Moving to New Zealand: customs & MPI biosecurity checklist
One form, two agencies. Answer a few questions to see whether your household goods clear duty and GST-free under New Zealand Customs' household-effects concession (form NZCS 218), then check every item against the biosecurity questions MPI asks before you pack. New Zealand runs one of the strictest biosecurity regimes in the world — soil on a boot or a pinecone in a Christmas box can hold a whole container.
1. Do my goods clear duty-free? (Household effects concession (duty and GST-free entry of used household effects))
Which of these describes you?
Are the goods your own personal and household property, not for sale or business use?
Does your shipment fit the time limits (your arrival and the shipment close together)?
Does the shipment include any of these?
Documents to clear your shipment
- NZCS 218 — Bring personal household items into New Zealand, completed and signed by the owner of the goods; one form can cover the other adults in your family group, and a nominee appointed in writing can lodge it before you arrive
- Passport bio-page of the owner and of every other adult covered by the form (JPEG, PNG, PDF or Word — Customs does not accept cloud-drive links)
- Your visa or visa confirmation — required if your right to live in New Zealand depends on a visa (not needed with a New Zealand or Australian passport)
- Packing list of everything in the shipment, box by box — Q7 of the NZCS 218 asks for the box numbers of every biosecurity item, so number the boxes and describe materials ("wooden chair", "cane basket", "used hiking boots")
- Shipping document proving the goods have arrived — bill of lading or arrival notice (sea), air waybill (air), consignment note (courier)
- Invoices or receipts for any new or unused items, with purchase date, currency and price — they are listed on the NZCS 218 under code N and assessed separately
- MPI Supplementary Biosecurity Declaration (Personal Effects Supplementary Declaration) — item-level detail of anything of biosecurity concern; Customs lists it among the documents needed to complete clearance
- Permits for restricted items: Police / Firearms Safety and Education NZ permit for firearms, weapons, airguns and ammunition; Department of Conservation CITES permit for ivory, coral, shells, furs, skins and other endangered-species items
- For a vehicle, boat or aircraft: registration papers as evidence of ownership, a bill of sale or independent valuation as evidence of value, the NZCS 80b/80c/80d undertaking, and a Customs Number for the import entry
What is taxed and what is not
- Qualifying used household effects: no duty, no GST. The Customs/MPI goods levy still applies — NZ$118.44 excl GST per sea-freight consignment over NZ$1,000, NZ$51.81 by air (from 1 April 2026).
- Items that do not qualify (new or unused, commercial, not yours, or you fail the residence/21-month test): duty at the tariff rate where applicable plus 15 % GST calculated on the value of the goods + duty + freight and insurance. If the whole shipment fails the concession, Customs may depreciate used goods by ownership period — 10 % (up to 3 months), 20 % (3–6), 33 % (6–12), 50 % (12–21 months); never for new goods.
- Alcohol and tobacco: duty and GST are collected regardless of value, unless a wine or spirits collection meets the concession test (bought over an extended period, consistent with domestic consumption or collecting).
- Biosecurity: every used vehicle, vessel or aircraft is inspected by MPI, and any inspection or fumigation of your goods is charged to you; items that cannot be treated may be reshipped or destroyed at your cost. Border fees are cost-recovered — Customs' own hourly rate is NZ$133 incl GST with a NZ$399 minimum where an officer attends outside routine processing, and MPI charges on a similar basis.
2. Can I ship it? — MPI item checker
New Zealand's economy and native ecosystems depend on keeping out pests and diseases, so MPI may inspect any shipment of personal or household effects and holds anything that carries soil, seeds, plant or animal material or has been used outdoors. The NZCS 218 asks seven biosecurity questions — food, animal products, plant products, equipment used with animals or plants, used outdoor and sports gear, contact with animals, and use or storage in rural areas. Search an item or filter by category; statuses follow the Customs and MPI guidance linked below.
Don't ship — Prohibited or assessed separately — leave it outDeclare + clean — Declare, clean/dry it, expect inspection or treatmentDeclare — Declare and list it clearlyNo concern — No specific concern
No match — if it is made of wood, plant or animal material, is food, or has been outdoors, declare it and check with the authority before packing.
Don't ship
Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat (fresh or dried), eggs, dairy, honeyLeave it out. Food of any kind must be declared, and fresh and animal-origin foods are the highest-risk goods MPI intercepts — they will not travel with a household shipment.
Food
Declare + clean
Dried or packaged food — rice, spices, tea, snacks, supplements, pet foodFood of any kind (dried, fresh, frozen, preserved, cooked, uncooked) must be declared on the NZCS 218. Ship as little as possible and expect inspection.
Food
Declare
Alcohol — wine cellar, spirits, beerDeclare every bottle. A collection bought over time for personal use may enter under the concession; otherwise duty and GST apply regardless of value.
Food
Declare
Tobacco, cigarettes, cigarsTaxable regardless of value — duty and GST are collected on all tobacco arriving as unaccompanied goods.
Food
Declare
Traditional or herbal medicines (Chinese traditional medicines, ginseng)Listed on the NZCS 218 under both animal and plant products. American ginseng and medicines containing dendrobium or saussurea costus need a Department of Conservation permit.
Food
Declare
Prescription medicines, controlled drugsPersonally prescribed medicines up to three months' supply may travel in personal effects with the prescription or doctor's letter, in original packaging. Controlled drugs must travel with you — they cannot be sent as unaccompanied baggage.
Food
Don't ship
Live pets and animals — cats, dogs, birds, ferrets, guinea pigs, reptilesNever in a household shipment. Cats and dogs follow MPI's pet import process (NZCS 231 for Customs). Live birds, ferrets, guinea pigs (except from Australia), mice, rats, snakes and reptiles are prohibited, as are five dog breeds including the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Pets & animals
Declare + clean
Pet bedding, cages, leads, grooming kit, pet toysPet bedding is named on the NZCS 218 as equipment used with animals. Wash, dry and declare; expect inspection.
Pets & animals
Declare + clean
Saddlery, horse tack, veterinary equipment and productsNamed on the NZCS 218. Clean of hair, soil and manure; saddlery is among the items most often directed for treatment after inspection.
Pets & animals
Declare + clean
Fishing gear, fish-farming and aquarium equipmentEquipment used with animals or water — declare, clean and dry completely before packing.
Pets & animals
Declare + clean
Beekeeping equipment — hives, frames, suits, smokersUsed beekeeping gear is a high-risk category MPI expects you to declare; clean thoroughly and list box numbers.
Pets & animals
Declare + clean
Antique or handcrafted wooden ornaments, carvings, masks, statuesNamed on the NZCS 218 under plant products. Check for bark, borer holes and sawdust; untreated carvings are often fumigated.
Wood, cane & bamboo
Declare + clean
Cane, bamboo, rattan, wicker, basket ware, straw itemsNamed on the NZCS 218. Cane ware is among the goods most frequently directed for treatment after a quarantine examination.
Wood, cane & bamboo
Declare
Wooden furniture — tables, chairs, beds, dressers, antiquesWooden items are risk items. Furniture qualifies as household effects, but inspect it for bark, borer holes and insect damage and describe it as wooden on the packing list.
Wood, cane & bamboo
Declare
Musical instruments — piano, guitar, violin, drumsPianos and other instruments are listed household effects. Declare wooden instruments and rawhide drums; keep cases clean and dry.
Wood, cane & bamboo
Don't ship
Logs, firewood, sawn timber, bark, wood shavings, sawdustUntreated plant material. Never use wood shavings, sawdust or straw as packing filler.
Wood, cane & bamboo
Declare + clean
Christmas and Easter decorations, wreaths, pinecones, dried hollyExplicitly named on the NZCS 218 — any Christmas or Easter decorations must be declared. Cones and dried plant material are plant products and are often refused.
Decor & ornaments
Declare
Pooja items, religious offerings with seeds, grains or dried plantsPooja items are named on the NZCS 218; list the box number and contents so MPI can target its inspection.
Decor & ornaments
Declare + clean
Feathers, bone, antlers, fur, skins, raw wool, hunting trophies, taxidermyRaw unmanufactured animal products and hunting trophies are named on the NZCS 218. Declare; many need treatment, and furs or skins of protected species need a DOC permit.
Decor & ornaments
Declare
Shells, coral, ivory, crocodile or alligator leatherShells and coral are animal products on the NZCS 218. Coral, clams, ivory and crocodile products are among the items most often seized — a Department of Conservation CITES permit is required.
Decor & ornaments
Declare + clean
Dried flowers, potpourri, dried fruit arrangements, seed pods, bulbsDried plants and flowers, fruit, cones, bulbs and roots are plant products that must be declared — most are not permitted and will be destroyed if packed.
Decor & ornaments
Declare + clean
Hiking boots, soiled footwear, spiked or studded shoes (golf, football, rugby)Named on the NZCS 218 as used miscellaneous risk items. Scrub soles and treads until no soil or seeds remain and dry fully — footwear is the most common reason a shipment is held.
Outdoor, sport & camping
Declare + clean
Tents, camping equipment, groundsheets, sleeping bags, backpacksNamed on the NZCS 218. Dismantle, remove soil, grass, leaves and insects, and dry completely; tents and camping gear are frequently directed for treatment.
Outdoor, sport & camping
Declare + clean
Bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, skateboardsUsed bicycles are named on the NZCS 218. Clean tyres, pedals and frames of all soil and plant matter.
Outdoor, sport & camping
Declare + clean
Water-sports equipment — kayaks, paddleboards, diving gear, wetsuits, surfboardsNamed on the NZCS 218. Rinse, check for weed and organisms, and dry completely before packing.
Outdoor, sport & camping
Declare + clean
Golf clubs, hunting gear, sports equipment used outdoorsEquipment used for outdoor, hunting, golf or other sports must be declared and be free of soil, grass and seeds.
Outdoor, sport & camping
Declare + clean
Barbecue / grill, smoker, outdoor cookerBarbecues are named on the NZCS 218. Remove ash, grease and food residue; clean the frame and wheels of soil.
Outdoor, sport & camping
Declare + clean
Work boots and work clothing — farm, forestry, constructionNamed on the NZCS 218 as equipment used with animals or plants. Launder, scrub and dry; declare any item used on a farm or in forestry.
Outdoor, sport & camping
Don't ship
Live plants, seeds, bulbs, roots, cuttings, bud woodSeeds for sowing, live plants and plant cuttings are restricted or prohibited — do not pack them. Declare any you cannot avoid.
Garden & plants
Don't ship
Soil, sand, pot plants with soil, compost, fertiliserSoil and anything containing soil is the classic trap — pot plants and soil-caked tools included. Leave it behind.
Garden & plants
Declare + clean
Gardening equipment and products, lawnmower, trimmer, forestry toolsNamed on the NZCS 218. Remove all caked soil, grass and plant matter, empty catchers and drain fuel; garden equipment is frequently directed for treatment.
Garden & plants
Declare + clean
Outdoor furniture, plant pots, garden ornaments, fountainsUsed outdoors, so declare: clean of soil, moss, leaves and insects; wooden outdoor furniture must be bark-free and dry.
Garden & plants
Declare
Wooden kitchen items — chopping boards, bowls, utensils, knife blocksWooden items are risk items — declare as wooden on the packing list and pack clean and dry.
Kitchen
No concern
Refrigerator, freezer, kitchen appliances, chinaware, glassware, cutleryListed household effects with no specific biosecurity concern — defrost, clean and dry appliances and remove every trace of food.
Kitchen
Declare + clean
Used vacuum cleaner and bags, brooms, dustpansUsed vacuum cleaners are named on the NZCS 218. Empty the bag or canister completely and clean the brush head and hoses.
Household
No concern
Upholstered and metal furniture, mattresses, linen, electronics, books, clothes, carpetsListed household effects with no specific biosecurity concern — vacuum rugs and carpets, keep everything clean and dry, and describe it clearly on the packing list.
Household
Declare
Anything used or stored in a rural or wilderness area, or in contact with animalsThe NZCS 218 asks these two questions about the whole shipment. Answer yes and list the box numbers — it is not a penalty, it tells MPI where to look.
Household
Don't ship
Firearms, ammunition, airguns, pepper spray, stun devices, butterfly or flick knives, knuckle-dustersProhibited without a permit issued by Firearms Safety and Education NZ or the New Zealand Police before shipping. Declare on the NZCS 218 weapons question.
Household
Don't ship
Cannabis or methamphetamine utensils, bongs, hash pipes; radio jammers, US/UK/EU CB radios, electronic dog collars; objectionable materialProhibited by Customs. Drug utensils and jammers cannot enter at all; objectionable material on phones, drives or discs is an offence.
Household
Don't ship
Cars, motorcycles, scooters, campervans, quad bikesNot household effects — Concession Reference 80c with the NZCS 80c undertaking, a standard import entry and Customs Number. MPI inspects every used vehicle; a working odometer is mandatory and NZTA must certify it for New Zealand roads. Never pack household goods inside the vehicle.
Vehicles & machines
Don't ship
Boats, yachts, jet skis, small ships, aircraftNot household effects — Concession Reference 80b (aircraft and small ships) or 80d (ships) with the matching NZCS undertaking; 1 year's prior ownership and use required for duty-free entry. MPI inspects on arrival.
Vehicles & machines
Declare + clean
Vehicle and car parts, tyres, trailers, non-motorised caravansTrailers and non-motorised caravans are listed household effects; used vehicle and car parts are named on the NZCS 218 as risk items. Clean of soil and plant matter and declare.
Vehicles & machines
No concern
Garage and hobby tools — electric saws, drills, lathes, air compressors, mechanic's toolboxListed household effects (including professional tools you own). Wipe off soil, sawdust and plant debris before packing.
Vehicles & machines
Don't ship
Straw, wood shavings or sawdust as filler; reused fruit, vegetable, meat or plant cartonsPlant-based packing and boxes that held food or produce are risk goods in themselves — use new cartons and paper.
Packing
Declare + clean
Boxes labelled "misc", "sundries" or not itemisedA vague packing list ("sundries, 40 cartons") invites a full unpack; an itemised one lets MPI target its inspection and clears faster.
Packing
How to pack so you clear inspection first time
- Check, clean and dry: remove every trace of soil, mud, leaves, grass seed, dust and animal matter from anything that has been outdoors or near food, animals or water — then let it dry completely before it goes in a box.
- Open and inspect all wood and cane: no bark, no borer holes, no sawdust (frass); describe wooden, cane and bamboo items as such on the packing list.
- Number every box and list the contents by material ("wooden chair ×4", "used hiking boots", "cane basket") — Q7 of the NZCS 218 asks for the box numbers of every biosecurity item.
- Complete the MPI Personal Effects Supplementary Declaration for anything of biosecurity concern; the item-level detail lets MPI assess the risk and clear the consignment faster.
- Use new cartons and paper — never straw, wood shavings or sawdust, and never reuse boxes that held food, plants or produce.
- When in doubt, declare. Declaring a permitted item costs nothing; an undeclared risk item can mean a fine, prosecution, treatment fees or destruction of the goods.
Penalties and costs
- Signing the NZCS 218 is a declaration that the information is true, correct and complete — Customs states that failure to comply may constitute an offence under the Customs and Excise Act 2018 or the Biosecurity Act 1993.
- Undeclared risk items: Customs states that if you have not declared a risk item you may get a fine or be prosecuted; MPI officers decide whether goods are returned, treated or refused, and any treatment is at your cost.
- False or understated declarations to avoid duty or GST: Customs may seize the goods and, in some cases, prosecute; it can also amend the declared value. Bringing in prohibited items is a serious offence and can lead to arrest.
- Contaminated or untreatable goods — including any used vehicle, vessel or aircraft found with soil, plant or animal material — are fumigated, reshipped or destroyed at your expense, on top of inspection charges and any storage while the shipment is held.
Fees and penalty amounts are revised regularly — confirm current figures on the official pages below before you ship.
FAQ
Do my goods have to be 12 months old to come in duty-free?
No. New Zealand's household-effects concession has no fixed months-of-ownership rule — the goods must have been personally owned and used by you before you leave for New Zealand. New and unused items do not qualify and must be declared; they are charged duty (where applicable) plus 15 % GST. The 12-month rule exists only for vehicles, boats and aircraft, which need at least one year's prior ownership and use under Concession Reference 80.
I'm a New Zealander coming home after 14 months abroad — do I qualify?
Not for the household-effects concession: Customs requires you to have resided outside New Zealand for the whole of the 21 months before arrival (brief holidays and business trips are allowed). Goods bought while away are assessed for duty and 15 % GST, with a depreciation deduction of 10 % to 50 % depending on how long you owned them — 50 % at 12–21 months.
Can I ship my wine collection with the household?
Possibly duty and GST-free: Customs allows a wine collection — and may consider other alcoholic beverages such as spirits — under the concession if you can prove it was bought over an extended period and your use is consistent with domestic consumption or collecting. Otherwise duty and GST are collected on alcohol regardless of value, and tobacco is always taxed.
What happens if I don't declare my hiking boots or a wooden carving?
Both are named on the NZCS 218 biosecurity questions. Customs states that an undeclared risk item can lead to a fine or prosecution, and the declaration you sign acknowledges that non-compliance may be an offence under the Biosecurity Act 1993. MPI can also direct cleaning, fumigation, reshipment or destruction at your cost. Declaring costs nothing — list the box numbers.
Do I have to be in New Zealand when my container arrives?
No. A nominee you appoint in writing — your moving company, a customs broker, a friend — can lodge the NZCS 218 and clear the goods before you arrive, and Customs states you do not have to be in New Zealand when personal effects arrive. You must, however, hold the qualifying residence document on the day the goods are imported.
Will Flyto handle the NZCS 218 and the MPI paperwork?
Yes. Our Platinum door-to-door service to New Zealand includes preparing and lodging the NZCS 218 with the correct biosecurity answers and box numbers, the MPI Personal Effects Supplementary Declaration, a biosecurity-ready itemised packing list and check-clean-dry guidance before packing, and coordination with our New Zealand customs broker through to delivery.
Read next
- Shipping to New Zealand: Sea vs Air, Customs & Biosecurity (2026)
- Cost of Moving to New Zealand from Europe (2026)
- Moving guides — New Zealand
- Moving volume calculator — how many m³ is your move?
- Keep, sell or ship? — is it worth moving your furniture abroad?
- Moving inventory list template (PDF, Word, Excel)
Official sources
- New Zealand Customs Service — Household effects (move to New Zealand permanently)
- New Zealand Customs Service — Personal effects and wearing apparel
- New Zealand Customs Service — Importing personal vehicles, vessels and aircraft (Concession Reference 80)
- New Zealand Customs Service — Bringing pets and animals into New Zealand
- New Zealand Customs Service — What you can and can't bring (prohibited and restricted items)
- New Zealand Customs Service — Duty and GST
- New Zealand Customs Service — Goods levies and hourly rate (from 1 April 2026)
- New Zealand Customs Service — Form NZCS 218: Bring personal household items into New Zealand (PDF)
- New Zealand Customs Service — Fact sheet: Importing goods for personal use (PDF, April 2026)
- Ministry for Primary Industries — Household goods and personal effects importing to NZ
- Ministry for Primary Industries — Personal Effects Supplementary Declaration (PDF)
This checker summarises public rules as at the review date for planning purposes. Customs and biosecurity decisions are made by the officers on arrival; your Flyto coordinator confirms the current conditions for your visa and shipment.
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