Customs documentation for businesses sending items overseas
Find out more about what customs documentation your business may need for sending items overseas and how to complete them.
Customs documentation for businesses sending items overseas
Find out more about what customs documentation your business may need for sending items overseas and how to complete them.
Items and services that require customs declarations
| Item you're sending | Service | Do I need to complete customs documentation? |
| Parcels | All | Yes |
| Documents or letters | Economy, Economy Plus, Courier, and Express International Service | Yes |
| Documents or letters | Economy Letters and Economy Registered | No |
Documents are written, typed, printed paper-based documents (i.e. letters) with no commercial value.
These documents are Customs declarations and other documents that need to be submitted at customs clearance. Types of documentation can include; the consignment note or electronic shipment label that incorporates a Customs declaration form, commercial or export invoices, or other documents as required by Customs authorities of export and import countries, such as an Export Entry.
Important things to know before sending
Changes to global customs clearance requirements
If you’re sending parcels overseas, there are important global Customs clearance requirements that need to be met to ensure your parcel reaches its destination without being delayed or returned. Learn more.
Country specific requirements
It's your responsibility to ensure that your item is not prohibited or restricted in the country you are sending to. You can check with the Customs and/or agricultural/quarantine authority of the country concerned, contact the local Consulate or Embassy representatives, or visit the overseas destination's customs/border agency website.
Not a business?
Go to the consumer customs page to find out more.
Get help with specific customs documents
Consignment notes
Consignment notes are documents that contain information about the carriage of goods. They record the sender’s and receiver’s contact information, a Customs declaration form, and the unique reference number for each shipment.
Export entries
An export entry is a formal declaration made to New Zealand Customs about what goods are being exported.
Export invoices
An export invoice allows overseas Customs officials to determine if your item can enter the destination country, whether it is subject to regulatory fees or duties and, if applicable, the value of those fees.