Maersk Customs Services in New Zealand

A Client Code is a unique number that identifies individual importers and exporters. Client codes are only issued to New Zealand entities (such as registered New Zealand companies). A client code is required as part of the import and export entry preparation for shipments valued at NZ$1000 or more. The CCD consists of 8 digits and 1 letter e.g. 12345678A

We can apply for this on your behalf. Note: Additional charges may apply.

The NZ Customs deferred payment scheme allows you to defer payment of Customs charges for up to 7 weeks, with a minimum of 3 weeks, and settle a month’s transactions with a single payment which is due by the 20th of the following month. We can assist you in setting up a deferred account with NZ Customs.

If setting up a deferred account with NZ Customs is not an option for you, you can make use of our Broker deferred account (additional charges apply).

A variety of reasons can hold up a clearance. This includes, but is not limited to, missing mandatory documents, high risk cargo, NZ Customs audits, MPI audits, MPI requiring further action e.g. fumigation, awaiting payment of Customs charges, etc

MPI (Ministry of Primary industries) is the public service department of New Zealand charged with overseeing, managing and regulating the farming, fishing, food, animal welfare, biosecurity, and forestry sectors of New Zealand's primary industries

All FCL containers need to be unpacked at an ATF in NZ.

Approved Transitional Facilities are approved by MPI to receive containers and goods that may pose a biosecurity risk. Goods or containers may need to be inspected or treated at the facility before they can be 'cleared' for entry into New Zealand.

Every ATF has to have an MPI-approved transitional facility operator and if receiving containers, an accredited person available (who may also be the operator) who has been approved by MPI.

ATFs can hold, inspect, treat, identify, or destroy and dispose of uncleared risk goods. Note that not all ATFs are approved to handle all types of high risk goods.

If the customer does not operate their own ATF we can provide this service with our suppliers (additional charges will apply)

The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System generally referred to as “Harmonized System” or simply “HS” is a multipurpose international product nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO).

The HS code system is based on a 6-digit nomenclature which are the same globally. NZ’s HS codes consist of a further 4 digits followed by a letter.

Maersk will raise the invoice for MCS and any additional charges. The Maersk Customs Team are always happy to answer any query you may have in relation to customs clearance, one of our customs brokers can be contacted on customs.nz@maersk.com For shipment details and any other queries you may have, our Customer Services team will be happy to assist and can be via Live Chat