Customs duty and goods and services tax ("GST") are imposed on the importation of goods into New Zealand. New Zealand has adopted a World Trade Organization valuation model for customs purposes. Duty and/or GST are normally calculated on an ad valorem basis but there is scope in some circumstances to obtain duty concessions.
Excise duty is imposed on tobacco products, alcohol products and fuels such as motor spirit, compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas.
Customs duty is payable on the entry of goods into New Zealand. The following types of duty apply:
- Ad valorem duty generally from 0% to 19% of value
- Preferential duty which applies to goods originating from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore, China, Thailand and less developed countries
- Specific duty which is fixed by quantity, irrespective of value
Goods of a kind not manufactured locally are generally duty free.
New Zealand Customs operate a deferred payment scheme under which approved importers can clear goods and pay any duty and/or GST after the goods have passed from customs control.
Services offered
Our professional services focus on both savings and strategic opportunities as well as risk management. We can assist with all aspects of customs duty and excise, including:
- Customs valuation including valuation input for transfer pricing decisions
- Tariff classifications
- Origin issues
- Customs investigations / audit management
- Dispute resolution
- Deferred payment scheme
- Duty drawbacks and concessions
- Customs "Health Checks"
