🇦🇺 Australia → 🇳🇿 New Zealand
ANZCERTA (Closer Economic Relations)
Compliance path
CER is the longest-running FTA in force and provides tariff-free trade on originating goods. Both sides apply strict biosecurity screening (MPI / DAFF) regardless of origin — declare all food, plant and animal material on arrival.
Commonly shipped items on this lane
1. Can I bring goods from Australia to New Zealand?
Travellers entering New Zealand from Australia are subject to New Zealand's personal allowances and declaration rules. The New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) sets allowances for alcohol, tobacco, and personal goods. Anything above the allowance must be declared at the red channel.
- Alcohol allowance: 4.5 L
- Cigarette allowance: 50
- Personal-goods allowance: ~USD 430
- Cash declaration threshold: USD 6100
2. Can I post goods from Australia to New Zealand?
Parcels move through New Zealand's postal-customs flow. Typical transit time on this lane is 5 days. Every international parcel needs a CN22 (under ~USD 300) or CN23 (above) customs declaration. Use accurate descriptions and HS codes — vague labels are the single biggest cause of postal customs holds.
International mail over NZD $1,000 in value requires an import entry and payment of duties/GST. NZ Post and couriers handle customs clearance. Biosecurity checks apply to all inbound parcels.
3. Can I import commercially from Australia to New Zealand?
Yes. Commercial importers into New Zealand need an importer of record, a customs declaration filed with New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS), a commercial invoice, a packing list, and goods classified to the appropriate HS code. Some categories (food, plants, animals, medicines, electronics, chemicals, weapons, art) require additional permits or certificates.
4. Duties, VAT/GST and de minimis
Originating goods qualify for ANZCERTA (Closer Economic Relations) preferential duty — often 0% — provided rules-of-origin criteria are met. New Zealand levies 15% VAT/GST on commercial imports. Postal / courier de minimis: NZD $1,000.
Goods imported with a customs value of NZD $1,000 or less are duty-free. GST (15%) on low-value imported goods applies as of 1 December 2019 — offshore suppliers must register for NZ GST if their NZ sales exceed NZD $60,000.
5. FTA + rules of origin
ANZCERTA (Closer Economic Relations) is in force on this lane. To claim preferential duty, the goods must meet the agreement's rules of origin (typically a regional value content threshold or a tariff-shift test) and the importer must hold a Certificate of Origin or origin declaration.
See: All FTAs
6. Documents you may need
- Commercial invoice (every commercial shipment).
- Packing list.
- Transport document — air waybill (AWB) or bill of lading (B/L).
- Customs declaration (filed by importer of record or broker).
- Certificate of Origin or origin declaration to claim ANZCERTA (Closer Economic Relations) preference.
- Sector permits where applicable: phytosanitary, veterinary, medicines, telecom, weapons, art.
- Importer EORI / tax-ID where required by New Zealand.
7. Common problems on this route
- Undervaluation flagged at clearance, leading to revaluation and back-duty.
- Incorrect HS classification — duty rate moves up an entire tariff line.
- Missing origin documentation: FTA preference lost, MFN duty assessed.
- Vague descriptions on CN22 / CN23: parcel held pending clarification.
- Sanctions / dual-use screening for sensitive commodities.
- Biosecurity holds on food, plant, animal and wood-packaging items.
- Lithium-battery air-cargo refusal for non-compliant packaging.
8. High-risk item categories
No prohibited or restricted items flagged in the top-items list for this lane. Still verify any sensitive cargo against the official customs authority.
Generally restricted categories into New Zealand:
- Food, plant, and animal products (must be declared; biosecurity permit required for many items)
- Firearms and ammunition (import permit required from NZ Police)
- Medicines and controlled drugs (personal-use supply only; prescription required)
- Cultural/heritage items — taonga (Maori treasures) export restricted
- Certain chemicals and hazardous substances
- Endangered species (CITES permit required)
9. Official sources
- New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) — destination customs authority.
- Australian Border Force (ABF) — origin customs authority.
- New Zealand country profile — full source panel and rule index.
- FTA registry — search for ANZCERTA (Closer Economic Relations).
10. Related tools
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring goods from Australia to New Zealand as a traveller?
Yes. Travellers from Australia entering New Zealand are subject to New Zealand's personal allowances and declaration rules. Alcohol allowance: 4.5 L. Cigarette allowance: 50. Personal goods allowance: ~USD 430. Declare anything above these limits at the red channel.
Can I send a parcel from Australia to New Zealand?
Yes — parcels move through New Zealand's postal-customs flow. Typical transit: 5 days. De minimis: NZD $1,000. Always attach a CN22 or CN23 declaration with accurate description, value, and HS code.
Can I import commercially from Australia to New Zealand?
Yes. Commercial imports into New Zealand require an importer of record, customs declaration via New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS), commercial invoice, packing list, and HS-classified goods. ANZCERTA (Closer Economic Relations) preferential duty is available if origin requirements are met.
What duties and taxes apply on this lane?
Originating goods qualify for ANZCERTA (Closer Economic Relations) preferential rates (often 0%). New Zealand levies 15% VAT/GST on commercial imports. De minimis below NZD $1,000.
Do I need a Certificate of Origin?
Yes — to claim ANZCERTA (Closer Economic Relations) preferential duty, the consignment must be accompanied by a Certificate of Origin or origin declaration meeting the agreement's rules-of-origin criteria. Without it, MFN duty applies.
What is New Zealand's cash declaration threshold for travellers?
Travellers entering New Zealand must declare cash and equivalent bearer instruments above USD 6100.
What documents should I prepare?
Minimum: commercial invoice, packing list, transport document (AWB or B/L), and customs declaration. Add a Certificate of Origin if claiming FTA preference. Sensitive categories (food, plants, animals, medicines, electronics, dangerous goods) need sector-specific permits or certificates.
What can go wrong on this lane?
Common problems: undervaluation flagged at clearance, incorrect HS code triggering a higher duty, missing origin documentation losing the FTA preference, parcel held for vague description on CN22/CN23, sanctions / dual-use screening on certain commodities, and biosecurity holds on food / plant / animal products.
Country profiles
Reference only — not legal or customs advice. Customs rules change frequently. Always verify against the destination's customs authority before acting on any rule on this page.