What are the Import Licenses and Documents for Importing from China to New Zealand

What are the Import Licenses and Documents for Importing from China to New Zealand

Whether you plan to start a business or simply plan to have goods shipped to New Zealand, you have to be aware of importation requirements.

Below lists down the necessary documents and the fees and costs you have to prepare for, which include permits and fees such as import licenses for products from China and their corresponding importing duties.

Get a Customs Number

The first step before you do anything is to secure for yourself a customs number. You can accomplish this on your own or have a Customs broker do this on your behalf.

Secure Permits and Clearances

Some goods and products such as animal and plant products require New Zealand permits before being allowed to be imported. It is necessary to secure all necessary permits from customs to avoid fines and confiscations. To be sure, check their extensive list of prohibited and restricted products.

Other products such as food and animals and plant products need a biosecurity clearance from the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI).

Lodge Your Import Entry

Submit an electronic cargo entry (ECI) lodgment containing the details of your import. This could be obtained from the following:

  • Your freight forwarder
  • Customs broker,
  • Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) software
  • Trade Single Window (TSW)
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You can submit your import entry clearance before your goods arrive or within 20 days after your goods have landed at the port of entry. There are three types of import entry clearance depending on your products:

  • Standard Import Entry. This is for products which prices are from NZ$ 1000 and above.
  • Simplified Import Entry. This is suitable for: commercial products and private imports whose value for duty (VF) are not more than NZ$ 1000 and for unaccompanied passengers baggage and personal effects.
  • Temporary Import Entry. This is for items that will only be in NZ for a year or less before being exported.

It is essential to be aware of NZ’s requirements on import entries before you even import the items to avoid delays and problems.

Prepare for the Necessary Fees and Costs.

Aside from the exchange rate fluctuations that can happen, here are some of the fees you need to be aware of:

  • Import Entry Transaction Fee (IETF). This is a uniform charge for your import declaration. This amounts to NZ$ 29.26.
  • Import Duties. This applies to the value of the item you have paid or will pay for. This depends on the kind of item, the country it came from, the country it was made from, among other details. Have an estimation using NZ’s Duty Estimator.
  • Goods and Service Tax (GST). This is a 15% charge on all imported products.
  • Storage Fee. Upon arrival to NZ, your items only have three days of free storage. Beyond that, you have to pay per cubic meter per day for storage.
  • Charges for Services (freight forwarder, sourcing agents, etc.). If you hired agents to help with sourcing and logistics, you have to pay them.
  • Biosecurity Levy. If your products are animal and plant products, they have to be inspected by the MPI Biosecurity. This usually costs NZ$ 26.45.
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Importing goods and products is a tedious process given the strict requirements of the New Zealand government. There are clear and detailed guidelines to comply with. Following the list above will help you prepare for all the necessary fees and licenses you need to acquire for a smooth importation process.

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