Import tariffs

After determining the HS code of the goods according to the New Zealand HS System, the importer can know the import tariff rate applicable to that goods. The tariff rate is usually calculated as a percentage of the customs value of the goods.

For Vietnamese goods imported into New Zealand, businesses currently have 05 tariff options, each option corresponding to a certain tariff rate and conditions for enjoying a certain tariff rate. Importers will base on the specific conditions of the goods to choose the most suitable and beneficial tariff for themselves. Specifically:

• MFN tariff: This is the tariff rate that New Zealand applies to goods from WTO member countries. This tariff rate is decided by New Zealand but must ensure compliance with the commitment level in the WTO, applied to goods from WTO countries without any conditions on origin. Vietnam is a WTO member, so Vietnamese goods are naturally entitled to this tariff rate without having to meet any conditions.
• GSP tariff: This is a special preferential tariff rate that New Zealand unilaterally grants to a number of less developed countries (Less Developed Country - LDC) and least developed countries (Least Developed Country - LLDC) (including Vietnam). The preferential tariff rate and conditions for enjoying GSP preferences are decided by New Zealand.
• AANZFTA tariff: This is a special preferential tariff rate that New Zealand grants to goods from members of the ASEAN - Australia and New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA), including Vietnam. The preferential tariff rate is decided by New Zealand but cannot be higher than the level it has committed to in AANZFTA. The condition for enjoying AANZFTA tariff is that the goods must meet the AANZFTA Rules of Origin and have an AANZFTA certificate of origin.
• CPTPP tariff: This is a special preferential tariff rate that New Zealand offers to goods from members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The preferential tariff rate is decided by New Zealand but cannot be higher than the level committed to in CPTPP. To enjoy preferential tariff rates under the CPTPP, goods must ensure that they meet the rules of origin and have a CPTPP certificate of origin.
• RCEP tariff: In RCEP, New Zealand has only 01 special preferential tariff commitment schedule for goods from all RCEP member countries. The actual RCEP special preferential tariff rate will be decided by New Zealand but cannot be higher than the level committed to in RCEP. To enjoy preferences under the RCEP Agreement, goods must ensure that they meet the rules of origin and have an RCEP certificate of origin.

In principle, the New Zealand importer is the subject of import tariff. However, due to the many different import tariff options for goods from Vietnam, depending on the specific situation of the goods, Vietnamese enterprises can also use these options to negotiate orders and selling prices with New Zealand importers. Businesses can look up import tariff rates into New Zealand for specific products at the following links: https://www.customs.govt.nz/business/tariffs/free-trade-agreements/ https://www.customs.govt.nz/business/tariffs/working-tariff-document/

Other taxes and duties

In addition to import tariffs, goods imported into New Zealand are also subject to other taxes, such as:

• Goods and services tax (GST): Goods imported into New Zealand will be subject to a GST rate of 15%. The GST taxable value is the sum of (i) the customs value of the goods, (ii) import duty and (iii) insurance and freight charges for goods to New Zealand. GST is a tax similar to VAT in Vietnam. Businesses can find out more about New Zealand's GST at the following link: https://www.customs.govt.nz/personal/duty-and-gst/duty-and-allowances/
• Excise duty: Tobacco, alcoholic beverages and petroleum products imported into New Zealand will be subject to excise duty. Businesses can look up the New Zealand Excise Tariff at the following link: https://www.customs.govt.nz/business/excise/what-is-excise/
• Anti-dumping, anti-subsidy and safeguard duties: Some goods imported into New Zealand may be subject to anti-dumping, countervailing or safeguard duties under specific trade defence cases in New Zealand.

Import fees and charges

Goods imported into New Zealand are subject to various fees/charges, including: Goods clearance fees, Biosecurity System Entry Levy (BSEL) and Biosecurity Fees.

• Goods Clearance Fees are collected by customs authorities, with specific collection rates as follows:

• Biosecurity System Entry Levy (BSEL): BSEL is collected for all imported consignments with a value over NZD 1,000. New Zealand Customs will collect BSEL on behalf of the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries.
• BSEL is collected to cover the costs of activities such as: (i) collecting and analysing data to develop and monitor risk management profiles and issue warnings, (ii) monitoring around the sea, airports and high-risk areas to prevent pests from entering imported consignments, (iii) facilitating the movement of consignments from ports of entry, etc. 

From 1 July 2023, the New Zealand BSEL fee is NZD 46.4.

• Biosecurity Fees: used for the following purposes: (i) checking imported consignments that pose a biosecurity risk; (ii) inspecting vessels and offshore shipping containers that do not meet entry requirements; (iii) inspecting, handling, and destroying risky shipments...

Note: The above fees do not include 15% GST

Businesses can find out more about New Zealand's customs fees/charges at the following link: https://www.customs.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/border-sector-documents/2023-goods-and-cargo-fees-performance-report-.pdf

Source: Center for WTO and International Trade

• Overview of Procedures for importing goods into New Zealand
• Preparing for import
• Determining the classification of goods into New Zealand
• Import declaration, payment of tariffs, taxes and customs clearance