Hire a customs agent to help meet your export requirements

Goods

Details about the type of goods being exported, including any special handing requirements for the goods.

Origin and destination ports

List the main ports of origin and destination for shipments. If you have any transshipment (intermediary) destinations, note these too.

Shipping

Details about the volume, frequency and preferred method of shipping, for example air, sea or courier.

International terms of sale

Agree your international terms of sale (Incoterms) with the buyer, so that you know your responsibilities and can share this information with your customs agent.

Services that customs agents provide vary. It’s important for you to know what services agents cover. The list below can help you understand what services customs agents may provide.

Transporting

Check if they offer packing and logistics or freight forwarding services.

Tracking

Check if they offer tracking updates or agree on how often you would like updates. Also check how and when you can contact them once your goods are in transit. It may be helpful to find out how long transit times are likely to be.

Insurance

Check if cargo insurance is included and what level of coverage is provided to protect your goods.

Availability and coverage

Check if the agents are available during the hours you need to contact them. Also check that agents cover the origin and destination ports, goods type, and any specialist handling requirements you may have.

Once you have gathered your export information and confirmed a customs agent provides the services you need, you should request a quote or confirm costs.

When you hire a customs agent, ensure you review and agree terms and conditions, including payment terms. Retain a copy of these agreements.

You will need to provide information to your customs agent each time you export goods, so that they can submit a clearance request (known as a ‘lodgement’).

Your client code

Your customs agent can assist you in getting a client code if you don't have one. Find more information at client codes.

The appropriate permit or approval for any goods covered by a restriction

Find more information at export prohibitions and restrictions. If you have any questions about permits or approvals, contact the issuing authority or your customs agent.

Certificate of origin for specified goods

Find more information at Certificate of New Zealand Origin. If you have any questions about certificates of origin, contact the certification body or Customs.

Your customs agent may request additional information to support your clearance request.

As you are the exporter of the goods, Customs will consider any actions or declarations that the agent makes on your behalf to be your actions or declarations also. You are responsible for ensuring accurate information in clearance requests lodged on your behalf. You may need to pay any penalties or additional duties that are incurred by the agent in this clearance process (for example, failure to get a required permit).

Find more information at penalties, fines and fees.