Customs documentation for sending items over $1000 as a business

You’ll need to complete 3 documents as part of customs documentation when sending overseas.

We’ll walk you through each step below:

  1. Consignment note/electronic shipping label
  2. Export invoice form
  3. Export entry form
  4. Attaching documents to your parcel

Some items are exempt from needing an export entry.

To check if your items are exempt, visit the NZ Customs website.

1. Fill out a consignment note/electronic shipping label

Pick the method which is best for your situation as a business:

Small Business Sending

If you send under 50 parcels a week, use an SBS account to print consignment notes as part of your online parcel bookings.

Learn more

eShip

If you send more than 50 parcels a week, use an eShip account to create electronic consignment notes.

Learn more

APIs

If you send more than 50 parcels a week, integrate API solutions into your platform to create electronic consignment notes.

Contact a specialist

Visit an NZ Post store

If you prefer to send parcels in store, you can fill out the appropriate documentation during your visit.

Find a store

2. Fill out an export invoice

It’s preferred that you provide an export invoice that is computer-generated rather than handwritten. There are 2 ways to do this:

A. Complete the export invoice form (NCPI025)

PDF (48KB)

Word (55KB)

B. Provide a commercial invoice

This needs to include:

  • a full description of the contents of your package
  • the number of items in your package
  • the total value of your package
  • the country of origin of all items in your package
  • the reason for export of your item
  • the 6-digit Harmonised tariff code(s) of the sending items (if known)

You will also need to sign and date the export invoice. 

More about export invoices

3. Fill out an export entry

If you're sending by Express service, NZ Post will complete the export entry for you at no additional charge.

If you’re sending with other services, there are 3 options available to you:

A. Get an NZ Post Customs Brokerage team member to complete the export entry on your behalf

You need to:  

  • Contact the NZ Post Customs Brokage team on [email protected]  or [email protected] (Courier Select_AU or  sea freight).
  • We will require a copy of the invoice (for goods that are being sent).

Note: We offer assistance with the preparation of the export entry for first-time exporters. This will help if you are unfamiliar with the related rules, determining tariff classification, customs value, or whether exemptions/permit requirements exist for goods you wish to export.

B. Register with NZ Customs & complete the export entry yourself

You need to:

  • Register with NZ Customs: New Zealand Customs website or 0800 428 786.
  • Complete form yourself through NZ Customs.

C. Get an independent customs broker to complete the export entry on your behalf

You will need to find an independent customs broker to complete this for you.

More about export entries

4. Attach the documents to your parcel

You will need to attach the documents securely to the outside of your parcel. Please ensure the shipping label or barcode is facing out.

We recommend placing them in a clear plastic pouch. You can get clear pouches at an NZ Post store or at our online shop.

Consignment note options:

  • Print the electronic note onto adhesive paper and attach it.
  • Use tape to attach it.
  • Place it in a clear plastic pouch. 

Export invoice and export entry options:

  • Place it in a clear plastic pouch.

DO NOT tape the invoice or export entry to the outside, as we may need to see all of it.