Destination guides

Package Forwarding from Japan to New Zealand

Plan forwarding from Japan to New Zealand: compare shipping, format a Rural Delivery address, understand 15% GST and NZ$1,000 clearance, and check biosecurity.

Updated:2026-07-22

Direct answer: Eligible Japanese goods can be forwarded to New Zealand. New Zealand Customs states that GST is currently 15%. For online goods at NZ$1,000 or less, a qualifying overseas supplier may handle GST and Customs generally does not collect it at the border, with exceptions such as alcohol, tobacco or a larger consignment. Goods over NZ$1,000 generally require a Customs Number and border assessment.

Start here

New Zealand places strong emphasis on biosecurity. Check food, plant and animal products, timber and used outdoor gear before purchase. For a Rural Delivery address, include the complete RD information.

Compare chargeable weight and final address

Use ordinary goods at 2kg and 30×25×20cm to compare current routes, then confirm with final warehouse data. North or South Island, offshore islands and Rural Delivery can affect last-mile time or conditions.

Compare tracking, compensation, chargeable weight, maximum size and remote delivery.
Books are dense, while model and shoe boxes may be billed volumetrically.
Consolidate only when every item shares the same import and transport conditions.

New Zealand address and total lead time

Include the recipient, Unit or street number and Street, Suburb, City, four-digit postcode, NEW ZEALAND and phone. A rural address should include its Rural Delivery number rather than only the nearest town.

End-to-end time includes seller dispatch, receiving, consolidation, payment, export, clearance and local delivery.
Remote delivery, biosecurity inspection or document requests can add time.
The recipient should respond promptly to tax or Customs Number requests.

15% GST and the NZ$1,000 rule

New Zealand Customs states that GST is 15%. For online goods at or below NZ$1,000, an overseas seller may collect GST at sale and Customs generally will not collect it again at the border. Above NZ$1,000, Customs assesses GST and duty and generally requires a Customs Number.

Keep the seller or platform GST breakdown, order and payment record.
Declare specific item, quantity, value, freight and insurance, and origin.
Alcohol, tobacco, a larger combined consignment or commercial use can be treated differently.

Food, timber and used outdoor gear

Meat, egg, dairy, honey, seeds, plants, untreated timber, soil or animal-derived content may be restricted. Soil or plant residue on used hiking boots, camping or sports equipment can also trigger biosecurity action.

Review complete ingredients, materials and processing before purchase.
Clean used outdoor goods thoroughly and retain the product description.
International carriage and New Zealand biosecurity admissibility are separate decisions.

Important: New Zealand GST collection, customs thresholds and biosecurity rules can change. A value below NZ$1,000 does not mean every item is tax-free or admissible.

Frequently asked questions

Can I ignore GST below NZ$1,000?

No. A qualifying overseas seller may collect 15% GST at sale. Keep the tax record and note the exceptions to border non-collection.

What happens above NZ$1,000?

You generally need a New Zealand Customs Number and must follow Customs or carrier instructions for documents and applicable GST, duty and fees.

Can I forward Japanese honey or snacks?

It depends on ingredients, processing and current biosecurity conditions. Honey, meat, egg, dairy, seed or plant content needs particular care.

How do I enter a Rural Delivery address?

Use the full RD number, road address, nearest town, four-digit postcode and phone in the local format—not the town alone.

Before buying or shipping

Recipient, unit or street, suburb, city, four-digit postcode, phone and RD information
Transaction value, freight and insurance, origin, item, quantity and proof of purchase
Food, honey, seed, timber, soil, plant or animal material
Whether value exceeds NZ$1,000 and GST was collected at sale

Check current options

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Official references

Routes, prices, transit times, taxes and import rules can change. This page is for pre-purchase planning and is not customs or legal advice or a final quote. Check the JChere order screen, carrier and destination authority for current requirements.