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Thinking about exporting to New Zealand? Whether you are making a few on-line sales, or are thinking of setting up a business in New Zealand, this information will help you plan for success. The Auckland Business Chamber support services tailor market information for your specific situation, including identifying relevant industry conferences and trade fairs.
Get our team to undertake the research: Contact us
SELLING DIRECT: ONLINE SALES
Selling goods to consumers located in New Zealand via the internet makes exporting accessible and may be seen as a ‘first step’ to exporting, or be used to ‘test consumer response’ to a product. Before beginning, there are New Zealand laws and regulations to understand and consider.
Main New Zealand online selling platforms – seller information:
NEW ZEALAND LAWS
Goods sold to consumers domiciled in New Zealand (including online by overseas companies) are subject to the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and Fair Trading Act 1996. Overviews of each Act’s provisions and seller’s obligations:
APPOINTING AN AGENT FOR NEW ZEALAND MARKET
It is important to make sure that a ‘handshake’ is backed by a written agreement. Benefit from the expertise of the International Chamber of Commerce ( ICC) legal team and use their templates to draft your agency agreement. Remember to check with your legal advisor prior finalising the agreement.
ESTABLISHING A SALES OFFICE/BRANCH IN NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand welcomes direct investment. There are some regulations and a few restrictions. Overseas Investment Office (OIO) regulates the New Zealand Overseas investment laws. Full information is available at OIO
Registering a New Zealand subsidiary company provides a ‘legal entity’ for your New Zealand transactions. Registered companies are required to have at least one director, who is resident in New Zealand. Information about company registration available at New Zealand Companies Office.
Businesses operation in New Zealand will require a tax number. This number will also be the business GST number, when registered for GST (mandatory once New Zealand taxable income exceeds NZ$ 60,000 in a 12 month period). Refer to Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for more information and application procedures
You will also need a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN). Application information available at NZBN
First information about employing staff in New Zealand:
Tax responsibilities IRD
Procedures including draft employment letters and contracts New Zealand Employment
NEW ZEALAND TAX REQUIREMENTS
Exporters selling low value items online to buyers in New Zealand (less than NZ$ 1000 per consignment), with total sales in excess of NZ $ 60,000 per annum in a 12 month period, are required to be registered for GST in New Zealand. This includes charging GST in their invoices and making regular GST returns to New Zealand’s Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
Detailed information regarding registration:
Overview PWC have put together an overview and ‘road map’ to assist decision making
IRD: Overseas Business GST on online sales Full detail on requirements
IRD: Registering for GST Registration application and guides
NEW ZEALAND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
The following links provide first information. Depending on your product there may be additional regulations to consider or registrations required.
General information about importing into New Zealand NZ Customs Service
Fumigation requirements, regulations and procedures to consider when importing food and primary products into New Zealand MPI
Find out whether there is a New Zealand Standard your goods should comply with Standards NZ
LABELLING REQUIREMENTS
Information about New Zealand Goods labelling requirements:
Food Care Country of Origin Fibre content Water efficiency
Information about Import of Medicines and Medical Devices into New Zealand Medsafe
SELLING DIRECT: IMPORTER
Check your trade terms comply with internationally recognised INCOTERMS ®2020 Available now
Check your sales agreement with the ICC template to ensure you have everything covered Overview
To order
