Export destination — NEW ZEALAND
Last updated: August 2026
Ship vehicles from China to New Zealand with FTA duty-free entry, Waka Kotahi entry certification, and EV road-user guidance.
New Zealand is a compact RHD market where Chinese marques — BYD, MG, GWM, and LDV — now account for a major share of new-car sales, with demand strongest for EVs. Passenger vehicles imported from China attract 0% customs duty under New Zealand's free trade agreements, with 15% GST on the duty-paid value. Imports must pass border entry certification through NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) systems and meet the Road Vehicle Standards, with the Clean Car Standard/Import Standard affecting emissions outcomes and road-user charges applying to EVs since 2024. Whether you are an Auckland dealer, a Christchurch fleet owner, or a private buyer, Cargration handles sourcing, compliance verification, shipping, and entry certification so your vehicles reach the South Pacific market registered and driving.
Who can import
Three legal routes to import vehicles into New Zealand
New Zealand is a compact RHD market where Chinese marques — BYD, MG, GWM, and LDV — now account for a major share of new-car sales, with demand strongest for EVs. Passenger vehicles imported from China attract 0% customs duty under New Zealand's free trade agreements, with 15% GST on the duty-paid value
- 0% customs duty on Chinese-origin passenger vehicles (NZ FTA)
- 15% GST on the value of the vehicle plus freight and duty
- Border entry certification via Waka Kotahi systems
- Design/type approval documentation matching NZ standards
- Biosecurity clearance at the port of entry
- Emissions: Import Standard aligned to the Clean Car Standard
- GBotH/entry certification managed by an accredited entry certifier
- RHD units required for most registration pathways
Duty Calculator
Estimate your import duties for New Zealand
New Zealand customs duty on passenger vehicles imported from China is 0% under New Zealand's free trade agreements, leaving only 15% GST on the landed value as the effective import cost. Used and LHD vehicles carry additional requirements: emissions-based Import Standard fees, RHD/age restrictions, and Waka Kotahi entry certification. EVs pay Road User Charges from April 2024 regardless of import duty status.
Estimated Tax Breakdown
Fill in the form and click Calculate to see estimated duties.
Shipping routes — NEW ZEALAND
Routes from China to New Zealand
Sea — Shanghai/Shenzhen → Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau)
Port of Auckland handles the majority of New Zealand's Chinese vehicle imports, with direct services and transshipment via Taicang/Shanghai to Auckland's Wiri and Jellicoe terminals. Weekly sailings keep restock times to a fortnight-plus.
- Transit time: 15–22 days (Shanghai → Auckland)
- Vessel frequency: Weekly from Shanghai, Shenzhen
- Shipping modes: RoRo or 40ft container
- Entry port: Port of Auckland
- RoRo cost: ~$1,200–1,600 per vehicle
- Container cost: ~$2,900–4,200 per 40GP
Sea — Shanghai → Tauranga / Lyttelton
Tauranga's Mount Maunganui terminals serve the Bay of Plenty and Waikato dealers, while Lyttelton is the gateway for the South Island's Christchurch market. Both reduce inland trucking for south and central NZ deliveries.
- Transit time: 17–24 days (Shanghai → Tauranga)
- Vessel frequency: Weekly from Shanghai, Ningbo
- Shipping modes: RoRo or container
- Entry ports: Tauranga, Lyttelton (South Island)
- RoRo cost: from ~$1,300 per vehicle
- Onward trucking across the South Island arranged
Popular models — NEW ZEALAND
Top Chinese models exported to New Zealand
Based on real export data and market demand in New Zealand.
BYD Atto 3
NZD 49,990–55,990Compact EV SUV — New Zealand's best-selling Chinese EV, blending the Blade LFP battery (~420 km) with a comfortable RHD fit-out and ripping pricing. It covers the core Auckland-to-Wellington commuting market.
MG 4
NZD 39,990–46,990Compact EV hatchback — rear-drive, ~435 km WLTP, and NZ's best value EV of recent years. SAIC factory RHD build makes entry certification straightforward, and dealer support runs from Auckland to Dunedin.
GWM Haval H6
NZD 38,990–48,990Medium SUV — petrol and hybrid variants that suit NZ family buyers and rural owners. Strong build quality and a 7-year warranty have made Haval a trusted alternative to Japanese mediums in the southern North Island.
Zeekr X
NZD 69,900–79,900Premium compact EV SUV — Zeekr's NZ launch model offers a 400kW dual-motor Performance and fast charging that rival German premium EVs for a far lower price, positioned against the Model Y in Auckland's affluent suburbs.
Documentation — NEW ZEALAND
Complete documentation checklist
Export Documents (Prepared by Cargration)
- Commercial invoice with full vehicle specifications
- Certificate of Origin (CO) — certified by CCPIT
- Packing list with dimensions, weight, and container details
- Bill of Lading (B/L)
- Vehicle inspection report with photos and video
- Original title or registration document from China
Import Documents (Arranged by Buyer)
- NZ entry certification application with Waka Kotahi
- Type/design approval documentation matching the unit
- Customs entry and GST declaration
- Biosecurity import health standard clearance
- Accredited entry certifier report (GBotH equivalent)
- Emissions/Import Standard declaration if used
- Registration and licensing at Waka Kotahi after entry
Why Cargration — NEW ZEALAND
Built for the China–New Zealand trade corridor
FTA Duty-Free Entry
Chinese-origin passenger vehicles import at 0% duty under New Zealand's trade agreements — only 15% GST applies. We verify origin and HS classification so your landed cost is the lowest available.
Waka Kotahi Certification
Our accredited entry certifiers manage the NZ Transport Agency application, design documentation, and emissions declarations — getting vehicles from ship to registered in some of the shortest times in the Pacific market.
EV-Fluent Logistics
NZ's EV fleet is one of the world's densest per capita. We handle RUC registration, CCS2 certification, and charging-standards verification on top of standard import compliance.
Island-Wide Delivery
From Auckland's Wiri complex to Christchurch's Lyttelton, our partners coordinate discharge, entry certification, and insured trucking to dealers across both islands.
FAQ — NEW ZEALAND
Common questions about exporting to New Zealand
No — passenger vehicles of Chinese origin enter New Zealand at 0% customs duty under NZ's free trade agreements. You pay 15% GST on the vehicle's value plus freight and any residual dutiable components.
Every imported vehicle must pass border entry certification through NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) systems, confirming the vehicle meets NZ design, safety, and emissions standards. An accredited entry certifier manages the inspection and documentation.
Yes, but NZ restricts LHD registration for vehicles under 20 years old, so RHD China-market used cars are the practical route. Age and condition rules, emissions fees, and entry certification apply to every used import.
Yes — since 1 April 2024 all EVs in New Zealand pay Road User Charges (RUC) based on distance, prepaid quarterly. Factor RUC into running-cost comparisons with petrol vehicles; the import-duty advantage of EVs from China remains 0% regardless.
BYD, MG, GWM/Haval, LDV, and Zeekr lead the market, with Chery's Omoda/Jaecoo and Leapmotor arriving in recent years. Dealers cover Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.
15–22 days from Shanghai to Auckland; 17–24 days to Tauranga or Lyttelton. Discharge, biosecurity, and entry certification add roughly 5–10 days. Typical order-to-registration: 5–7 weeks.
Fully insured from our Beijing and Guizhou facilities to the NZ destination port, including terminal handling in Auckland. We manage the full claims process with the receiving terminal.
Yes — factory warranties from Chinese brands in NZ typically run 5–7 years / 100,000–150,000 km. Extended warranty and servicing packages are available via Cargration, using dealer networks.
LHD vehicles under 20 years old generally cannot be registered in New Zealand. Specialist exemptions apply to specific vehicle types; most buyers choose factory RHD Chinese units built for NZ anyway.
Yes — our Beijing and Guizhou offices are open to buyers, with visa letters and airport transfers. Virtual video inspections are available for buyers outside China.
Yes — insured trucking from Auckland, Tauranga, and Lyttelton to dealers or private addresses across both islands is arranged as part of the door-to-door service.
Ready to export vehicles to New Zealand?
Talk to our team about FOB pricing, duty estimates, documentation, and shipping logistics to New Zealand.