What is a New Zealand customs form NZCS 218?

The New Zealand customs declaration form NZCS 218 is a mandatory document for all new immigrants and returning citizens shipping unaccompanied household effects into New Zealand. As defined by the New Zealand Customs Service, household effects include kitchenware, furniture, household tools, kitchen appliances, linen, personal computers, sporting equipment and musical instruments.

The primary purpose of a NZCS 218 form is to protect New Zealand's borders from potential risks, such as biosecurity hazards and the importation of illegal substances and other restricted items. When moving to New Zealand, you may qualify for a household effects concession if you meet specific criteria. Otherwise, you'll be liable to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 15% of the total value of all items.

You must be present in New Zealand before your goods arrive and provide detailed information about all imported items, their origins and their owner's recent travel history.

More New Zealand customs advice

What is the MPI personal effects declaration?

The MPI personal effects declaration is a supplementary form issued by New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for those shipping personal belongings into NZ that may be a biosecurity risk.

It includes questions about whether the importer has packed food, traditional medicines, garden equipment, bicycles, pet and animal equipment, Christmas decorations, machinery, and more. It also asks if you have cleaned all items to remove contaminants such as soil or plant material.

While not mandatory, completing the form may help avoid additional inspections and costs. The importer must sign the declaration, which confirms the truthfulness and accuracy of all information provided.

How to fill out a New Zealand customs declaration form

Completing a New Zealand Customs Declaration NZCS 218 form requires careful attention to detail to ensure accuracy. Failure to complete the form correctly could result in fines, confiscation of items or even prosecution.

A NZCS 218 form is three pages long and asks for in-depth details about you (and your travelling party), your travel plans and exactly what you're shipping. Typically, the removal company that ships your belongings will require you to fill out this form before shipping. Some companies will ask you to complete this online, and the information you enter will generate a form that is presented to the New Zealand authorities when your belongings arrive.

Follow our step-by-step guide below or check the official NZ Customs Service website for more details.

Page 1

Personal details: enter the lead shipment owner's full name, contact details, passport number and other personal information.

Arrival into New Zealand: provide your arrival date, origin country and time spent outside NZ, and identify your right to residence.

Other adults covered by this declaration: if travelling as a group, include the name, nationality and occupation of all members.

Page 2

Items information: list all personal and household items you're shipping, including type, quantity, condition (new or used), resale value in NZ, purpose and more.

Shipping reference number: include the identifying reference number provided by your shipping company, usually found on your quote PDF or job confirmation email.

Page 3

Biosecurity questions: declare if you're shipping items that pose a biosecurity risk, such as food, plants, animal products, and outdoor equipment, including footwear, bicycles and camping equipment.

Supporting documents: sign and date the form to confirm accuracy (you can use a digital signature).