Pre-Shipment Checklist - Importing Cars To New Zealand

Import Compliance

First check the car you wish to import was manufactured to meet approved safety and emissions standards. This depends on the class of vehicle, date of manufacture and the country from which the vehicle is being imported. To find out more information please visit the New Zealand Transport Agency.

• Note: Make sure you check your paperwork, and that the VIN, chassis and frame numbers are correct, as vehicles without correct paperwork may not be able to be registered.
• You may need "ORIGINAL" documents to prove legal ownership such as previous registration papers.

In New Zealand you can import any car you wish without restriction, but it does not mean you will be able to drive it on New Zealand roads. For example you can import a classic car that is in no condition to drive, and just store, or have in your collection. If you wanted to drive that car on the road, then you would need to go through the Entry Certification process.

Bill of Sale

If purchasing the car we will need a copy of the Bill of Sale from the seller. If you already own the car, then we need a copy of the original purchase Bill of Sale.

If this has been misplaced then you will need to obtain a "sight unseen" valuation from a car dealer.

Registration / Ownership papers

We will need a copy(via email of fax) of the registration papers showing ownership.

Depending on the country of purchase, and in some cases the state, the original ownership papers are needed to export the origin country.

Photo ID

A high quality colour scan copy of the photo page form your passport.

Remove ALL personal items from your car

When shipping on a RORO vessel personal items must not be left in the vehicle, if they are, the vehicle will not be accepted on-board the vessel.

There is the option to load your car into a container which would allow you to also ship some personal belongings, but this is normally a more expensive option than RORO.

Car preparation

Your car must be in good running condition, and fully operational to be shipped RORO. Otherwise containerisation is the only option.

• Vehicles leaking oil, water or petrol will not be loaded.
• Fuel tanks must not be more than 25% full but not less than 10% empty. Fuel gauge must be working.
• Vehicles which are not running (dead vehicles) will incur additional charges.
• Before export de-registered and remove your plates from the vehicle.

MPI / Quarantine requirements

You should aim to have your car in the cleanest possible condition. Best practice is to have the car thoroughly steam cleaned and vacuumed prior to shipment. There is no need to get it "detailed" but the goal is to remove all dirt and contamination inside and out. We can offer this as an additional service in some locations.

All used vehicles are inspected by MPI on arrival, and only after this inspection is the cleanliness condition known. Due to this we can’t quote the cleaning costs. But please allow NZ$100-200 as an estimated to cover potential cleaning, vacuuming and MPI re-inspection costs. Actual charge will be determined after inspection.

Have you taken out Marine Insurance?

Not compulsory, but worth asking us for a quote. Your road insurance will not cover any damage that may occur while in transit. Find out why you need Marine Insurance

If you’re taking out marine insurance then a pre-shipment inspection report is required to be done by an independent party. If this is not done prior to shipping then any excess is doubled.

Have you taken into account GST?

It depends on your criteria: is this a new purchase or something you class as a personal effect?
New purchase: GST of 15% is payable on the landed value, which is the value of the vehicle plus freight and insurance, otherwise known as the CIF price.
Personal Effects - GST Exemption: In some cases you may be exempt from paying GST, you will need to meet all the following conditions:

• Be a first time immigrant or a returning New Zealand citizen.
• If a returning citizen, you must have been out of New Zealand for over 21 months.
• Be prepared to sign a deed where you agree not to sell the vehicle for at least 2 years.
• Vehicle must have been owned and used for last 12 months.
…and you must provide the following documents:
• Proof of ownership over the last 12 months.
• Purchase receipt for the vehicle or a current NZ valuation from a local dealer

For more detailed information on vehicle importing, please also read the NZ Customs fact sheet 29, and also fact sheet 28 regarding GST and Duty.

Arrival on-road compliance / registration

Our quotation does NOT include on-road costs such as vehicle compliance, Warrant of Fitness or Registration.