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.

For assistance with your enquiry: contact us

 

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:

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.

For detailed information regarding registration, GST collection and payment:

 

NEW ZEALAND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

The following links provide the first information. Depending on your product there may be additional regulations to consider or registrations required.

  • NZ Customs Service 
    General information about importing into
    New Zealand
  • MPI 
    Fumigation requirements, also regulations and procedures to consider when importing food and primary products into New Zealand
  • Standards NZ 
    Information about applicable New Zealand Standards
  • Medsafe 
    Information about Import of Medicines and Medical Devices into New Zealand 
  • Labelling
    Information about New Zealand Goods labelling requirements, in addition to New Zealand importer or manufacturer business name and contact details:
    - Food      - Care      - Country of Origin
    - Fibre content        - Water efficiency
    - Cosmetics    - Hazardous substances

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:

 

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

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 to finalising the agreement.

ESTABLISHING A SALES OFFICE/BRANCH IN NEW ZEALAND