Importing Personal Effects into New Zealand: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2026 · Download the New Zealand Import Guide (PDF)

Personal and Household effects

• MPI ‘Personal Effects – Supplementary Declaration’.
• Inventory of goods.
• Combined Customs and Quarantine declaration ‘Unaccompanied Personal Baggage Declaration’ (NZCS218) & Supplementary page (NZCS218A).
• Copy of passport (identification page and entry visa only).
• Documents authorising residence in New Zealand – any of the following:
• A New Zealand or Australian Passport.
• A current New Zealand Residence visa or permit or a current New Zealand returning residence visa or permit.
• A current permanent residence visa (including a residence return visa) issued by the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia.
• A current New Zealand work visa or a work permit that was issued for a minimum of twelve months.
• A current New Zealand work visa or work permit issued under the Work to Residence (Skilled Migrant Category) policy or the Long-Term Business Visa/Permit category.
• A current New Zealand visitor’s visa or permit that was issued for a minimum of three years (excludes a visitor's visa that allows multiple visits up to six months per visit)
• Note: Student visa holders do not qualify. However, you may bring items necessary for you to complete your studies (for example, a desk, textbooks, or a computer).

• Concessionary entry (duty and / or tax free) for household effects is available to persons who meet all of the following conditions:
• Have arrived and on the date the effects are imported, hold a document authorizing residence in New Zealand (see left); and
• Have resided outside of NZ for the whole of 21 months before the date of arrival in NZ; and
• Have owned and used the household goods before the date of departure for NZ; and
• The goods are being imported for own personal use and note for sale, gift, disposal or exchange.
• Note: If goods falling within the description and criteria in this concession are imported into New Zealand more than 5 years after the arrival of the passenger into New Zealand, the goods may be admitted under the concession only with the consent of a Customs Officer.
• If the household effects are not for you, then duty and GST will apply.
• If the effects are brand new/ unused, you must declare them, because duty and GST
• will apply.

• MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) ‘Personal Effects – Supplementary Declaration’ must be completed by the importer at origin at the time the shipment is being packed and must be forwarded to your destination agent together with the rest of the documentation for each shipment.
• Many standard household items can be prohibited or restricted and subject to inspection by MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) such as foodstuffs, garden tools and equipment, outdoor furniture, sporting goods and equipment.
• For further information, refer to MPI website: http://www.mpi.govt.nz
• All shipments entering New Zealand need to go via an MPI approved transitional facility for unloading and final clearances including FCL containers, therefore shipments will not be delivered direct to residence in the shipping container.
• All New Zealand FIDI agents operate MPI Approved Transitional Facilities.

Diplomatic shipments (personal / household effects)

• Diplomatic declaration.
• Inventory of goods.

• Owner must also complete Customs and Quarantine declaration.
• Declaration to be signed by the Consulate.
• Importation of alcohol:
• Restrictions will not normally be placed on the quantities of duty-free or taxexempt goods that may be imported, provided they meet the reasonable personal requirements of an eligible individual or are clearly identified for official use.
• The New Zealand Customs Service monitors the quantity of goods imported/purchased duty/tax-exempt. Where it is considered such imports/purchases are in excess of “reasonable requirements”, the Chief of Protocol will be advised, and an explanation will be sought from the Head of Mission/ Post concerned.

Wedding trousseaux (included with personal / household effects)

• Inventory.

• Wedding gift treated the same as Personal and Household Effects noted above.

Inheritance

• Death certificate and either letter from Executor or Copy of Will.

• Goods are admitted free of duty provided a copy of Will or Executor’s letter is sighted.
• The name of the beneficiary and his/her legacy must be specified.

Piano with ivory keys

• Pre-Convention CITES permit is required to import piano with ivory keys.

• On shipment, please ensure that the exporter includes the original CITES permit (not a photocopy) with the specimen. The permit also requires validation by border officials before exit from the country of export. The original validated permit must accompany the goods and be surrendered on import in New Zealand to border officials to enable clearance.

• Further information on the implementation of CITES from the Department of Conservation website can be found here http://www.doc.govt.nz/aboutus/international-agreements/endangeredspecies/

New furniture, Household items, Presents and Souvenirs (included with personal / household effects)

• Purchase invoices / receipts, the “Trade Single Window- Client Registration Application” NZSC224 needs to be completed (agent will supply when required).

• If recently purchased prior to shipment duty and GST may apply.

Jewellery (included with personal / household effects)

• Inventory.

• Duty free subject to conditions of "Personal and Household Effects".

Motor cars, motor cycles, motor scooters

• Copy of passport.
• Original registration / ownership certificate and / or original deregistration certificate as applicable.
• Purchase invoice.
• Original compliance certificate issued by the manufacturer of the car if applicable / required.
• Documents authorizing residence in New Zealand – any of the following:
• A New Zealand or Australian passport.
• A current New Zealand residence visa or permit or a current New Zealand returning residence visa or permit.
• A current permanent residence visa (including a residence return visa) issued by the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia.
• A current New Zealand work visa or a work permit that was issued for a minimum of twelve months.
• A current New Zealand work visa or work permit issued under the Work to Residence (Skilled Migrant Category) policy or the Long-Term Business Visa/Permit category.
• A current New Zealand visitor’s visa or permit that was issued for a minimum of three years.

• Concessionary entry (duty and / or tax free) is available to persons who meet all of the following conditions:
• Have arrived and on the date the motor vehicle is imported, hold a document authorizing residence in New Zealand (see left); and
• Have resided outside of NZ for the whole of 21 months before the date of arrival in NZ; and
• Have personally owned and used the vehicle for at least 12 months before the date of departure to NZ or the date on which the vehicle is surrendered for shipping, whichever is earlier; and
• Do not sell the vehicle within 24 months of importation.
• Note: If goods falling within the description and criteria in this concession are imported into New Zealand more than 5 years after the arrival of the passenger into New Zealand, the goods may be admitted under the concession only with the consent of a Customs Officer.
• All other importers will attract GST at 15% of the vehicles CIF value (purchase price, freight and marine insurance).
• There is no duty on vehicles being imported into New Zealand (duty is however applicable on motor homes for non-qualifying migrants).
• An allowance for depreciation may be made depending on length of ownership overseas.
• For full details, refer to website NZ Customs: www.customs.govt.nz

• Importers qualifying for concessionary entry (duty and / or tax-free) must sign a ‘Deed of Undertaking’.
• The vehicle also needs a structural inspection, once this is done and is cleared through Customs and MPI the motor vehicle will be required to be tested for certification to New Zealand Safety and Compliance Standards - it is important that owner
• checks prior to shipment that vehicle will comply.
• For full details, refer to website for the New Zealand Transport Agency www.nzta.govt.nz
• Please note that from April 1, 2022, the New Zealand Government introduced the clean car standard for newly registered vehicles.
• The costs are based on the CO2 emissions when first registering your vehicle in New Zealand.
• Please refer to link below: NZ Transport Agency Overview Guide Clean Car Programme
• It is recommended that motor vehicles be steam-cleaned and vacuumed prior to shipment however this is not a guarantee MPI will not order again on arrival in New Zealand.
• Be aware of the brown marmorated stink bug season (September – April):
• Containerised cargo and or breakbulk from the targeted risk countries must be treated prior to arriving to New Zealand. Failure to meet the Import Health Standards will result in re-shipment or destruction of the sea container and cargo.
• Please refer to following link for further details: https://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/importin g/vehicles-and-machinery/requirementsdocuments-for-importing-vehiclesmachinery-or-equipment/brown-
• marmorated-stink-bug-requirements/

Left-hand-Drive Motor Vehicles

• Same as for motor vehicles.

• Left hand drive vehicles – owner should check before importing a LHD vehicle if the vehicle belongs to one of the permitted categories or is capable of being converted to RHD.
• For full details refer to website for the New Zealand Transport Agency www.nzta.govt.nz

Caravans, Trailers

• Refer ‘personal and household effects’.

Boats

• Same as for motor vehicles.

• Same as for motor vehicles (excluding compliance).

• Strongly recommended to contact N.Z. Customs for exact details.
• For full details, refer to NZ Customs website http://www.customs.govt.nz

Firearms

• Import permit and firearms licence from NZ Police.

• Pistols, revolvers and some rifles are prohibited.
• Used firearms are subject to conditions of ‘Removal goods.
• For full details, refer to NZ Police website: www.police.govt.nz

• Firearms will be seized by NZ Customs pending production of Firearms Permit.

Prescribed Medicines

• Copy of prescription or letter from doctor.

• Duty Free.

Plants, Vegetable and animal products

• Most plants and products are prohibited.

• Must not despatch without checking whether allowed entry. VERY STRICT REGULATION.
• For full details refer: www.mpi.govt.nz

Prohibited items

• Narcotics (Drugs), Incitements
• Pornographic material.
• Certain types of weapons such as flick knives, swordsticks, knuckle-dusters, and any weapon designed or disguised to give the appearance of another article.
• Ivory, turtle and tortoise and other endangered species (except with CITES certification).
• Meat and meat products, honey, eggs and egg products, dairy products, popcorn.
• Tobacco products, tobacco leaf and tobacco refuse:
• Prohibited since July 2020.
• Importers are required to have a permit prior to import of these products.
• Permits are approved and issued by New Zealand Customs Service.
• All tobacco attracts high duties and tax (there is no duty-free concessionary allowance).
• if no permit is issued the cigarettes will be destroyed.
• Mothball products containing naphthalene, camphor and dichlorobenzene.
• Banned and must not be imported as part of personnel effects.

• For further advise refer:
• www.mpi.govt.nz
• http://www.mpi.govt.nz

Wooden Packaging

• Wood packaging used in shipments entering New Zealand must comply with the ISPM 15 standard and carry the appropriate mark.
• Consignments that contain non-compliant wood packaging will be treated, destroyed or re-exported at the discretion of MPI.
• Regardless of action taken by MPI considerable extra costs will be incurred and clearances will be delayed.

• For more information please visit: http://www.mpi.govt.nz

Exporting Personal Effects from New Zealand: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2026 · Download the New Zealand Export Guide (PDF)

Removal Goods and Vehicles

• Copy of client’s passport and visa page to be provided to the destination agent
• Copy of inventory / PBO list if the goods are packed by the client
• Destination country customs forms / documents
• Alcohol listing / inventory
• Electronic items profile
• Service acceptance contract including clients contact details
• Insurance documents
• Any other documentation required by the destination agent.
• If shipping a vehicle:
• Vehicle registration / ownership documents
• Vehicle purchase invoice
• Vehicle Odometer reading
• Client’s declaration if the vehicle can be shipped DG / NON-DG with authorisation for disconnection of battery and draining the fuel etc.

• Batteries for e-bikes, e-scooters hoverboards are prohibited for export
• Acceptance of batteries are subject to carrier and port acceptance and not guaranteed
• No export of Electric Vehicles

• There are no particular export clearance requirements for used household goods and vehicles in New Zealand except that the client is required to provide the listed documents.

New Zealand Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the New Zealand Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Qualifying documents authorising residence:

Specific Information

Wedding trousseaux: Treated the same as personal and household effects. Inventory required.

Inheritance: Admitted free of duty provided a copy of the will or executor's letter is produced. The name of the beneficiary and their legacy must be specified.

If the goods are imported more than 5 years after the owner's arrival in New Zealand, concessionary entry requires the specific consent of a Customs Officer.

If the owner does not hold a qualifying residence document at the time the shipment arrives, duty and GST will be payable. Duty applies at 5% on landed value (cost of items plus freight and insurance) for furniture, kitchenware, and some electrical and household goods. GST of 15% is then charged on the landed value including the duty. Duty and GST paid cannot be reclaimed if a qualifying visa is obtained at a later stage.

The owner must be present in New Zealand at the time of shipment arrival for duty-free entry to apply.

Personal jewellery, books, and clothing are not subject to duty or GST regardless of residence status.

Biosecurity -- mandatory inspection: All shipments entering New Zealand must go via an MPI-approved transitional facility for unloading and final clearance, including full container load (FCL) containers. No container is delivered directly from port to residence.

MPI quarantine screening: All packing and inventory lists are screened by MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries). Most consignments of personal effects and household goods require some form of inspection. Items of particular biosecurity concern include: food of any kind; animal products (meat, eggs, dairy, honey, skins, fur, feathers, bone, wool, hair, trophies, fish/shellfish, Chinese traditional medicines, shells, coral, ivory); plants and plant products (fresh or dried fruit, vegetables, plants, flowers, seeds, bulbs, cane, bamboo, basketware, straw, wooden ornaments and carvings); equipment used with animals or plants (veterinary equipment, fishing gear, saddlery, work boots, pet bedding, gardening and forestry equipment); and miscellaneous items (vacuum cleaners, spiked footwear, hiking boots, soiled footwear, water sports equipment, bicycles, boats, camping equipment, barbeques).

ISPM 15: All wood packaging (crates, pallets, dunnage) must comply with ISPM 15 and carry the appropriate mark. Non-compliant wood packaging will be treated, destroyed, or re-exported at MPI's discretion and at the owner's expense, with considerable additional costs and clearance delays.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB): During the BMSB season (September to April), containerised cargo and breakbulk from targeted risk countries must be treated before arriving in New Zealand. Failure to meet the Import Health Standard will result in re-shipment or destruction of the container and contents. Confirm current targeted country list and treatment requirements with the destination agent before loading.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free entry conditions: Concessionary entry (free of duty and GST) is available to persons who, on the date the effects are imported: hold one of the qualifying residence documents listed above; have resided outside New Zealand for the whole of 21 months before the date of arrival in New Zealand; have owned and used the household goods before the date of departure for New Zealand; and are importing the goods for personal use only (not for sale, gift, disposal, or exchange).

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Special Categories

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Transitional facility -- mandatory: No shipment (FCL or LCL) is delivered direct from port to residence. Every container must be unloaded and inspected at an MPI-approved transitional facility. Build this into delivery timelines.

21-month rule: The owner must have resided outside New Zealand for the full 21 months prior to arrival in New Zealand to qualify for duty-free entry. This is a critical distinction for qualifying clients. Confirm the client's departure history carefully before advising on duty-free eligibility.

Owner must be in New Zealand: The owner must be present in the country at the time of shipment arrival for concessionary entry to apply. Duty paid at entry cannot be reclaimed retrospectively.

MPI Supplementary Declaration: Must be completed by the importer at origin at the time of packing and forwarded to the destination agent with all other documentation for each shipment.

Inventory standards: All inventories must be in English, detailed, and valued. Abbreviations such as "Misc." or "PBO" are not acceptable.

Biosecurity cleaning: Items that have come into contact with soil, grass, leaves, vegetation, water, seeds, animals, or insects should be thoroughly cleaned before packing. Garden tools, outdoor furniture, sports equipment, footwear, and bicycles in particular should be cleaned and inspected.

BMSB season (September to April): During this period, cargo from targeted countries must be treated before arrival. Confirm the current targeted country list with the destination agent each shipping season.

Principal ports of entry: Auckland (Ports of Auckland, and Auckland Airport for air freight), Tauranga (Port of Tauranga), Lyttelton (Port of Lyttelton, Christchurch), and Wellington.