Exporting goods to China

Latest News

Lobster exports to China - Tariff classification issues

New Zealand is aware of an issue raised by certain ports of entry to China which are requiring Chinese importers to classify consignments of live New Zealand Lobster under Tariff Item 0306.2290 instead of 0306.2190, with Customs officials at these ports citing that there had been a change in tariff classification with effect from 1 January 2012. More

Significant Step Up in Duty Free Access to China in 2012

A further scheduled phase-down of tariffs on New Zealand’s exports to China under the NZ-China Free Trade Agreement took place on 1 January 2012. These phase-downs mark a significant transition point with duty free access extending to 91% of the tariff lines covering bilateral good trades (up from 24% in 2011). More

Special Agricultural Safeguards – Provisional Trigger Volumes for 2012 Released

Under Article 13 of the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement, some New Zealand dairy products are subject to Special Agricultural Safeguards (SSG) which provide for a certain volume of material in each of four categories to be exported annually under preferential tariff rates. More

New developments in Customs procedures under the FTA

New Zealand Customs Meeting in January 2010

In January, the New Zealand Customs Service met with a delegation from China Customs to discuss implementation issues under the New Zealand-China Free-Trade Agreement (FTA). The discussion included new guidelines for transhipped goods to China.

China Customs Decree 181

General Administration of Customs Guidelines relating to Article 25 of the China / New Zealand FTA (viz : Transhipments)

Certificate of Origin Changes

The New Zealand and China Customs administrations have signed an exchange of letters that rectifies a number of issues with the certificate of origin format under the Free Trade Agreement. These changes, which came into effect on 1 July 2009, should assist the entry of New Zealand goods into China. More (PDF 10KB)

China Customs Decree 175

China Customs Decree 175: Measures on the Administration of Goods Imported under the China-NZ FTA (Link to China Customs website)

Export Documentation

In order for New Zealand companies to access the preferential tariffs the FTA offers, exporters must obtain a New Zealand Certificate of Origin demonstrating that their goods qualify under the rules of origin set out in the agreement.

Information About Rules of Origin - Imports

Fact Sheet - NZ Customs (PDF 515KB)

Exports to China: Certification and Trade Facilitation

Fact Sheet - NZ Customs (PDF 834KB)

Missed out on a preferential tariff? You can apply for a refund

(PDF 70KB)

Refunds on declined certificates of origin under the New Zealand-China FTA

Reminder (24th September 2009)

Designated Issuers of Certificates of Origin for Exporting to China

(PDF 71KB)

New Zealand Customs has designated three entities to issue FTA Certificates of Origin:

Independent Verification Services Ltd;
New Zealand Chambers of Commerce Inc;
Wine Institute of New Zealand Inc (for wine exports only)

Contact details for these agencies are as follows:

Independent Verification Services	New Zealand Chambers of Commerce	Wine Institute of New Zealand
Ph: 0800 021 169 Fax: 07 857 0882 certifynz@ivsltd.co.nz www.ivslimited.co.nz	Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago Chambers are issuing certificates on behalf of NZCC. For further information go to: www.chamberdocs.co.nz	Contact: Sue Church – Manager Wine Export Certification System, Ph: 09 306 5552 sue@nzwine.com

Website: New Zealand Customs

ATA Carnets

An ATA Carnet is a Customs document that facilitates the temporary export of goods overseas and is valid for up to one year. Carnets are issued and guaranteed by national organisations around the world. The terms and conditions of the ATA Carnet System are enforced through written agreements between guaranteeing associations of the ATA Carnet chain and the World Chambers Federation in Paris. The Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce is the sole guaranteeing and issuing association for New Zealand. This site contains full information on Carnet forms and instructions, detail on where carnets are accepted (China is a signatory to the ATA convention) and details on fees, bonds, penalties and claims.

Website: Wellington Chamber of Commerce

New Zealand Customs Fact Sheet (October 2008) - Exports to China: Certification and Trade Facilitation

Comprehensive information from New Zealand Customs on the processes for certifying the origin of New Zealand exports to China, to obtain preferential entry to the Chinese market under the provisions of the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement. Contact details for the three designated certification bodies are included. [PDF 834KB]

Electric and non-electric goods certification and accreditation

This site, administered by the Chinese Certification and Accreditation Administration provides downloadable details and regulations for both electric and non-electric products.

Website: Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People's Republic of China

Clearance requirements for exports

The requirements and procedure for obtaining a customs clearance for goods being exported from New Zealand. [PDF 317KB]

Website: New Zealand Customs

Export restrictions and prohibitions

The export prohibitions and restrictions on goods being exported from New Zealand. [PDF 643KB]

Website: New Zealand Customs