Determining the import category of goods

Not all goods are allowed to be imported into New Zealand and not all imported goods are subject to the same import regime. Similar to Vietnam and other countries in the world, New Zealand also sets out regulations on import prohibitions/import restrictions or specific controls for certain goods.

Therefore, before importing goods into the New Zealand market, importers need to carefully consider whether the goods are allowed to be imported into New Zealand and find out the import conditions/requirements for those goods.

Some types of goods are prohibited or restricted from import (prohibited unless certain conditions are met and an import permit is required) into New Zealand, including: weapons, explosives, dangerous chemicals, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, food, etc.

Businesses can find out more about the List of Prohibited/Restricted Goods Imported into New Zealand at: https://www.customs.govt.nz/business/import/import-prohibited-and-restricted-imports/prohibitions-and-restrictions/

New Zealand also imposes export and/or import sanctions on certain countries under the United Nations Act 1946. In addition, New Zealand is currently imposing a number of sanctions on Russia and any countries that support Russia's war in Ukraine.

Businesses can find more about New Zealand's sanctions on imported goods at: https://www.customs.govt.nz/business/import/import-prohibited-and-restricted-imports/un-and-other-sanctions/

Registration/Licensing

According to New Zealand regulations, for shipments with a value greater than NZD 1,000, importers must apply for a client code - a code assigned to each importer in New Zealand, a supplier code - a code assigned to each foreign supplier/exporter (these codes only need to be applied for the first time and will be used for subsequent shipments), and at the same time make an import declaration on the New Zealand Trade Single Window (TSW) System (tsw.govt.nz). Importers can register for a TSW account themselves and directly apply for a client code, supplier code and make an import declaration or hire a customs agent to perform these tasks on behalf of the importer.

Businesses can find out more about how to register for an account and use the TSW System at the following link: https://www.customs.govt.nz/business/trade-single-window/

Source: Center for WTO and International Trade

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