Start exporting
You must get clearance for anything you’re exporting from New Zealand for commercial reasons unless it’s exempt.
Exporting commercial items
To get clearance for this, you can:
- ask a Customs agent, broker or freight forwarder to do it on your behalf
- submit the clearance yourself through the Trade Single Window (TSW) service (authorised users only)
- use the Online Declarations website (authorised users only)
- use Electronic Data Exchange (EDI) software (authorised users only).
You must:
- keep all your documentation for at least 7 years, and be able to produce it
- keep the documents in New Zealand, not in the cloud or offshore.
Types of export clearances
There are two types of clearances:
- Export entry - full description of everything you’re exporting, including their classification under the Working Tariff Document of New Zealand (if you’re not used to working with the Tariff, we suggest you ask a Customs broker, agent or freight forwarder to act on your behalf)
- Electronic cargo information (ECI) – summary details for items or consignments whose total value is less than NZ$1,000.
For export entries and ECIs, you will need:
- your client code (if you’re using a broker and your consignment is worth less than NZ$1,000, you don’t need a client code)
- the name of the craft or vessel on which your items are leaving NZ
- the free on board value of the goods – this value is made up of:
- the value of your items
- costs for packaging and transport in New Zealand
- any other costs up until they’re loaded for export.
If you’re using an export entry, you’ll also need the Tariff codes of the item/items you’re exporting.
You may need other permits or approvals, depending on what you’re exporting, and to where. You must get an export entry for anything which needs a permit or approval, regardless of value.
You won’t be able to export some items at all.
You may also be able to get a drawback – a type of refund – on any duty you paid.
If you are claiming a drawback, you must lodge a drawback entry.