Shipping from China to New Zealand

When shipping goods from China to New Zealand, the best method depends on cargo size, urgency and delivery scope. Sea freight normally suits larger or less urgent shipments, air freight suits time-sensitive commercial cargo, and express shipping suits smaller urgent parcels. Door-to-door delivery can be combined with suitable sea or air services.

Sea freight usually offers the lowest unit cost for larger shipments. LCL allows smaller cargo to share container space, while FCL can become more economical as the volume increases. Compare the total landed transport cost, including pickup, origin charges, ocean freight, destination handling, clearance and delivery—not the ocean rate alone.

Typical planning ranges are 18–28 days port to port for FCL, 20–32 days for the main LCL movement, 3–7 days airport to airport by air freight and 3–6 days door to door by express. Pickup, consolidation, transshipment, Customs or MPI review and final delivery can add time.

August 2026 base-freight references include LCL from about US$35 per CBM to Auckland, US$1,650–1,950 for a 20GP container, US$3,500–3,900 for a 40GP container, and air freight from about US$4.00 per kg for 1,000 kg or more of general cargo. Pickup, origin charges, destination handling, customs brokerage, duty, GST, Customs or MPI levies, inspection and final delivery may be additional.

Tonlexing generally handles commercial air freight from 45 kg and sea LCL from 1 CBM. Smaller shipments may be more suitable for courier or express service. These are Tonlexing service starting points, not New Zealand legal limits, and acceptance still depends on the commodity, dimensions and available route.

Most commercial shipments require a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, accurate HS code and New Zealand importer details. Depending on the product, Customs or MPI may also require a Client Code, supplier code, import permit, product declaration, treatment certificate, MSDS, UN38.3 report or other supporting evidence. Importers claiming preferential tariff treatment under the New Zealand–China Free Trade Agreement should also retain sufficient evidence of origin.

GST is generally 15% and Customs normally calculates it using the customs value, including the goods, international freight and insurance, plus any applicable duty. Commercial imports with a customs value over NZ$1,000 generally require a standard import declaration, Client Code and supplier code. Goods that satisfy the New Zealand–China FTA rules of origin may qualify for preferential tariff treatment, but eligibility must be supported and should not be assumed.

From 1 April 2026, Customs and MPI goods levies apply by consignment. Low-value goods are generally those valued at NZ$1,000 or less, while goods valued over NZ$1,000 fall under the high-value goods levy. Exceptions and the applicable amount depend on the shipment and clearance method.

MPI may review food, plant and animal products, timber, vehicles, machinery, used goods and other biosecurity-risk cargo. Solid wood packaging should meet ISPM 15 requirements, carry a legible treatment mark and be clean and free from soil, bark and visible pests. Inspection, cleaning, treatment or other action may be required before release.

Door-to-door delivery can be arranged for suitable shipments and locations. DDP availability depends on the commodity, importer arrangement, duty and GST treatment, Customs or MPI requirements and final delivery address. Import responsibility, excluded charges and whether DAP or DDP applies must be confirmed in the quotation rather than assumed from the term “door to door.”

Provide the cargo description, intended use, HS code if known, package count, packed dimensions, gross weight, total CBM, cargo value, Chinese pickup address, New Zealand delivery postcode, cargo-ready date and preferred service. Disclose batteries, liquids, magnets, chemicals, untreated wood or other special cargo conditions before booking.