FAQs

I thought I could bring goods in tax-free?

Items purchased from overseas websites for NZ$1000 or less can come into the country (be imported) without incurring any duty, or charges.  GST will be collected by the overseas supplier. Customs will not collect GST, duty, the import entry transaction fee (IETF), or the associated biosecurity system entry levy (BSEL), unless the item is part of a larger consignment valued over $1000. 

Will splitting my purchases keep the value below the amount where duty or GST are payable?

The value of an import is based on all items imported by a person or company at one time, and is not limited to a single transaction. If several items, purchased separately by the same person or company, arrive in New Zealand at the same time, the value may be combined which could result in charges becoming payable if the consignment is valued over $1000.

When don’t I pay Customs charges?

Customs will not collect GST, duty, or the import entry transaction fee (IETF), or the associated biosecurity system entry levy (BSEL), unless the item is part of a larger consignment valued over $1000.  However, this does not apply to tobacco and alcohol products. Duty and GST are collected regardless of the amount.

How is duty calculated?

If duty is payable, it is calculated as a percentage of the value of the items. If the purchase was in a foreign currency then the Customs rates of exchange are used.

How is the GST calculated?

GST is calculated at 15% on the total of the value of the goods, plus duty (if applicable), plus postal/courier and insurance charges.

What is the Import Entry Transaction Fee?

An Import Entry Transaction Fee (IETF) is charged to risk assess and process imported goods. An MPI biosecurity system entry levy is also payable when an IETF is charged. You can find Customs' current fees by referring to the Schedule of Goods Clearance Fees.

Why is the Customs exchange rate different to what the banks have?

Customs determines the exchange rates fortnightly in advance, based on Westpac data. New rates are collected on the morning of the day they are determined and published 11 days before the effective date.

This advance fortnightly determination allows importers a degree of assurance on the duty and GST payable on imports and guards against adverse fluctuations in rates.

The rate we use to make an assessment is the rate for the day the goods arrive into NZ, not the day the goods were purchased.

What is the process for paying Customs’ charges?

We work with NZ Post at the International Mail Centre to identify goods imported by mail that require duty and/or GST to be paid. If you need to pay these charges, you will receive a letter from NZ Post advising what charges must be paid and directing you to make contact with Customs.

Your goods will be released as soon as you pay the charges. Payment can be made by internet banking.

Customs cannot release the goods until the charges are paid.

For goods imported through a courier company, the company concerned will contact you direct if duty and/or GST are payable.

The seller has offered to declare a lower value of the goods so I don’t have to pay any Customs charges, what happens if I get caught?

If goods aren’t declared correctly, for example in an attempt to avoid paying duty and/or GST, we may seize the goods, and in some cases you could be prosecuted. Customs has the authority to amend the declared value of the goods if it has reason to believe it is incorrect.

What things can’t I bring into New Zealand?

There are many things which can’t be brought into New Zealand, or for which you need to first get a permit or consent to import them. This includes drugs and drug paraphernalia, weapons, and electronic dog collars. For more information refer to the Prohibited and Restricted Items.

What is a Customs Number and why do I need one?

A Customs Number is a unique number that identifies individual importers and exporters and is required as part of the import process for shipments valued at NZ$1000 or more. To apply for a Customs Number:

1. Private individual: please complete the form NZCS 224-A: Customs Number Application Private Individual - for Broker (PDF 818 KB)
2. Email the completed form and a copy of your photo ID (e.g. passport, driver's licence) to clientcodes@customs.govt.nz
3. Once the form has been approved you will receive an auto-response from noreply@tsw.govt.nz advising you of your Customs Number. 
4. If you are unable to locate this information via your email inbox or spam inbox please contact our National Contact Centre.

Can I get a GST refund

If you have had GST collected on your goods at the time you purchased them as part of the Inland Revenue – Overseas Supplier Registration model then that supplier is responsible for the refund of any GST collected.  Only if the goods are over $1000 and Customs has collected GST would a refund be possible, and then only the amount that was collected by Customs. 

Customs can only consider refunding GST where the “wrong goods” were sent or where the imported goods are “faulty”.

For example, if you order a size M red shirt, and you receive a size M red shirt but it does not fit, then Customs will only refund the duty paid if the garment is returned to the supplier.  The GST portion will not be refunded because the garment is as specified.

If, however, you order a size M “red” shirt and receive a size M “brown” shirt, then it is not as specified, and a refund will be considered if the shirt is returned to the supplier.

You will be required to provide all the relevant documents and correspondence to verify your claim.

Apply for a refund online, and make sure you have evidence to support your application. You cannot claim a refund if you change your mind and send the goods back. While the duty and GST may be refunded, the import entry transaction fee will not be refunded.