INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING INFORMATION
Customs & Import Duties
Understanding customs clearance, import duties, taxes and documentation when sending luggage, personal belongings and other items internationally from New Zealand.
When shipping items internationally, your package will generally need to pass through customs in the destination country. Depending on the goods, their value, the reason for shipping and the destination's regulations, additional information, import duties or taxes may be required.
This guide explains the key things to consider before sending your shipment overseas with Send Stuff. Customs rules differ between countries and may change, so you should always check the requirements of your destination before shipping.
How Does Customs Clearance Work?
Customs clearance is the process by which a country's customs authority reviews goods entering its borders. The purpose is to check that goods comply with import laws, confirm their declared details and determine whether any duties or taxes are payable.
International shipments typically require information about the sender, recipient, contents, quantities and value. Customs authorities may also request supporting documentation or inspect the goods.
What happens when your shipment arrives?
- Arrival: The shipment reaches the destination country and is presented for the relevant import procedures.
- Declaration review: Customs or an authorised clearance provider reviews the information submitted.
- Assessment: Any applicable duties, taxes or additional requirements are determined.
- Release: Once clearance requirements have been met, the shipment can continue towards delivery.
Important: Customs clearance is controlled by the destination country's authorities. Send Stuff cannot guarantee that a shipment will be released without inspection, additional charges or delays.
Import Duties, Taxes & Other Charges
Import duties and taxes are not the same as shipping charges. They are imposed under the destination country's rules and may be payable before the goods are released for delivery.
| Charge | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Import Duty | A customs charge that may apply depending on the product classification, origin, value and destination rules. |
| GST / VAT / Sales Tax | A tax that may be charged on imported goods. The calculation and thresholds vary between countries. |
| Customs Clearance Fees | Administrative or processing fees charged by a carrier, broker or other clearance provider. |
| Inspection or Storage Fees | Additional costs that may arise when goods require examination, storage or special processing. |
Who pays import duties and taxes?
Unless your agreed shipping arrangements specifically state otherwise, you should expect the recipient or importer to be responsible for applicable destination customs charges. In some cases, carriers may invoice the sender or another party according to the shipment terms.
Shipping costs do not automatically include import duties or taxes. If you receive a Send Stuff freight quote, do not assume destination customs charges are included unless they are expressly identified in the quotation.
Shipping Personal Effects & Used Belongings
Personal effects are belongings intended for personal use, such as clothing, footwear, books and other household possessions. Customers often ship these items when relocating overseas, returning home or sending belongings to family.
Some countries offer duty or tax relief for qualifying personal effects or household goods. However, these concessions are not automatic and may depend on conditions such as:
- Whether you are moving your normal place of residence.
- How long you have owned or used the goods.
- Whether the items are for personal use rather than resale.
- Your residency or immigration status.
- Whether you can provide evidence of relocation or ownership.
- Any destination-specific application or declaration requirements.
Example: Moving Overseas
If you are relocating from New Zealand and sending boxes of used clothing, books and personal belongings, you may qualify for a personal effects concession in your destination country. You may need to provide a detailed packing list and evidence of your move. Eligibility must be confirmed under that country's rules.
Sending used belongings to someone else, including a family member, does not necessarily qualify for the same relief as importing your own household goods during a relocation.
How to Declare the Value of Your Items
Customs declarations generally require a value for the items being shipped, even when the goods are used, are not being sold or are being sent as a gift.
The value should be accurate and supportable. For used personal belongings, this may involve a reasonable estimate of their current value rather than their original retail purchase price, subject to the destination's valuation rules.
Avoid these common mistakes
- Declaring a shipment as having no value simply because it contains used items.
- Using an artificially low value to try to avoid import charges.
- Describing every item only as "personal effects" without a useful breakdown.
- Leaving out items or providing quantities that do not match the contents.
Example: Rather than describing a carton only as "personal belongings", a more useful description might be: "10 used cotton shirts, 3 pairs of used shoes and 5 paperback books", with reasonable declared values.
What Documents Might You Need?
Documentation depends on the shipment, destination, goods and purpose of import. Accurate paperwork helps customs authorities understand what is being shipped and why.
Commonly Requested Information
- Full sender and recipient names and addresses.
- Contact phone numbers and email addresses.
- A clear description of each type of item.
- Quantities and declared values.
- Country of origin or manufacture, where required.
- Shipment weight and package details.
- Reason for shipping, such as relocation, gift or sale.
Commercial Invoice or Pro Forma Invoice
International parcel shipments commonly require a commercial invoice or pro forma invoice, depending on the circumstances and carrier requirements. This document records the goods, their values and other information used for customs purposes.
Packing List
A packing list identifies the contents of each suitcase or carton. It is especially useful when sending multiple packages of personal belongings.
Additional Supporting Documents
Certain destinations or shipments may require proof of identity, relocation documentation, import permits, proof of purchase, tax identification numbers or other declarations.
Tip: Prepare a separate list for each carton, especially if you are shipping multiple boxes. Keep a copy for your records.
Restricted & Prohibited Items
An item that is legal to own in New Zealand is not necessarily permitted to enter another country. Restrictions may apply because of customs, biosecurity, aviation safety or other regulations.
Items requiring particular attention may include food, plant or animal products, medicines, cosmetics, alcohol, aerosols, batteries, electronic equipment and other regulated goods.
Lithium batteries, power banks, aerosols and flammable products may also be subject to dangerous goods transport rules. These items should not be placed into luggage or cartons without first confirming their acceptability.
Always declare the full contents of your shipment. For further information, see our Prohibited & Restricted Items guide . For specialist dangerous goods shipping, visit DG Solutions .
Customs Inspections & Potential Delays
Not every shipment clears customs at the same speed. Some packages may be released following routine processing, while others require additional checks, documentation or physical inspection.
Common reasons for customs delays
- Incomplete or inconsistent shipment descriptions.
- Missing invoices, packing lists or supporting documents.
- Questions about declared values or item classification.
- Unpaid import duties, taxes or processing charges.
- Biosecurity inspections or import permit requirements.
- Random or targeted customs examinations.
Any transit estimate should be treated as an estimate rather than a guaranteed delivery date. Customs processing, inspections and other government procedures can affect the final delivery timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay import duties on used clothing?
Not necessarily. The answer depends on the destination country, declared value, reason for import and whether you qualify for a personal effects exemption or concession.
Are personal belongings automatically duty-free?
No. Some destinations provide concessions for qualifying used household goods or personal effects, but eligibility conditions and documentation requirements apply.
Do gifts need a customs declaration?
Yes, international shipments generally require customs information even when the items are gifts. Some destinations have gift concessions, but these may be limited by value or other rules.
Who contacts me if customs needs more information?
Depending on the shipment, the carrier, customs broker, clearance provider or destination authority may contact the sender or recipient for additional documents or payment.
Can Send Stuff guarantee that I won't pay duties?
No. Import duties and taxes are determined under the destination country's rules. Send Stuff cannot guarantee a duty-free import or customs clearance outcome.
Are customs duties included in my shipping quote?
Not unless your quotation expressly states that they are included. Destination customs charges, taxes and clearance fees may be payable separately.
Planning to Send Something Overseas?
Tell us what you're shipping, where it's going and the approximate package details. We'll review your enquiry and provide a personalised international shipping quote.
GET A FREE SHIPPING QUOTE →Disclaimer: This page provides general shipping information only and is not customs, tax or legal advice. Requirements vary by country and may change. Importers should confirm current requirements with the relevant destination customs authority or a qualified customs broker.