STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Completing customs documentation for: businesses sending items OVER $1000 overseas

You will need to complete 3 documents:

• Consignment note/electronic shipping label - see the steps below on how to complete this

• Export invoice - see the steps below on how to complete this

• Export entry - see the steps below on how to complete this

Step 1. Fill out a consignment note/electronic shipping label

To do this you can:

Use Small Business Sending: If you're a small business or send under 100 parcels a week, you can follow the steps within the platform and then print consignment notes as part of your online booking. Small Business Sending.

Use eShip or APIs: If you're a larger business or send more than 100 parcels a week, you can create electronic consignment notes with eShip or APIs. For APIs - contact a business specialist and for eShip - Login or  learn more about eShip.

Go to a store: If you're sending your parcel from an NZ Post store, you will be able to fill out all the customs documentation you need. Find a store.

More about consignment notes.

Step 2: Fill out an export invoice form

There are 2 ways to do this:

A. Complete the export invoice (NCPI025), see links below. Export invoice (PDF - 48KB)   OR   Export invoice (Word - 55KB)

B. Provide a commercial invoice that includes:

•    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. 

It is also preferred to provide an export invoice that is computer-generated rather than handwritten.

More about export invoices.

Step 3: Fill out an export entry form

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

There are 3 options available to you:

A. Get an NZ Post Customs Brokage 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.