Taiwan, and Thailand.

New Zealand has also consistently been ranked in the top three on the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, making it one of the least corrupt countries in the world.

Digitization New Zealand

New Zealand is the perfect market for global tech companies looking to further expand and grow. Importing to New Zealand is a high priority for many in the tech sector and beyond. Most computer software and hardware can be imported duty-free into the country.

New Zealand is prosperous and increasingly competitive in fintech, health IT, digital, and creative technologies. The software and IT services sector is one of the fastest-growing segments of the country’s technology industry. In 2022, tech was New Zealand’s second-largest export. Software exports have seen an annual growth rate of 24%, with $1.2 billion worth of software exported in 2022.

This industry’s prominence is evident as big names such as Datacom, Xero, and Fujitsu now operate from New Zealand. Although a popular import destination, New Zealand has strict import procedures and restrictions on radio equipment operating at various frequencies in the 151MHz range.

Delivery Duty Paid DDP Shipping to New Zealand

TecEx provides you with an expert Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) solution, including Importer of Record IOR and Exporter of Record EOR New Zealand. We source all documentation on your behalf and put your goods through strict pre-compliance checks before shipping.

Your peace of mind is paramount. TecEx offers market-leading 110% liability cover. TecEx is your trusted IOR for New Zealand. We ensure smooth customs clearance by leveraging our familiarity with New Zealand’s customs prerequisites and rules.

Some of the complexities of New Zealand customs regulations are well-documented in the media. TecEx has developed best-in-class processes to ensure our clients continue importing into and exporting from New Zealand seamlessly.

With our in-depth understanding of New Zealand’s trade regulations, we’ll also ensure your imports and exports leverage the competitive advantage of MRAs when possible and utilize relevant FTAs for optimal efficiency.

Unique Pain Points for New Zealand

One of the major pain points faced when importing to and exporting from New Zealand is long lead times. This is primarily due to its isolated location – time zones and physical delivery can be laborious. High transportation costs also burden importers and can drive up the price of goods and services in the region – this is especially true for bulky and heavy goods. The country also applies a 15% GST.

While importing to New Zealand can be complex, TecEx boasts over ten years of experience importing to and exporting from multiple locations across the mainland and islands of New Zealand.

Countries Associated with New Zealand

Asia

China

Australia

North America

United States of America (USA)

Specific Compliance Regulations

Permit Declarations

Certain goods, like used equipment and machinery, require permission from the New Zealand government to be imported.

Export Clearances

To export from New Zealand, shipments require an export entry or electronic cargo information (ECI) alongside relevant permits and licenses.

Export clearance applications require various information, including accurate descriptions and classifications of goods based on the Working Tariff Document of New Zealand (WTD) and correct goods valuation. It’s best to use a compliance expert like TecEx to navigate this requirement to avoid mishaps.

Importing to New Zealand