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.

What documents to complete

Now that you know you need to complete some form of customs documentation, find out what you need to complete and what steps to take.

I'm sending items:

Valued UNDER $1000

I'm sending items:

Valued OVER $1000

 

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.