Can I send clothes to New Zealand?
Allowed
Yes.
Clean clothing is fine. Clean all soil off shoes and declare hiking boots and spiked sports shoes. Clothing and footwear carry 10% duty above NZ$1,000 (baby clothing 0%).
More rules for New Zealand
Not allowed
- Luxury goods made in Russia, such as vodka, seafood, truffles, and precious stones, and other Russian-made goods worth more than NZ$1,000, including clothing, footwear, and personal electronics
Allowed with conditions
- Used outdoor gear, shoes, tents, bikes, and garden tools
- Clean them thoroughly and declare them. NZCS 218 asks about hiking boots, spiked sports shoes, soiled footwear, camping and water sports gear, bicycles, and anything used around animals or in rural areas. They may be inspected or treated, and MPI can charge for this.
Before you ship to New Zealand
- Tax-free limit
- NZ$1,000 (about US$570) per shipment. Customs collects no duty or GST on a shipment worth NZ$1,000 or less, except on alcohol and tobacco, which are taxed at any value. Several orders from the same supplier that arrive on the same day count as one shipment. Since April 1, 2026, gifts have no separate concession: a gift worth NZ$1,000 or less comes in free, and one worth more pays duty and GST like any other goods. On low-value shipments the courier pays a small goods levy (NZ$2.21 plus GST by air, about US$1.50) and may pass it on.
- Receiver ID
- No tax number is needed for a personal shipment. At NZ$1,000 or more, including gifts, the receiver needs a Customs Number, applied for on form NZCS 224A with a copy of photo ID. Apply before the boxes arrive.
- Transit
- 2-4 business days from Australia; 4-7 from Asia, North America, or Europe
Questions
Can I send clothes to New Zealand?
Yes. Clean clothing is fine. Clean all soil off shoes and declare hiking boots and spiked sports shoes. Clothing and footwear carry 10% duty above NZ$1,000 (baby clothing 0%).
Ask about a specific item
Official sources
- 1.
New Zealand Customs Service
TSW Fact Sheet: Importing goods for personal use (opens in a new tab) - 2.
New Zealand Customs Service
NZCS 218: Bring personal household items into New Zealand (opens in a new tab) - 3.
Medsafe (New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority)
Importing Medicines (opens in a new tab) - 4.
New Zealand Customs Service
Receive items from overseas (opens in a new tab) - 5.
New Zealand Customs Service
Send items overseas (opens in a new tab)
General guidance, not legal advice. Customs in New Zealand makes the final decision on every box.