Customs & Freight
New Zealand Customs
Importing and Customs clearance
New Zealand has a full and extensive range of film equipment available for hire at very competitive prices – importing is not necessary.
For specialist equipment, motor vehicles and other non-consumable items, the following import options are available:
- An experienced freight forwarding company will have an arrangement in place with New Zealand Customs Service that is most effective and efficient. This allows for the temporary importing of non-consumable items without attracting Goods and Services Tax (GST), bonds or duty, providing these goods are returned to the country of export at the end of the production period. If preferred, a carnet can be used for the temporary import of all film equipment, motor vehicles and non-consumable items.
- Use a Temporary Entry Form when you arrive in New Zealand. The goods are assessed for duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST), and this is paid to New Zealand Customs (credit cards may be used). The money is refunded by New Zealand Customs when the goods leave the country. This option is generally suitable for smaller value items
Importing Motor Vehicles
- Motor vehicles for filming purposes only can enter under a temporary import or travel on a carnet.
- All vehicles must be steam-cleaned prior to being transported to New Zealand.
- Imported vehicles do not require permits from Land Transport New Zealand (the body that registers motor vehicles in New Zealand) if they are being driven for filming purposes only and will be transported between locations on a vehicle haulage unit.
- If the vehicle is to be driven on New Zealand roads, a temporary registration from Land Transport New Zealand is required.
- For more information take a look at the Land Transport New Zealand Factsheet.
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Importing Animal, Vegetable and Food Products
As an island nation, New Zealand has been able to keep itself free of many plant and animal diseases that are common worldwide. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is responsible for protecting New Zealand borders from such threats. For this reason, there are restrictions on importing certain foods, agricultural products and animals.
For more information see the Animals and the Screen Production Industry page of this website.
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Freight
International Freight
New Zealand freight forwarding agents work in conjunction with international freight forwarding agents to ensure that freight can be sent to or from any location in the world.
Xtreme Forwarding NZ Ltd has provided film-specific internal and international freight services for such films as Columbia Tri-Star's Vertical Limit and New Line Cinema's The Lord of the Rings trilogy. They have assembled a complete freight and courier management package, from daily rushes to equipment freighting, and import and export management.
Air New Zealand Cargo connects New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific with Asia, Japan, North America and Europe. Utilizing their passenger schedule, as well as a dedicated freighter aircraft, Air New Zealand Cargo can carry anything from high tech equipment and time-sensitive goods to general cargo, including dangerous goods. They have a team of cargo professionals with the specialised knowledge to ensure shipments are handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
Internal Freight
Moving equipment around New Zealand is easy. There is an efficient courier service system capable of meeting all your film needs, including daily rushes, no matter where in the country you intend to film.
