You are here:
  1. Home
  2. New Zealand Customs Fee Calculator

New Zealand Customs Fee Calculator

Estimate NZ Import GST, CIF & Customs Charges

Use this calculator to estimate GST and NZ Customs/MPI import levies, previously often referred to as entry fees, for goods imported from China to New Zealand.

For most China-origin goods, import duty is usually 0% under the NZ-China Free Trade Agreement, provided the goods meet the relevant origin rules and acceptable evidence can be supplied if requested by NZ Customs.

This calculator is a guide only. Final charges may vary depending on the declared value, Customs exchange rate, HS code, shipment method, import entry details, product type, and any inspection requirements.

Enter your goods value, freight cost, and NZ Customs reference rate to estimate the likely charges.

Select the invoice currency and enter the NZ Customs reference rate. The calculator converts goods, freight, and insurance into NZD, then estimates GST and Customs/MPI import levies. Duty is set to 0% by default for China-origin goods under the NZ-China FTA.

Foreign currency per NZ$1. Example: if USD is 0.57, US$0.57 = NZ$1.
Goods value in NZDNZ$0.00
Freight in NZDNZ$0.00
Insurance in NZDNZ$0.00
Estimated CIF valueCost of goods + freight + insuranceNZ$0.00

Exchange Rates & Import Entry Values

NZ Customs exchange rates are set for a specific period and may differ from live bank or payment platform exchange rates. The rate used for import is generally based on the date the import entry is lodged, not necessarily the shipment or arrival date.

For most imports, GST and Customs charges are calculated using the NZ Customs reference exchange rate rather than live retail exchange rates.

NZ Customs Client Codes & Customs Numbers

For imports valued over NZ$1,000, a formal import entry is usually required.

Business importers require a NZ Customs client code before goods can be formally cleared.

Private importers require a Customs Number.

Business importers can apply for a Client Code for free here.

Private importers can apply for a Customs Number for free here.

What this calculator includes

This calculator estimates import duty, GST at 15%, NZ Customs/MPI import levies, and conversion of invoice values into NZD using the NZ Customs reference rate.

What this calculator does not include

This calculator does not include MPI inspection charges, storage, demurrage, port charges, permit costs, fumigation, testing, Customs broker charges, local delivery charges, or other non-standard import costs.

Additional charges for some imports

Some products may be subject to additional charges, inspections, permits, testing, or compliance requirements that are not included in this calculator.

This commonly includes items such as:

  • Food and beverages
  • Supplements
  • Vehicles and motorcycles
  • Machinery
  • Timber, bamboo, or wooden products
  • Agricultural or biosecurity-risk goods
  • Alcohol and tobacco
  • Restricted or regulated products

These types of imports may require additional MPI inspections, compliance checks, permits, certifications, storage, or other government-related charges.

NZ Customs & MPI Fee Changes From 1 April 2026

New Zealand Customs and MPI import levies changed from 1 April 2026 following updates to import processing and border cost recovery charges.

These charges were previously commonly referred to as import entry fees, Customs entry fees, or Customs/MPI clearance fees, although the exact terminology can vary depending on the shipment type and entry method.

For many importers, the updated structure resulted in higher Customs and MPI levy costs for both sea freight and air freight shipments entering New Zealand.

As of 1 April 2026, the estimated combined Customs/MPI levy for many high-value imports is approximately:

• Sea freight imports: around NZ$136.21 incl. GST
• Air freight / courier imports: around NZ$59.58 incl. GST

These amounts may change over time and can vary depending on the shipment type, entry method, importer status, and any future NZ Customs or MPI updates.

China to New Zealand Shipping Methods

The total landed cost of importing from China to New Zealand can vary depending on the shipping method used. Sea freight is generally more cost effective for larger or heavier shipments, while air freight and courier services are commonly used for urgent or lower-volume orders.

Different shipping methods can affect freight costs, transit times, Customs/MPI import levies, GST calculations, and the overall landed cost of the shipment.

Common China to New Zealand freight options include:

China to New Zealand FCL Sea Freight

China to New Zealand LCL Sea Freight

China to New Zealand Air Freight Service

China to New Zealand Sea Parcel Service

China to New Zealand Express Courier Service

China to New Zealand Door-to-Door Freight Service

Freight Volume & CBM Calculator

For businesses importing regularly from China, larger consolidated shipments may help reduce the frequency of NZ Customs/MPI entry charges by combining goods before export. We can also assist with China warehousing and shipment consolidation services before shipping to New Zealand.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most China-origin goods, import duty is usually 0% under the NZ-China Free Trade Agreement, provided the goods meet the relevant origin rules and acceptable evidence can be supplied if requested by NZ Customs.

NZ import GST applies when the declared Customs value exceeds NZ$1,000. Some special goods or shipment types may be treated differently.

For imports where the declared Customs value exceeds NZ$1,000, GST is calculated at 15% of the GST value estimate. This includes the cost of goods, freight, insurance, and any applicable duty, converted into NZD using the NZ Customs reference exchange rate.

CIF means cost, insurance, and freight. In this calculator, the estimated CIF value is the goods value plus freight and insurance.

Yes. Commercial imports valued over NZ$1,000 require a NZ Customs client code before goods can be formally cleared.

Yes. Private imports valued over NZ$1,000 require a Customs Number before goods can be formally cleared.

NZ Customs and MPI import levies changed from 1 April 2026. These charges were previously often referred to as import entry fees, Customs entry fees, or Customs/MPI clearance fees.

Some high-value sea freight imports now attract higher levy costs, while some high-value air freight and courier imports now attract lower levy costs than under the previous structure.

No. This calculator does not include MPI inspections, storage, demurrage, port charges, permits, fumigation, testing, Customs broker fees, or other non-standard charges.

Yes. We assist with China to New Zealand freight coordination, landed cost estimates, supplier communication, shipment planning, and general import guidance.

Prestige Sourcing Group is not a licensed NZ Customs broker. However, we work alongside freight forwarders, Customs brokers, and clearance partners who assist with formal import entries, Customs clearance, MPI processing, and related import procedures where required.

We can also assist with:

  • Sea freight and air freight from China to New Zealand
  • Door-to-door freight arrangements
  • Shipment consolidation and warehousing in China
  • Supplier coordination and export paperwork
  • Freight quotations and transit planning
  • Communication with freight and clearance providers
  • General importing guidance for NZ businesses and individuals

Quick Freight Estimate

Tell us your shipment size, origin city and destination. We will review the details and recommend suitable freight options.

Disclaimer

This calculator provides a general estimate only. Rates, levies, fees, and other charges are subject to change. Final Customs, MPI, GST, duty, inspection, storage, port, clearance, and delivery charges may vary depending on the shipment, declared value, exchange rate, HS code, import method, and any inspection requirements. This page is not a substitute for official NZ Customs advice, a tariff ruling, or formal customs brokerage advice.