How to ship clothing from China to New Zealand?

Author：HAIYUAN TIME：2025-07-02Read：

Shipping clothing from China to New Zealand involves navigating logistics, customs, and regulations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth process:

1. Choose a Shipping Method

Method	Best For	Transit Time	Cost	Pros & Cons
Express Couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS)	Urgent/small shipments (<100 kg)	3–7 days	$$$$	√ Fast, door-to-door, real-time tracking × Expensive for bulk
Air Freight	100–1,000 kg	5–10 days	$$$	√ Faster than sea, better for mid-volume × Higher cost/kg, customs handling needed
Sea Freight (FCL/LCL)	Large orders (500+ kg)	20–35 days	$ (FCL), $$ (LCL)	√ Cheapest for bulk, eco-friendly × Slowest, port fees, complex paperwork

Note:

FCL (Full Container): Ideal for 10+ cubic meters (e.g., 20ft container = 28–30 m³).

LCL (Less than Container): Pay for space used; good for smaller bulk shipments.

2. Prepare Documentation

Avoid customs delays with these documents:

Commercial Invoice: Detailed description, value, HS codes (e.g., clothing HS codes: 6109/6110 for T-shirts, 6203 for men’s suits).
Packing List: Weight, dimensions, carton count.
Bill of Lading (Sea) or Air Waybill (Air).
Certificate of Origin (if claiming tariff preferences under China-NZ FTA).
Biosecurity Declaration (NZ requirement for organic materials like wool/cotton).

NZ Customs Tip: Clothing is duty-free but subject to 15% GST on (value + freight + insurance). For commercial imports, register for GST.

3. Comply with NZ Regulations

Labeling: Garments must have fiber content labels (e.g., "100% cotton") in English.
Biosecurity: NZ MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) may inspect for contaminants (soil, pests). Vacuum-pack clothing to reduce risk.
Used Clothing: Requires import permit and must be clean/disinfected.
Safety Standards: Children’s sleepwear must meet flammability standards (AS/NZS 1249).

4. Calculate Costs

Cost Factor	Details
Freight Charges	Based on weight/volume (chargeable weight = actual vs. volumetric weight).
Customs GST	15% of (CIF value: Cost + Insurance + Freight).
MPI Inspection Fees	NZ$102–$249/hour if inspection triggered.
Port/Airport Fees	~NZ$150–$400 (handling, documentation).
Duties	Usually 0% for clothing (check NZ Tariff Finder).

5. Select a Reliable Logistics Partner

Freight Forwarders: Use companies like DHL Global Forwarding, Kuehne+Nagel, or local NZ agents (e.g., Mainfreight).
Key Services to Request:
- Door-to-door delivery.
- Customs clearance assistance.
- Cargo insurance (cover 110% value for loss/damage).
- LCL consolidation (if shipping smaller batches).

6. Packaging Tips

Use strong cartons (ECT-32+ or 200# burst strength) and waterproof liners.
Maximize container space: palletize or use bale packaging for bulk garments.
Avoid wooden pallets (requires ISPM-15 treatment) – use plastic instead.

7. Save Money & Avoid Pitfalls

Consolidate Shipments: Combine orders via LCL to reduce costs.
Incoterms: Use FOB (China port) – you control freight/customs in NZ. Avoid EXW unless experienced.
Avoid Delays:
- Submit documents electronically 48+ hours pre-arrival.
- Ensure HS codes match NZ customs database.
- Pre-pay GST via NZ Customs’ "Secure Export Scheme".

Sample Cost Breakdown (Sea Freight LCL)

Item	Cost
500 kg clothing (2m³)	NZ$600–$900
Customs GST (15% of CIF)	NZ$450 (if CIF = $3,000)
Port Fees + Forwarder Fee	NZ$300–$500
Total	~NZ$1,350–$1,850

Top Resources

Choose air freight for speed or sea for cost savings. Partner with a freight forwarder experienced in NZ imports to handle complexities efficiently!

Useful links:

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