Car Removals to New Zealand: Customs, MPI and Road Checks
Car shipping to New Zealand means a Customs concession, a bill of sale, a biosecurity inspection and road certification before the car can be used.
A few short questions. Nothing is sent until you check and confirm.
Can you bring your car to New Zealand without paying duty?
Sometimes, under a Customs concession known as Reference 80. The Customs Service says “you must satisfy Customs that you and your vehicle/vessel/aircraft (V/V/A) are able to meet all the terms of the Working Tariff Part II Concession Reference 80”. For motor vehicles that includes a document authorising residence, more than 21 months living outside New Zealand and personal ownership and use of the vehicle overseas for at least 1 year.
Several cases are outside it. The page lists a vehicle brought in as a gift, to exchange or sell, for commercial use, owned by a company, or hired or leased. It adds “Student visa holders do not qualify for Reference 80b, 80c, and 80d concessions and will be required to pay Customs duty and/or GST.”
You sign an undertaking on form NZCS 80c. If you sell the car within two years, “You are required to immediately pay to Customs the amount of duty and /or GST applicable at the time of importation or any lesser sum calculated by Customs.”
How does Customs value a used car?
From what you paid, less depreciation: “Customs value will be based on your purchase price (receipt/bill of sale) of the V/V/A less depreciation.” For motor vehicles the page gives a 75% deduction, leaving a residual 25%, and sets a minimum Customs value of NZ$100.
Proof matters. “The rate of depreciation cannot be applied if you have not provided evidence of purchase.” A gifted or inherited car needs a New Zealand valuation at your cost, and “If a current New Zealand valuation is provided, depreciation cannot be applied.”
Keep the bill of sale and any receipts for work done on the car. Customs asks for evidence of the value of modifications that change the price significantly.
What do biosecurity, road certification and the odometer rule add?
Three checks sit beside Customs. First, biosecurity: “All used V/V/A are subject to a quarantine inspection on arrival by a MPI inspector.” If soil or plant material is found, fumigation follows and “You are responsible for any charges for inspection and fumigation treatment of your V/V/A.”
Second, the road: “NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi must certify your motor vehicle for use on New Zealand roads.” Ask before you ship, because if duty and GST are paid and the car then cannot be certified, “a GST refund will not be approved even if you export the vehicle”.
Third, the odometer. The Customs Import Prohibition (Motor Vehicles) Order 2021 bans any car whose odometer does not correctly record the distance driven, and “All motor vehicles must have a connected and working odometer.”
When should the car ship, and what should stay out of it?
A car can travel ahead of you. If it arrives first, Customs wants proof that you return within six months, and it names a booking confirmation as an example. Never use the boot as a packing crate: “Do not pack personal or household effects in your vehicle prior to shipping, as this will complicate the clearance process.”
A broker, freight forwarder or removal firm can file the clearance, and Customs says to check that the shipping company has not already done so for you. Household goods have a separate test in the customs guide, the UK to New Zealand guide covers entry, and our general car shipping guide compares the usual options.
What could we not confirm?
The Ministry for Primary Industries and NZ Transport Agency pages did not load for us, so we give no inspection charge, no certification test and no register of approved importers. Customs page content is dated 26 February 2025 on the page itself. See the New Zealand hub for the other guides.
Questions about shipping a car to New Zealand
Can I bring my car to New Zealand duty free?
Under Customs Reference 80 it can be, if you hold a residence document, have lived abroad over 21 months and owned and used the car overseas for at least a year.
How does Customs value my car?
From the purchase price on your bill of sale, less depreciation.
Without proof of purchase, a New Zealand valuation is needed at your cost.
Do I need to check road certification first?
Yes.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi must certify the car, and a GST refund is not given if it cannot be certified.
Tell us about the car
Give the make, model, year, the odometer reading, when you bought it and when you plan to move.
About International Removals Companies
International Removals Companies is an enquiry and introduction service run by DATACONTEXT (UK) LTD, in partnership with AGM Group. We don't move goods ourselves: the removal company quotes for your move and carries it out, so check its credentials and terms before you book. Our service is free. Discuss the quotation and booking terms directly with the removal company.
- Email[email protected]
- In partnership withAGM Group (agm.group)