by Hobbs • 31 MAR 2025

NZ Government Approves Changes to Fees for Border Management of Goods

Following consultation with the NZ public, Cabinet has approved changes to the NZ Custom’s & Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)’s fees and levies.

 The changes are expected to take effect in two stages:

  •  1st July 2025 – NZ Custom’s Fees will change.
  •  1st April 2026 – The structure of NZ Custom’s and MPI’s fees and levies will change.

Structural changes are expected to include:

  • Setting separate rate structures for both sea and air consignments (relating to NZ Customs only),
  • Charging low-value goods per consignment and ceasing to charge per cargo report fees,
  • Charging low-value goods transported by international mail,
  • Charging commercial vessels,
  • Charging international transhipments and empty shipping containers (relating to NZ Customs only),
  • Ending taxpayer subsidies for low-value goods and commercial vessels to fully recover NZ Customs' and MPI's costs through charges.

These structural changes are expected to have a large bearing on goods shipped via international online retailers.

The full Cabinet document can be viewed at: Cabinet approves fee changes for border management of goods - New Zealand Customs Service

As always, if you have any questions please reach out to the Hobbs Team!

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