As one of China’s top trading partners, New Zealand offers many opportunities for exporters looking to reach international markets. However, shipping goods across such a vast distance presents some unique challenges.
Whether you’re a small business sending occasional shipments or a large exporter managing frequent container loads, understanding the logistics is important for delivering on time and on budget. This introduction examines the various modes of transit, important ports, documentation requirements, and factors influencing transportation costs. It also provides tips on selecting reputable freight forwarders and insurance coverage.
By gaining familiarity with shipping between these two nations separated by over 15,000 kilometers, exporters can minimize delivery delays and maximize profits. Let’s explore the key elements involved in transporting goods from Chinese factories.
Air Freight Shipping From China to New Zealand
Air freight is your quickest option for shipping goods from China to New Zealand. When using air freight, packaging should be secure yet lightweight to keep costs down. Airlines such as China Southern Airlines, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, and Qantas offer scheduled flights, providing a range of options for your cargo.
Main Airports in China and New Zealand
Here is a markdown table summarizing the top Chinese airports for exports to New Zealand and New Zealand’s international airports for imports:
| Top Chinese Airports for Exports to New Zealand | New Zealand International Airports for Imports |
|---|---|
| Beijing Capital International Airport | Auckland Airport |
| Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport | Blenheim Airport (Woodbourne) |
| Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport | Christchurch International Airport |
| Shanghai Pudong International Airport | Dunedin International Airport |
| Xi’an Xianyang International Airport | Gisborne Airport |
| Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport | Kaitaia Airport |
| Hong Kong International Airport | Kerikeri Airport |
| Kunming Changshui International Airport | Napier Airport |
| Shenzhen Baoan International Airport | Nelson Airport |
| Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport | Hamilton Airport |
Detailed information on the top airports for exports from China to New Zealand. Key details include:
- Beijing Capital International Airport is one of China’s busiest airports, handling over 100 million passengers annually. It is a major hub for exports.
- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport has direct flights to Auckland that started in 2017. It exports many goods to New Zealand.
- Major freight airlines operating from Chinese airports include FedEx, UPS, Qatar Airways Cargo, China Airlines, and All Nippon Airways.
- Auckland Airport and Christchurch International Airport are the two largest international airports in New Zealand for imports.
Sea Freight From China to New Zealand
Ship by sea could be more cost-effective, especially for large volumes. You can choose between Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL), depending on your shipment size. A 40’ container might be used for FCL shipments, while LCL is ideal for smaller shipments that don’t require a full container.
Main Ports in China and New Zealand
Here is a markdown table for the requested information on Chinese seaports exporting to New Zealand and New Zealand’s main seaports:
| Top Chinese Seaports for Exports to New Zealand | Main New Zealand Seaports |
|---|---|
| Shanghai | Port of Tauranga |
| Shenzhen | Port of Auckland |
| Ningbo-Zhoushan | Port of Wellington |
| Guangzhou | Napier Port |
| Qingdao | Lyttleton Port |
| Tianjin |
Key details of the main ports:
- Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Ningbo-Zhoushan are among China’s busiest seaports, handling high volumes of container traffic.
- Tauranga is New Zealand’s largest port by volume, followed by Auckland and Wellington.
- Napier Port and Lyttleton Port also handle significant imports from China.
- Major seaports like Wellington Port connect with Chinese ports, and shipping lines such as OOCL and COSCO facilitate sea transportation. The time frame for sea freight is generally 2-3 weeks from port to port.
Express Shipping From China to New Zealand
If time is of the essence and you need door to door service, express shipping might be your best bet. This method is speedy like air freight but often comes with the added convenience of customs clearance and direct delivery to your location. Services often include real-time tracking for your peace of mind. With express shipping, freight forwarding handles the logistics from pickup in China to delivery in New Zealand, offering a straightforward and prompt solution for your importing needs.
Shipping Time and Shipping Cost From China to New Zealand
Shipping times may vary due to weather and customs conditions. Here is the approximate time:
Shipping Time from China to New Zealand
| Port to Port | Door to Door | |
| Express | 2-4 days | |
| Air Freight | 3-8 days | 6-12days |
| Sea Freight | 16-30 days | 20-30days |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 13-25 days | 22-26 days |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 16-28 days | 23-28 days |
How to Calculate Your Shipping Fees
The rates for shipping air freight or cargo in a container from China to New Zealand are dependent on several factors. Freight forwarder will usually take the following aspects into consideration before shipping your merchandise:
- Nature of goods
- The chosen mode of transfer
- Weight of cargo
- Dimensions of cargo
- Distance between origin and recipient
- Types of service
Sea Freight
| From Chinese Port | To New Zealand Port | 20′ Container | 40′ Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xingang | Wellington | about $500 | about $1,400 |
| Dalian | Wellington | about $500 | about $1,400 |
| Qingdao | Wellington | about $500 | about $1,400 |
| Tianjin | Wellington | about $500 | about $1,400 |
| Xingang | Nelson | about $760 | about$1,800 |
| Dalian | Nelson | – | about$1,800 |
| Qingdao | Nelson | about $760 | about$1,800 |
| Tianjin | Nelson | about $760 | about$1,800 |
Air Freight
| From Chinese Airport | To New Zealand Airport | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Xining Caojiapu | Paraparaumu | about $500 |
Key points:
- Sea freight FCL rates are quoted per 20′ and 40′ containers. LCL is cheaper for smaller volumes.
- Shipping is cheapest from Xingang and most expensive to Nelson.
- Air freight is faster but more expensive than sea.
- Rates depend on origin, destination, weight, dimensions, and more.
Please note that the rates shown are only estimates to provide an indication of pricing. Actual quotes will vary depending on the specific details of the shipment, such as the goods, weight, dimensions, delivery timeline, and other requirements. We work with each customer individually to develop customized shipping solutions tailored to their needs and budget. You can expect competitive pricing that aims to deliver great value. Please contact us to discuss your shipping needs – Luckystar looks forward to putting together an unexpected price for you.
Compliance and Documentation
Customs Clearance Process
To begin customs clearance in New Zealand, your goods must be declared to the New Zealand Customs Service. You’ll need to work closely, possibly through a Customs House Broker, to ensure all goods meet New Zealand’s import regulations. Here are the specific steps you might encounter:
- Preparation: Ensure all items comply with NZ standards, including safety and substance restrictions.
- Declaration: Submit an electronic import declaration, which your customs broker can assist with.
- Assessment: Customs officials will assess your goods against local laws and regulations.
- Duties and Taxes: You will be required to pay any applicable duties and taxes before release.
- Release: Once all regulations have been met and fees paid, your goods will be cleared.
Required Shipping Documents
Proper documentation is central to a smooth customs clearance process. Here’s a concise list of documents you typically must prepare:
- Commercial Invoice: Details the transaction between seller and buyer, crucial for tax and duty assessment.
- Packing List: Outlines specifics of the cargo, including weight and packaging details, for smooth handling.
- Certificate of Origin: This certifies the goods’ country of origin, a key document for determining duty rates.
- Bill of Lading: Issued by the carrier, contains information about the goods and terms of transport.
- Airway Bill: Required for air freight, similar function as the Bill of Lading for sea transport.
- Test or Inspection Certificate: If applicable, shows your goods have undergone necessary testing and meet NZ standards.
Prohibited Items of Shipping From China to New Zealand
Here is a list of prohibited items:
- Narcotics and illicit drugs
- Explosives
- Biohazards
- Chemicals
- Corrosives
- Counterfeits
- Ivory
- Lithium batteries (bulk)
- Flammables/combustibles
- Firearms and weapons
- Prescription medications
- Counterfeit currency
- Toxins/poisons
- Pornography
- Knives and tactical blades
- Tobacco products
- Gambling equipment
- Hazardous materials
- Other dangerous goods
Tax and Fees
All imports into New Zealand are subject to duties, taxes and fees based on the freight value calculated using CIF (cost, insurance, freight) terms.
- Tariffs: New Zealand tariff rates range from 0% to 15%, with an average of 5.11%. Some goods are exempt from tariffs such as books, laptops and electronics.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): VAT is charged at a standard rate of 15% on the CIF value plus any applicable tariffs or consumption taxes.
- Thresholds: Imports with a total tariff and VAT value of NZD 60 or less are exempt from VAT, tariffs and other import taxes.
- Fees: An entry transaction fee of NZD 29.26 is charged if the total VAT and tariff exceeds NZD 60. Products imported by post incur entry fees of NZD 17.63 (including VAT). Joint entry fees including VAT for all imports by post is NZD 46.89.
- Consumption Tax: A tax levied on certain products like gasoline, tobacco and alcohol.
- Tariff Thresholds: The low-value duty-free threshold for items with a CIF value under NZD 400.
Leveraging Free Trade Agreements
Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and China can be a significant advantage for your imports. Under the FTA, certain products may have reduced or eliminated duties.
Documentation Requirements
- A certificate of origin issued by the exporting country’s chamber of commerce is required to substantiate FTA eligibility.
- Goods must be accompanied by a signed invoice from the supplier stating the product’s origin.
- Shipping documents like the bill of lading must match the information on the certificate of origin.
Claiming FTA Benefits
- Provide the proper documentation to New Zealand customs to claim FTA tariff reductions during the import clearance process.
- Benefits may include paying no duties, or lower ‘preferential tariff’ rates on qualifying imports from China.
- Ensure tariff codes, quantities and values match the certificates to avoid penalties for improper FTA claims.
Why Choose Us? Luckystar Logistic
Established in 2022, Luckystar is an esteemed member of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and operates as a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC). The company’s mission is to deliver superior service quality at reduced costs, primarily serving China, the USA, Canada, and Europe. With core team members boasting over 20 years of experience in logistics, Luckystar brings considerable expertise to the table. Since its inception, the company has been dedicated to offering global door-to-door transport and logistics solutions, emphasizing dependability, adaptability, and responsiveness.
We’re not just any company; we are experts in transportation! Offering industry-leading solutions, we take pride in providing premium shipping services at a fraction of the cost of other freight forwarders, both in China and across the globe. Here’s why partnering with us is the smart move:
Accuracy You Can Count On:
Say goodbye to delivery delays and hello to timely delivery, which is vital for businesses needing to deliver goods swiftly to their customers.
Your Passport to Global Reach:
Our wide network of delivery destinations virtually covers the entire globe, offering extraordinary opportunities for businesses aiming to expand their reach. You can be assured that your package will find its way to almost any corner of the world, taking your business global!
Track with Ease:
Say goodbye to guesswork. Our stringent procedures afford you a live tracking mechanism, making it easy for you to follow your shipment’s progress at every stage of its journey. Stay informed and enjoy peace of mind, knowing exactly where your shipment is anytime you need to know.
Personalized Service, Every Step of the Way:
One of our dedicated team members will personally oversee your shipment from start to finish. This, coupled with our commitment to transparency and constant communication, ensures you are kept updated on the progress of your cargo every step of the way.
When shipping hazardous materials, it’s crucial to work with experienced service providers to ensure that your shipment is handled safely and efficiently. By partnering with us, you can have peace of mind knowing that your shipment is in good hands.
Are you looking for an experienced freight forwarder to assist you in shipping? Contact us. We’re always ready to help. Offering the unbeatable cheapest shipping rates for international shipping, our services are more affordable than you’d believe. Don’t hesitate! Get in touch with us today.