New Zealand Customs and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) are restructuring border processing fees. Effective 1 April 2026, new Goods Management Levies will apply to all inbound shipments entering New Zealand across all carriers and import channels.
The restructuring replaces previous fee models with a set of specific levies based on the value of the goods and the transport method. These changes ensure better cost recovery for border management and biosecurity services.
Because these are government-mandated charges, all carriers are required to pass these costs on to the importer. Your total cost impact will depend on your typical shipment value, the entry type, and specific biosecurity requirements for your products.
Key levies for air freight:
Low-value goods (under or equal to NZ$1,000): NZ$2.21 levy per item.
High-value goods (over NZ$1,000): NZ$51.81 levy per item.
💡NOTE: Separate rates apply for sea cargo.
Review your pricing: Assess how these additional levies might impact your landed costs for New Zealand customers.
Speak with your carrier: Contact your carrier directly for specific details on how they will reflect these charges on your invoices.
Consult official resources: For a deeper dive into the regulatory changes, refer to the NZ Customs Quick Reference Guide or the NZ Customs Goods Fees 2026 Change documentation.
If you have questions about how this affects your Shippit account, reach out to your Account Manager or contact our Support Team.
