by Hobbs • 8 MAR 2026

Reminder: New NZ Customs/MPI Goods Levies to Take Effect - 1st April 2026

The New Zealand Customs and MPI Goods Levies on import and export cargo are set to change from the 1st of April 2026.

As previously advised:

Structural changes 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, particularly on shipments previously determined as 'low value' meaning under NZ$1000.00.

The below links provide these new rates. These will appear on your Client Deferred account from the 1st of April or will be passed on at cost if utilising Hobbs Global's Broker Deferred account.

Goods Clearance Fees Review

Quick reference guide - goods management levies from 1 April 2026

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

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The countdown to the holiday season is on! 🎄And a few of you have already been asking for our Christmas closure dates. As we approach the end of 2026, here's what you need to know about our operational schedule over the festive season so you can plan your freight, warehousing and delivery requirements accordingly. With the holiday period approaching, please take note of our upcoming closure dates and recommended national delivery cut-off dates. Christmas New Year Operating Hours Our operating schedule for the festive season is outlined below: Thursday, 19 November 2026: Our freight forwarding and 3PL teams will finish at 12:00 pm for the Hobbs Global Christmas function. Thursday, 24 December 2026: Operations close at 12:00 pm. Carrier collections and deliveries will be limited to the morning. Friday, 25 December – Monday, 28 December 2026: Closed for the Christmas holiday period. Tuesday, 29 – Wednesday, 30 December 2026: Normal operational hours. Thursday, 31 December 2026: Operations close at 12:00 pm. Carrier collections and deliveries will be limited to the morning. Friday, 1 January – Monday, 4 January 2027: Closed for the New Year holiday period. Tuesday, 5 January 2027: Normal operations resume. Recommended National Delivery Cut-Off Dates December is a busy time for transport networks across New Zealand, and increased freight volumes can affect delivery timeframes. To help with your Christmas planning, we recommend working towards the following dispatch dates for pre-Christmas deliveries from our 3PL: These dates are recommended planning targets only, and delivery before Christmas cannot be guaranteed. Actual transit times will depend on carrier schedules, freight volumes and transport capacity. Auckland to North Island deliveries: Orders should be dispatched before 18 December 2026. Auckland to South Island deliveries: Orders should be dispatched before 16 December 2026. Getting Ready for the Festive Season A little preparation now can help make the end-of-year rush easier for everyone. We recommend reviewing your stock requirements, arranging upcoming dispatches early and confirming your business's operating hours and delivery arrangements over the holiday period. Please send us your Christmas and New Year closure dates so our team can coordinate your freight and warehousing requirements around your schedule. If you have shipments to organise, stock that needs dispatching or any questions about our holiday operating hours, please get in touch with the Hobbs Global team.

by Hobbs • 3 NOV 2026

Industrial Action - Netherlands Port Workers

Netherland port workers are expected to effect a nationwide strike on Friday 4th September, potentially impacting port operations and cargo handling activities. Major ports potentially affected are Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Zeeland, running from 10am to 7pm local time. At this stage, the full operational impact is unclear. For those with freight moving in or out of any of these ports, please expect possible delays to vessel schedules, cargo handling and other logistical activities. We will closely monitor the situation and report back to those affected. As always, please reach out to the Hobbs Global Team if you have any questions.

by Hobbs • 2 SEP 2026

The Bugs are Back!

BMSB (Brown Marmorated Stink Bug) season is back as we move into Spring in NZ. All sailings departing on or after 1st September from the below origin countries are on MPI's radar. There are 38 countries on the list: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Republic of North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romaina, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, and USA (excludes Alaska Hawaii). As per previous years, BMSB management applies for goods imported in categories: vehicles, machinery, or parts listed in the Import Health Standard's schedule 3. Shipments will need to be treated/fumigated accordingly as per MPI requirements to ensure smooth import of goods into NZ. The process is expected to be as per previous years gone by. For further info, please review to our previous posts BMSB Season is Back! - Hobbs Global As always, please reach out to the Hobbs Global Team if you have any questions.

by Hobbs • 2 SEP 2026