New Zealand Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Biosecurity Requirements

Important: This New Zealand customs guide supports individuals and families planning international moving or overseas relocation to New Zealand. The country enforces some of the world’s strictest biosecurity standards, especially regarding food, plants, soil contamination, wood items, pets and vehicles.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to New Zealand, including expert export packing, ocean/air freight logistics, customs guidance and final delivery to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and other regions.

1. Moving to New Zealand – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Used Household Goods

New Zealand allows the duty-free import of used household goods if:

You are taking up permanent residence, a long-stay visa, or are returning after residing overseas
Goods have been owned and used for 12 months prior to shipment
Items are for personal use—not resale
Shipments arrive within a reasonable period of relocation

Important: New goods and high-value items may attract GST. Declare them separately.

1.2 Biosecurity Rules

New Zealand is a protected ecosystem. Items that may carry soil, pests, seeds, wood borer or livestock risk are subject to mandatory inspection.

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Copy of passport
Bill of lading / airway bill
Detailed inventory in English
Visa, residency permit or work contract
Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration (NZCS 218)

2.2 Inventory Rules

Declare all goods that may contain soil, wood, or animal products
Ask movers to clean outdoor equipment (bicycles, furniture feet, barbeques, etc.)
Provide brand and serial details for electronics
Separate new goods for GST assessment

H-H Relocations Tip: Biosecurity inspections are strict. Outdoor and wooden items should be scrubbed and cleaned before packing.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into New Zealand

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Vehicles must meet safety and emissions compliance standards enforced by Waka Kotahi (NZTA). Duties and GST may apply unless exemptions apply.

Car must be owned and used for at least 12 months to qualify for concessions
Quarantine inspection required to ensure the vehicle is free of soil and biological risk
Vehicles may require compliance inspection before registration

3.2 Required Vehicle Documents

Original registration/title
Bill of lading
Insurance and purchase documents
Proof of residency or arrival documents

Important: Vehicles with soil contamination, rust or plant matter may be refused entry or ordered for costly decontamination.

4. Bringing Pets to New Zealand

New Zealand enforces extremely strict animal import controls based on country of origin and species.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

Microchip (ISO standard)
Rabies vaccination from approved countries only
Import permit from MPI
Veterinary health certificate
Possible quarantine depending on origin

Pet Travel Tip: Dogs and cats from some countries are not permitted without special authorization. Begin paperwork months in advance.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Alcohol may be imported for personal use. Amounts above duty-free thresholds may incur customs duty and GST. Undeclared alcohol is subject to seizure and penalties.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco products are strictly controlled. Duty and GST apply based on quantity and product type. Shipping commercial quantities requires authorization.

5.3 Food & Animal-Origin Products

New Zealand’s MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) enforces stringent rules:

Meat, dairy, honey and animal-based products require permits
Seeds, plants and soil-contaminated goods are regulated
Items may be seized or destroyed if non-compliant

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Prescription medicines require accompanying documentation
Chemicals are subject to hazardous goods legislation
Weapons and firearms require permits and may be restricted

Important: New Zealand operates on strict quarantine and biosecurity principles. Declare restricted goods to avoid fines.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to New Zealand

New Zealand prohibits the import of the following items:

Illegal drugs and narcotics
Weapons, explosives and ammunition without authorization
Counterfeit or pirated goods
Hazardous or toxic substances
Endangered species products without CITES permits
Soil-contaminated items, untreated wood or biological materials

Violations may result in detention, confiscation, or fines.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to New Zealand

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

For a successful international move from Toronto to New Zealand, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Start paperwork early, especially for pets and vehicles
Clean sports gear, shoes, garden tools, and wood surfaces thoroughly
Declare all items that may carry biosecurity risk
Pack separately any new or high-value goods

7.2 Why choose a New Zealand relocation specialist

New Zealand’s customs and biosecurity process is unique and heavily enforced. Working with an experienced international moving company ensures:

Accurate documentation and customs declarations
Reduced risk of MPI inspections and costly delays
Door-to-door coordination and destination support
Compliance with GST and protected-species regulations

Relocation Tip: New Zealand is one of the strictest countries globally for biosecurity. A single contaminated item can delay your entire shipment.

8. Useful Official Links – New Zealand

Official authorities provide current customs and import rules:

This guide supports your relocation preparation. Final import and admissibility decisions rest with New Zealand Customs and the Ministry for Primary Industries.