How to Import a Car to New Zealand and the Import Costs (2024)

FAQs

How much does it cost to import a car to New Zealand? ›

Importing a Car from the USA to New Zealand? Car imports from the USA to New Zealand start at a cost of $2,395 USD with an estimated turnaround time of 30 days, depending on make and model of the vehicle, the nearest departure port in the United States, and your final destination in New Zealand.

Import Tax on Cars in India

Presently, India imposes a 100% customs tax on imported cars with Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) value exceeding USD 40,000. For vehicles with CIF below USD 40,000, you will be charged 60% import duty. Import tax on cars in India for used vehicles is 125%.

Although we aim to pre-clear your car with Customs prior to arrival, we must wait for the quarantine inspection to determine if any cleaning is required. In New Zealand allow 3-5 business days from arrival for clearance at Port and delivery to your chosen compliance centre.

In theory, this is quite simple: the US levies an import tariff on all imported vehicles, based on their value at the time of purchase. This is charged at 0-2.4% for motorcycles, 2.5% for cars, and 25% for trucks and lorries.

The countries with the highest import tariffs for Cars are Maldives (111%), India (106%), and Iran (90%). The countries with the lowest tariffs are Mauritius (0%), Hong Kong (0%), Japan (0%), Singapore (0%), and Switzerland (0%).

Finally, certain models are sometimes available in the U.S. but are actually cheaper to import. Importing cars to the U.S. can be expensive, but with the help of a knowledgeable customs broker you can get your model into the U.S. without any problems.

Why are imports taxed heavily? Tax on imports in India are high because of India's policy of encouraging local/homegrown industries. This is called import substitution industrialisation (ISI), a trade policy that is all about substituting imports with domestic manufacturing and production.

Are imported cars more expensive to insure? ›

Insurance is normally more expensive for imported cars because insurers see them as 'higher-risk'. This is because they usually cost more to repair, and are often higher-spec, and with more powerful engines, than standard cars.

If you're bringing items to NZ from overseas that cost NZ$1000 or less you don't have to pay anything to Customs, as GST is collected when you purchase your items. There's nothing else that you must do for your items to arrive. However, we do charge Duty and GST for alcohol and tobacco products regardless of value.

Vehicle shipping costs to New Zealand from the U.S. generally run between $3,500 and $7,000. An important consideration when shipping a car to New Zealand is that many left-hand drive cars will need to be converted, though some may qualify for an exemption.

All imports must be cleared by Customs

All commercially imported goods must be cleared through New Zealand Customs Service, so importers need to register with Customs and submit an import entry or electronic cargo information (ECI).

Cars shipping from USA

If the car was manufactured prior to 1989 there are no rules, you can bring it in. Manufactured from 1990 – 2004 you will need a "Special Interest Car Permit" as well as a "Category A Left Hand Drive Permit". Both of these forms can be downloaded from the NZTA website.

Cost for a compliance inspection will set you back between $400 and $500, and the registration and plates can cost anything up to $400 extra, depending on the car's ACC levy band.

Import duty is 10 % on cars imported from Japan. Add the FOB cost and the shipping cost together.

Yes, since Japanese cars depreciate very fast due to a combination of taxes and other fees, you can buy one for an affordable price. Added to this, Japanese cars are known for their quality and reliability. So, if you make an informed buying decision, it is certainly worth importing a Japanese car.

Which country has the lowest import tax? ›

A motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old can be lawfully imported into the U.S. without regard to whether it complies with all applicable FMVSS. Such a vehicle would be entered under Box 1 on the HS-7 Declaration form to be given to Customs at the time of importation.

Japan has some of the most competitive new vehicle costs in Asia and the rest of the globe. This is due to Japan's vast economy, which allows for "scale economies," as well as the fact that automobiles made locally do not need to be shipped as far for sale.

Less expensive new vehicles – New vehicle prices in Japan are some of the most competitive in Asia, and the rest of the world. This is because of Japan's large economy allowing for “economies of scale” as well as the fact that cars manufactured locally do not have to be transported so far for sale.

There is a risk that the parcel will be abandoned or returned to the sender. These actions may not be free of charge and as each country has different rules we cannot give any specifics.

Mailing and Shipping Goods - Customs Duty Guidance

Up to $1,600 in goods will be duty-free under your personal exemption if the merchandise is from an IP. Up to $800 in goods will be duty-free if it is from a CBI or Andean country. Any additional amount, up to $1,000, in goods will be dutiable at a flat rate (3%).

Tell the seller explicitly that the item is for personal use. Import duties typically apply to items imported for commercial use (business or resale)—not personal or retail sales. If you're importing something for your own personal use or as a gift for someone else, you don't have to pay them.

Imported cars are vehicles that have been brought over here from another country and can make great purchases.

Reliability. Even though the reputation of American cars has improved over the years, foreign car manufacturers are almost always top-rated when it comes to performance and reliability.

What is a parallel import car? ›

What are parallel imports? Parallel imports are cars that are built and bought within the EU and brought over to the UK. This means they will conform to the same EU regulations and standards that apply to cars sold in the UK.

Currently, India levies 100% tax on imported cars priced above $40,000 (about 30 lakh) and 60% on cars priced less than that. Moreover, luxury vehicles attract a goods and services tax (GST) of up to 50%, and another 15% in registration tax.

The vehicle can be imported either directly from the manufacturer or through an agent. You need to arrange the required documents and follow up on the process by yourself. On the other hand, an agent will help you get the car imported to India and help you till you get the car registered in the country.

The grey market makes reference to products acquired for re-sale through unauthorised channels or ones intended by the manufacturer. Parallel imports however are goods that are imported through non-official channels from low to high price countries – a completely legal transaction.

Japanese import cars are classified as 'grey imports', meaning that they are imported from a country outside the EU. This means they may not conform with UK or EU standards. For insurance companies, grey import cars are seen as riskier to insure because they represent an unknown quantity.

There's not much difference between left-hand drive car insurance and right-hand drive car insurance. It's easy to find cover for left hand drive cars and it won't affect your premium, unless you've made other changes to the car.

GST of 15% applies to all imported items, including anything you bought online or using a mail order catalogue. Overseas suppliers may charge GST on items sent to New Zealand consumers that are valued at NZ$1000 or less. We calculate GST based on the total of: how much you paid for the item, plus.

If you're bringing items to NZ from overseas that cost NZ$1000 or less you don't have to pay anything to Customs, as GST is collected when you purchase your items. There's nothing else that you must do for your items to arrive. However, we do charge Duty and GST for alcohol and tobacco products regardless of value.

Calculating Import Duties

Duties are calculated based on several factors, including: The value of the goods – The goods' value are based on their respective market value, even if not sold. Free trade agreements – Such agreements between the countries may decrease import duties.

How much does it cost to import a car to New Zealand? ›

Importing a Car from the USA to New Zealand? Car imports from the USA to New Zealand start at a cost of $2,395 USD with an estimated turnaround time of 30 days, depending on make and model of the vehicle, the nearest departure port in the United States, and your final destination in New Zealand.

It's Cheaper Than You Think! Vehicles in NZ almost always cost more than the same vehicle would in Australia, so don't waste time with tire-kickers and lose money selling your vehicle before you move. You could actually be saving money by bringing it with you!

The trader package $1900 NZD plus any GST applied if the vehicle is shipped to any of the main ports and delivered within the metropolitan area. If delivery is out of the metropolitan areas, there will be extra transport charges applicable.

Typically, the procedure for import and export activities involves ensuring licensing and compliance before the shipping of goods, arranging for transport and warehousing after the unloading of goods, and getting customs clearance as well as paying taxes before the release of goods.

To get a statement of compliance you need to: Contact an authorised representative of the vehicle's manufacturer. The representative must be either a New Zealand or an overseas representative who is authorised by the manufacturer to issue statements of compliance.

Importing a car from Japan to New Zealand

Our sailings from Japan take between 13 and 23 days depending on whether your vehicle is container shipped or RORO. We are able to ship between most major ports in Japan and all ports in NZ.

How much does it cost to ship a car from UK to NZ? The cost to ship a vehicle to New Zealand from the UK (for example), costs as little as $3625.00 including GST for a standard sedan.

The cost of car shipping Australia to NZ for a standard vehicle is between $2100 and $3000 AUD. This price is typically for vehicles under 18cbm in size and may include the following services: Pick-up within 50km from the loading port (or custom quote available otherwise) Pre-export inspection, documentation, and fees.

Step 1: Request several shipping quotes

We found three companies online and requested quotes to ship a vehicle from Fremantle (Perth, Western Australia) to Lyttelton (Christchurch, NZ). Prices varied from roughly $2,800 to $4,000 for Roll On, Roll Off (RORO) (see below). to $5,500-$6,500 for a 20ft shipping container.

Yes. Most left-hand drive vehicles have to be converted to right-hand drive (RHD) before they can be driven on New Zealand roads. For modern vehicles, this is either very expensive or impractical – especially if the vehicle has a modern frontal impact protection system (eg airbags and crumple zones).

What is clean car tax NZ? ›

About the Clean Car Discount

What is the Clean Car Discount? The Clean Car Discount encourages the purchase of zero and low emission light vehicles by reducing the cost of eligible new and used vehicles coming into New Zealand and putting a fee on high emission vehicles from 1 April 2022.

The trader package $1900 NZD plus any GST applied if the vehicle is shipped to any of the main ports and delivered within the metropolitan area. If delivery is out of the metropolitan areas, there will be extra transport charges applicable.

It's Cheaper Than You Think! Vehicles in NZ almost always cost more than the same vehicle would in Australia, so don't waste time with tire-kickers and lose money selling your vehicle before you move. You could actually be saving money by bringing it with you!

There are no restrictions on importing classic cars into NZ, anyone can import a vehicle for off-road use or in a car collection. However, it pays to ensure your car meets the NZ compliance standards; even when shipping car to nz from Australia.

Australia to New Zealand – 10 days Approx. New Zealand to Australia – 30 days Approx. Europe to New Zealand – 50 days Approx. USA to New Zealand – 45 days Approx.

If you hold a current Australian driver's licence then you can drive in New Zealand for up to one year without needing to do anything else. You must carry your licence with you at all times while driving. If you are planning to stay in New Zealand for over one year you will need to apply for a New Zealand licence.

Travelling between the North and South Islands of New Zealand means crossing the Cook Strait. The only way to do this with a vehicle is by taking a ferry with either the Interislander or Bluebridge which both arrive and depart from Picton and Wellington.

Of course, if you need the service for a rare or a highly desirable model, the cost can be higher. You can expect right-hand drive conversions to cost around $1,600 to $2,150.

Is New Zealand left or right hand drive? ›

Driving in New Zealand

For example: we drive on the left-hand side of the road. it's easy to underestimate travelling times. our roads are narrower, more winding and sometimes steeper than you might expect.

Share with your friends! One of the most important thing for visitors to New Zealand to remember is that we drive on the left side of the road. And of course that means if you are hiring a vehicle to drive here, the steering wheel will be on the right hand side of the car, not the left, which you may be used to.