How to Import Custom Clothing to New Zealand: Duty and GST

How to import custom clothing to New Zealand: get a customs client code, classify each style, and budget 15% GST plus any duty, which can reach around 10% on many clothing lines unless an FTA applies. Ocean freight from China usually takes 15–25 days, and garments need compliant care labels.

New Zealand is a small but active clothing market with many independent brands, outdoor and activewear labels, and online stores. Most garments are imported, especially from China and other Asian countries, so the process is well established. The main things that catch first-time importers are customs set-up, GST on landed value, care labelling and New Zealand's strict biosecurity rules. This guide follows the order you will meet each step, from before you place a purchase order to after the goods are on sale. It is general guidance, not customs advice; confirm details with a licensed customs broker and New Zealand Customs Service.

What does it mean to import custom clothing to New Zealand?

To import custom clothing to New Zealand is to bring garments made to your own design overseas into New Zealand as the importer, lodging a customs entry with New Zealand Customs Service, paying 15% GST and any duty, which can reach around 10% on many clothing lines unless a free trade agreement applies, and meeting care labelling and biosecurity rules. With complete documents, clearance usually takes about 1–3 days.

Phase 1: Before you order

Set up as an importer

Most commercial importers use a customs client code so entries can be lodged in their name. A licensed customs broker can arrange this and lodge entries for you. Register for GST if your turnover requires it, so you can claim back import GST.

Classify each garment

New Zealand uses the Harmonized System. The first six digits match other countries, but the full NZ code and rates are local. Classification depends on whether the garment is knitted or woven, the fibre content and the garment type. Ask your broker to confirm codes before you price.

Check free trade agreements

New Zealand has free trade agreements with many countries, including China, ASEAN countries and others. Under the NZ–China FTA, many clothing lines can enter with reduced or zero duty if the goods meet rules of origin and you have the right origin documents. Ask your factory if it can provide them.

Plan labels

New Zealand's care labelling regulations require permanent care instructions on most clothing. Fibre content and country of origin claims must be accurate under fair trading law. Prepare label artwork before bulk production so the factory can sew labels in. Our care label and fiber content compliance guide covers common label content.

Phase 2: During production

Choose incoterms and freight

Decide on FOB, CIF or DDP. Ocean freight from China to Auckland usually takes about 15–25 days port to port, while air freight takes about 3–7 days. Our air vs ocean freight guide explains how to choose.

Prepare biosecurity-safe packing

New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) enforces strict biosecurity. Ask your factory to use ISPM-15 treated and marked wooden pallets or plastic pallets, keep cartons clean and avoid soil or plant material. Contaminated containers may be held for inspection or treatment at your cost.

Check documents

Ask the factory or forwarder for a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill and any certificate of origin for FTA duty. Our apparel export carton packing mark guide explains carton labels.

Phase 3: At arrival

Customs entry and payment

Your broker lodges the import entry and calculates duty and GST. GST is generally charged on the customs value plus duty, freight and insurance. Fees such as an import entry transaction fee and a biosecurity levy may also apply. Once paid and cleared, goods are released.

Biosecurity checks

MPI may inspect containers or cartons. Clean packing and correct pallet treatment usually mean quick release.

Planning imported tees and hoodies? Send your tech pack or reference photos, target fabric weight and quantities through our quote request form, and see what we produce on the apparel importer programs page.

Phase 4: After the goods are on sale

Keep records of imports, invoices and origin documents for audit. Claim back GST on your GST return if registered. Review your landed cost after each shipment so your next price list reflects real costs.

DDP forwarder vs own customs broker: which option fits?

Most New Zealand importers choose between a DDP forwarder and importing in their own name with a broker. The table compares them.

The trade-offs are simplicity against control and cost. Start with DDP for first orders if you want simplicity, then move to your own broker as volume grows.

How do you calculate landed cost?

Add the factory price, freight and insurance, duty at the correct rate (or zero with FTA origin), GST on the total, broker and port fees, and inland delivery. Divide by units. Compare China and other origins and both freight modes. Our apparel manufacturing cost and pricing hub links tools for building a cost model.

How should you plan for seasons?

New Zealand's seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. Many Asian factories plan capacity around Northern Hemisphere seasons, so book production early for winter ranges arriving in March to May.

How does an example first import timeline look?

A typical first import to New Zealand runs like this: about 1–2 weeks to set up a client code, broker and GST; about 30–50 days of production after sample approval; about 15–25 days of ocean transit, or 3–7 days by air; and about 1–3 days for clearance with complete documents. Label artwork and FTA origin paperwork should be agreed before bulk starts, because they are hard to fix after goods ship. Add one to two weeks of buffer for port congestion, transhipment and holidays such as Chinese New Year, which closes many factories for several weeks.

How should you plan sizes for New Zealand customers?

Many factories use Asian or US size charts by default. Check that your size chart matches your customers before bulk, and test samples on local fit models. Our guide on how to create a size chart for a clothing brand explains how to grade and label sizes clearly.

Common mistakes when importing clothing to New Zealand

• Using untreated wooden pallets.
• Missing FTA origin documents and paying duty unnecessarily.
• Forgetting permanent care labels.
• Pricing without GST on the full landed value.
• Ordering winter stock too late.

How to import custom clothing to New Zealand: typical specs and key numbers

These are typical industry estimate ranges, not quotes; confirm actual figures with your supplier for your fabric, quantity and destination.

Key takeaways

• Set up a customs client code and broker before ordering.
• Budget 15% GST and any duty, and claim FTA origin where possible.
• Sew in compliant care labels.
• Pack to MPI biosecurity rules.
• Model landed cost after each shipment.

Plan your New Zealand imports with Weavnora

Weavnora helps brands plan production and imports. Browse more guides in the apparel manufacturing cost and pricing hub, or contact us with your products and volumes to discuss options.

Have a tech pack ready? Upload it through our quote request form for a costed reply on imported tees and hoodies. Our apparel importer programs page shows what we make.