Export & Import Cars to New Zealand

International car transport cost varies from country to country. Distance may not play as big of a role as you think. For example, importing a car from Australia to NZ is normally more expensive than the more common Japan trade lane. Many more importers ship vehicles from Japan. This larger volume normally means cheaper rates. As a rough figure, freight forwarders will charge between $1,800 to $5,000. This range allows for options such as door-to-door transport, locations, and shipping methods (RO/RO or Container).

Although overseas shipping has many variables, there are some fixed costs. In most cases, international car transport incurs taxes in the country of import. This is also the case in NZ, where GST is payable and includes vehicle cost + insurance + freight. However, you may be exempt in some cases.

Another fixed cost you can expect is a compliance inspection to register the car in NZ. Although freight forwarders don’t offer the service, they should suggest a compliance centre near you. This normally costs between $550-$650. For example, we can suggest Fasttrack Compliance in Christchurch and Auckland. If you are looking at buying a car overseas, you must make sure it can comply in NZ first.

Our ability to simplify the complexity is what makes us the best international vehicle freight company. When you are searching to for car shipping, we can answer any questions before you decide. Shipping cars from overseas can be stressful, but an experienced agent can make the process a breeze. So what are you waiting for? Look no further if you are wanting to ship internationally. Dolphin Shipping is one of the few companies with a complete solution. 

If it was always cheaper to import a car then the used car industry wouldn’t exist. Normally regular importers can purchase used cars overseas at a lower cost because of the volume they buy. Naturally, this brings the international transport cost down for them too. Therefore, for a private person looking at buying and shipping a car to New Zealand, it won’t be cheaper in most cases.

However, there are some cases where it can be. EVs aren’t making their way into NZ as quickly as expected. Therefore, you may be able to get a bargain overseas and reach out to Dolphin Shipping. It is also common for people to reach out for international vintage or rare car transport. In bigger markets like Japan, Australia, USA, or the UK, there is a much better range for specialty vehicles. Hence why people enquire about classic and sports cars.

This brings us to the third point when considering international shipping. There are other factors to consider than just the cost. You have a reliable family vehicle and you are in two minds whether to sell or bring it with you. In truth, selling a used car means a significant loss via depreciation. Generally, to import a car will cost between $1800-$5000 depending on the departure port and shipping method. Therefore, the decision rests on your valuation of the car in comparison to the cost.

The answer when weighing up the cost of transport versus buying locally depends on your circumstances. Hence, we conclude that the question must be considered on a case-by-case basis. It’s certainly not for everyone and that choice is yours.

When importing a vehicle to NZ, you must pay GST of 15% upon arrival. It makes no difference whether you’re importing cars over 20 years old or newer models.

The GST is calculated on the total:

• Purchase amount of your vehicle i.e. the vehicle’s cost. If it is in a foreign currency then it must be converted to NZD using NZ Customs set Rates of Exchange. The rates are set every two weeks –https://www.customs.govt.nz/business/import/customs-exchange-rates/
• Plus your international shipping cost – which we offer to you as a package that can be Door to Door.
• Plus any transport insurance you take. If you would like a quote for insurance, please state this in your query and we can organise that for you.
• Plus any Duty.

Vehicle Cost + Freight Cost + Insurance + Any Duty = Taxable Amount

Taxable Amount x 0.15 = Total Amount of GST to pay

There is no Duty to be paid on standard passenger vehicles (no more than 10 people including the driver). But, there is a 10% Duty on Motorhomes and a 5% Duty on Caravans.

NZ Customs has a GST Exemption in place if certain criteria are met. However, very few meet the criteria. Therefore, you should always assume you must pay the GST when considering the option to import your vehicle.

You can view the most up-to-date criteria with this link to the NZ Customs page – https://www.customs.govt.nz/personal/duty-and-gst/duty-and-allowances/

Roll On / Roll Off (RO/RO) vessels are purpose-built for car shipping. The Ro/Ro transport vessel acts as a large carpark, with many levels. This is common practice for the wholesale new and used car industries. The vehicle gets taken to the Port of Loading and loaded onto the vessel by stevedores. From there, the vessel will make its way to NZ shores. This takes anything between a week to a month, depending on its origin.

Our team will provide you with sailing and arrival dates from the various shipping schedules.

Container shipping adds more security for your vehicle. Especially for classic cars. You may also add extra items in the container. For example, some use this service when they are relocating to NZ. Your vehicle will be packed at a local packing facility and loaded into either a 20ft or 40ft container. Then, transported to the Port of Loading. Once the container arrives, it will be taken to one of our chosen unpack facilities.

For both RORO and Container shipments, your vehicle will undergo inspections from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Identification Verification Services (IVS) and NZ Customs. MPI ensures the biosecurity of NZ. For example, if your vehicle has any dirt, leaves or insects, they will require it to be cleaned. IVS inspect and enter your vehicles details into NZTA so that it may be complied here in NZ. For RORO shipments, this will all take place on the Port of Arrival and for Container shipments, at the unpack facility.

We organise this all for you as part of our freight forwarding services and keep you in the loop.

Yes, you can!

You may be relocating and wanting to bring your car with you or want to send a vehicle to a family member. As an international agent, we will be able to take you step by step through the shipping process.

As with anything entering or leaving NZ, there are standard Customs procedures which will be the same for the receiving country. Every country will have different regulations for vehicle shipping and registration. Once we receive your enquiry, we will be able to find out what is required. We are able to do so very quickly through our global freight network – CGLI.

A couple of things to note when getting ready to ship. The car must have less than a quarter tank of fuel as well as have no items left inside. If you would like to have Personal Effects inside during the shipping process, let us know. We will discuss the best course of action.

Your vehicle must also be free of any soil or contaminants prior to export to another country. Therefore, it would be best to get the interior and exterior cleaned thoroughly.

Generally speaking, families on the move enquire the most about exporting their vehicle from NZ. However, we cater to all sorts of enquiries. From car enthusiasts, to customers sourcing EVs.

We export to several countries around the globe via RO/RO and/or Container shipments. Let us know if you have any questions. We would be more than happy to draw up a quote for you.