About export clearances

We need export clearances so that we can make sure:

  • no prohibited items leave New Zealand
  • restricted items leaving New Zealand have the correct permits
  • overseas trading partners can trust the security of New Zealand exports.

Submitting export clearance requests

Export clearances requests, known as lodgements, must be submitted electronically to Trade Single Window (TSW) by a registered TSW User approved to make export declarations.

If you have hired a customs agent, they will submit the clearance request on your behalf.

Types of export clearance

There are two types of export clearance: export entry and Cargo Report Export (CRE). The type of submission will depend on the total value and type of goods. 

Clear your goods using an export entry

An export entry provides full details of the goods. Use an export entry to clear your goods if:

  • your export’s total value is worth more than NZ$1000. This type of value is called free on board (FOB). The total value includes all costs:
    • transport
    • packaging
    • goods value up to the point of the goods leaving New Zealand waters.
  • your export’s FOB value is less than NZ$1000 but the goods require a permit or approval. 
  • you’re exporting under the Secure Exports Scheme (SES).
  • You’re claiming a drawback on duty you paid.

The following rules apply:

  • For air or sea (including post), you must use a single entry to cover items you’re exporting on a single voyage or flight.
  • A new entry is necessary for each consignment or order to each consignee.
  • A Goods Levy will be charged. The levy amount is dependent on the value of the consignment and the mode of transport, for example, air, sea, or mail.

Clear your goods using a Cargo Report Export (CRE)

A Cargo Report Export (CRE) provides summary details of the goods.

  • Use a CRE clearance to clear your goods if your export’s FOB value is worth less than NZ$1000.
  • You can’t split consignments to come under the NZ$1000 limit.

The following rules apply:

  • A CRE report can only cover shipments you’re exporting on a single flight or voyage.
  • You can declare consignments for any number of exporters on one CRE report (customs agents only).
  • A Low-Value Goods Export Levy will be charged for those consignments claiming write-off. The Low-Value Goods Export Levy is dependent on the mode of transport, for example, air, sea, or mail. More information on Goods Levies

You can only lodge CREs if you use EDI software.

When to submit an export clearance request

For items exported by sea, you should lodge your export entry at least 48 hours before you load your items for export.

For items exported by air, you should lodge your export entry at least nine hours before you load your items for export.

If you lodge your entry less than 48 hours before you export by ship – or nine hours before you export by air – your items might miss their voyage or flight.

We can process your entry within one hour. We will then do one of the following:

  • give you a delivery order
  • tell you we need to examine your items.

Once we have accepted and cleared your export entry, we will issue a delivery order for your items. A delivery order allows your items to be loaded onto a craft for export.

What you need to submit your export clearance request

For export entries and CREs, you will need:

  • your client code
    • If you’re using a customs agent, and your consignment is worth less than NZD$1000, you don’t need a client code.
  • the name of the craft or vessel on which your items are leaving New Zealand
  • the free on board value of the goods, made up of:
    • the value of your items
    • costs for packaging and transport in New Zealand
    • any other costs up until they’re loaded for export.

For export entries, you will also need:

  • the Tariff codes of the items you’re exporting
  • permits or approvals, depending on what you’re exporting and to where.
What to do if you have made an error

You are legally responsible for:

  • submitting accurate and complete export clearance requests
  • notifying Customs if there are any errors or omissions in your declarations.

If you have provided incorrect or incomplete information, you should let Customs know as soon as possible. This is known as a voluntary disclosure. It enables Customs to work with you to resolve any issues.

Customs may enforce sanctions for:

  • failure to submit accurate and complete export clearance requests
  • failure to otherwise comply with the Customs and Excise Act 2018.

For information on the range of possible responses, see Penalties, fines and fees.

Clear prohibited and restricted goods for export

How to submit export entry details for items covered by export restrictions and prohibitions checks.
Exemptions from an export entry clearance

You don’t need an export entry clearance for some items. You might still need approvals or permits from other agencies.
Craft names and flight numbers