STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

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

You will need to complete 3 documents:

• Consignment note - 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

To do this you can:

Use My NZ Post for Business: If you're a small business or send under 100 parcels a week, you can fill out and then print consignment notes as part of your online booking. My NZ Post for Business.

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, so you don't need to fill in the forms mentioned below.

Firstly, before you complete an export entry, check if what you're sending may be exempt.

There are 3 options available to you:

A. Get an NZ Post Customs Broker to complete the export entry on your behalf

This process costs NZ $40.94 incl GST.

You need to:  

• contact the NZ Post Customs Broker team on [email protected]  or 0800 736 348.
• 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 736 348
• 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.

Fees may apply. See more about export entries.

Where to place the export entry number

Write the export entry number in the space provided on the consignment note.

More about export entries.

Step 4: Attach the documents to your package

You will need to attach the documents to the outside of your package.

For consignment notes

You can:

• print the electronic note onto adhesive paper and attach or 
• use tape to attach it or 
• place it in a clear plastic pouch. You can get clear pouches at an NZ Post store or at our online shop.

Please ensure the shipping label or barcode is facing out.

For export invoices and export entries

Please put these documents into a clear plastic pouch and attach them securely to the outside of your item. Please don't tape them to the outside as we may need to see all of the documents. Please also ensure the shipping label or barcode is facing out. You can get clear pouches at an NZ Post store or at our online shop.