✅ NZ Vehicle Import Checklist

A simple step-by-step guide to stay on top of your vehicle import process.

🔍 Phase 1: Before Booking

This part is all about confirming eligibility, understanding costs, and preparing your documents.

1️⃣ Confirm NZ Compliance & Registration Eligibility

☐ Vehicle is eligible under compliance rules (20-year rule, immigrant exemption, or meets NZTA standards)

☐ VIN and vehicle specs have been checked

☐ You’ve reviewed what’s required for compliance in NZ

2️⃣ Check NZ GST Exemption Eligibility

☐ You qualify under the 12+ month ownership and residency criteria

☐ You’ll be in NZ when the vehicle arrives

☐ You have documentation to support the exemption (ownership, passport, etc.)

3️⃣ Understand Total Costs

☐ You've reviewed your shipping quote

☐ You understand what is and isn’t included (freight, insurance, GST, Clean Car Fee, compliance, etc.)

☐ You've checked or estimated the Clean Car Fee (CO₂ emissions) using NZTA’s spreadsheet

4️⃣ Review Required Documents

☐ You’ve checked which documents you already have

☐ You’ve identified any you need to request or chase up (e.g. purchase invoice, rego, payout letter)

☐ You’re aware of the required forms (Customs Number, Private Import Declaration, Booking Agreement)

📦 Phase 2: Booking & Submissions

Once you're confident on eligibility and costs, it's time to book and get things moving.

5️⃣ Book Your Shipment

☐ Shipping method confirmed (RoRo vs Container)

☐ Sailing date selected

☐ Booking form submitted

6️⃣ Submit Required Documents

☐ Proof of purchase

☐ Proof of payment or finance payout

☐ Registration certificate

☐ Passport photo (signed)

☐ Proof of 12+ months ownership

☐ Vehicle photos (VIN, ADR, odometer, front/back/sides)

7️⃣ Complete Required Forms

☐ NZ Customs Number Form (NZCS 224A)

☐ Private Import Form (NZCS 80C)

☐ Booking Agreement Form

🚗 Phase 3: Vehicle Preparation (Before Collection)

These final steps get your vehicle ready to ship.

8️⃣ Prepare the Vehicle for Shipping

☐ Vehicle has been fully cleaned (interior, engine bay, underbody, wheel arches)

☐ No personal items left inside (RoRo must be completely empty)

☐ You understand cleaning costs if the vehicle fails biosecurity (NZD $700+)

9️⃣ Complete Condition Report

☐ Vehicle condition photos taken

☐ Damage noted (if any)

☐ Condition report completed before handover

🚀 Quick Navigation

📚 Optional Topics & Helpful Info

🚘 Comparing Australian vs. New Zealand Vehicle Values

📦 Additional Guides

✅ Master Checklist