Fees and levies charged by the New Zealand Customs Service and the Ministry for Primary Industries for managing goods have changed from April 1, 2026, in a move aimed at improving cost recovery and better reflecting the cost of border operations.
The changes replace a mix of fees with a consolidated system of goods management levies, alongside a shift from report-based charging to consignment-based charging.
Officials say the updates are designed to create a fairer system for importers and exporters while aligning charges more closely with the actual cost of managing goods at the border.
There are no changes to how goods are lodged or cleared under the new system.
A range of levies now applies across different categories, including:
- Low-value goods levy
- High-value goods levy
- Empty container levy (sea)
- Internationally transhipped goods levy
- UPU mail import levies (air and sea)
- Commercial vessel levy
Customs and MPI have published guidance for traders, including detailed information packs for importers and exporters outlining how the new levies apply.
Invoices will now be based on the type of lodgement and consignment, with traders advised to contact the invoice issuer directly if they have questions.
The changes are backed by new and amended regulations. The overhaul follows Cabinet decisions made in March 2025 on the structure and rates of Customs and MPI charges.
*Go to customs.govt.nz for more information.
