Moving to a new country can be an exciting experience, but it can also be a challenge when it comes to preparation. Whatever your reasons are for moving to New Zealand - a job, a family member, a fresh start - the logistics remain the same. Your international move will require a lot of attention to detail, paperwork, and planning.
Before you enlist the help of any international moving company or customs brokering service, read on to familiarize yourself with some of the required documents and shipping restrictions when relocating to New Zealand!
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When moving to New Zealand, there are
essential documents you will need to enter the country and properly attain residency. When you plan your international move, you should hire a customs brokering service from your international moving company to be sure you have all necessary paperwork to clear customs.
When moving to New Zealand, you will need:
- Birth certificate (original)
- Passport (valid at least three months past the date you intend to leave New Zealand)
- Visa (skilled migrant category, work to residence)
- Customs Declaration Form (must be completed prior to shipment arrival)
- Proof of residence
- Inventory list in English
- Baggage MAF enhancement document form
- Receipts for new items
- Bill of Lading/Air Way Bill
- Certificates stating goods have been fumigated, heat treated or cleaned
- Quarantine Declaration (for full sea containers)
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
Shipping regulations vary from country to country when it comes to transporting your household goods and personal effects. If you are moving to New Zealand permanently, you will need to be aware of the following:
- Your household or other effects will be cleared duty free, provided:
- You have documentation authorizing your residence in New Zealand on the date your goods are imported
- Preceding your arrival to New Zealand, you have lived outside of the country for at least 21 months
- You have owned and used your goods being shipped prior to your arrival in New Zealand
- The goods in your shipment are for your own personal use, and not intended for sale, gift or any other exchange
- Inherited goods require a copy of Death Certificate, Will, and letter from solicitor
- Exceptions that do not qualify for duty free entry:
- Any goods shipped after purchase solely to avoid taxes in the country of export
- Replacement electrical equipment (that operates to New Zealand standards)
- Commercial goods (office, factory or plant equipment)
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In New Zealand, the following articles are prohibited for importation under any circumstances. If you are caught importing such items, they could be confiscated and/or destroyed at your expense:
- Narcotics/drugs
- Pornography and obscene materials
- Items made from endangered species (such as coral, ivory, snakeskin, whale bone, and turtle shells)
- Flick knives
- Swordsticks
- Knuckledusters
- Honey and other bee products
- Spices
- Dairy products
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some goods or items are limited to certain quantities, require special authorization, and/or payments of duties and taxes to clear customs in New Zealand. These items must be packed and declared separately, and include, but are not limited to:
- Fresh or dried fruit, vegetables or mushrooms
- Any meat, fish, poultry or shellfish
- Garden equipment and outdoor furniture
- New items
- Radio transmitting equipment
- Firearms and ammunition (strictly controlled - Police Permit required)
- Plant/animal products
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Food of any kind
- Prescription drugs (accompanied by doctor's prescription and in original container)
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you plan to ship your vehicle to New Zealand, you will want to hire international vehicle shippers that are knowledgeable in important overseas automobile shipping laws, and are experienced in handling customs regulations to safely transport your car.
If you are transferring your residence to New Zealand, you may import your motor vehicle duty free provided you meet these requirements:
- You have arrived in New Zealand prior to the arrival of your vehicle, and have proof of residency
- For a period of 21 months prior to your arrival, you have resided (or domiciled) outside of the country
- You have owned the vehicle for at least one year before the date of departure to New Zealand, or before the date the vehicle is surrendered to be shipped (whichever date is earliest)
- You give written documentation stating if the vehicle is sold or disposed of within two years of importation date, you will be subject to customs charges
You will need the following documents:
- Passport (copy)
- Car condition report
- Vehicle registration (proving length of ownership)
- Sales invoice
- Supplier Code form
- Driver's license
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Your pet is part of the family, so you want to ensure that he or she will clear customs without trouble. New Zealand does not allow importation of all animal species and specific breeds of animals, and you may be charged duties or taxes.
To successfully cross New Zealand's borders with your furry friend, the requirements are as follows (for domestic pets - cats and dogs):
- For dogs: you will need to provide a declaration made in New Zealand stating that your dog is not one of the following breeds: American Pit Bull Terrier, Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario (these breeds may not be imported to New Zealand unless they are guide, hearing or companion dogs for disabled individuals)
- For dogs: health certificate from a registered veterinarian from the country of export which also states that the dog is not one of the above mentioned breeds
- Invoice or receipt proving the actual value of the domestic animal
- A Biosecurity Clearance Permit issued by the Ministry for Primary Industries
- Vaccination certificates
- Evidence of ownership
- Passport or driver's license of owner
- Completed Imported Animal Clearance form
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moving is a challenge, and requires the assistance of experienced, trustworthy international movers. Before making your final decision on who to hire, be sure to ask these important questions to ensure the company is qualified for the job, which includes being an expert in the customs process. Staying informed and always conducting a thorough background check on any potential overseas moving company will prevent you from making any costly common moving mistakes.
Need help finding reliable international moving companies in your area? Get started here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form to receive estimates from up to seven qualified movers in your area.
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