✅ Step 5: NZ Import Taxes (including GST Exemption Criteria)

New Zealand offers a fantastic scheme that allows many individuals to import their vehicle completely tax-free, provided they meet a few key criteria. This can result in thousands of dollars in savings on import costs.

You may be eligible to avoid paying the 15% NZ import GST.

👤 Who Can Apply

• ✅ You are a returning New Zealand citizen, an Australian citizen, or a first-time immigrant
• ✅ You hold a residence class visa or valid permanent residency document

🔒 Visitors or temporary visa holders are not eligible.

🌍 Your Time Overseas

• ✅ You have lived outside New Zealand for at least 21 consecutive months
• ✅ You are now moving to New Zealand to live, not just visiting

🚗 Your Vehicle

• ✅ You have personally owned and used the vehicle for 12+ months prior to shipping
• ✅ The vehicle was registered in your personal name during that 12-month period

It cannot be registered under a business or company name.

• ✅ A PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) check confirms there are no security interests over the vehicle - Click here to access

💡 This allows for personal loans or mortgages that do not register a direct claim on the vehicle.

📦 Import Timing & Commitments

• ✅ You will be physically present in NZ before the vehicle arrives
• ✅ You agree not to sell, gift, or dispose of the vehicle within 2 years of its arrival

⚠️ If you do, NZ Customs may require you to pay the full GST originally exempted.

🛂 Important:

While these concessions are available under NZ Customs Tariff Ref 80, final approval is at the discretion of NZ Customs.

Exemptions will only be granted if the importer meets all conditions outlined in the official document.

📄 Refer to:

❌ Not Eligible for GST Exemption? Here's What to Expect

If you're not eligible for the GST exemption, you’ll be required to pay 15% GST on the landed value of your vehicle.

💡 What is “Landed Value”?

Landed value is the total value of your vehicle when it arrives in NZ, made up of:

• Purchase price (converted to NZD at the customs nominated exchange rate)
• Freight charges
• Transit insurance premium (if applicable)

🧮 Formula:

Landed Value = Purchase Price + Freight + Insurance
GST Payable = 15% of the Landed Value

📉 Depreciation (For Used Vehicles)

NZ Customs applies depreciation using the Inland Revenue (IR) straight-line depreciation method, which can significantly reduce your GST liability if your vehicle is used.

Depreciation is only applicable if:

• You have provided evidence of purchase (e.g. invoice or bill of sale)
• You have personally owned and used the vehicle overseas for more than 3 months

🧾 How Depreciation is Applied:

• Customs uses the IR straight-line rate, based on the type of vehicle
• Rates are calculated from the date you took possession to the date the ship arrives in NZ

💡 Customs converts your purchase price to NZD using the exchange rate on the day of entry. GST must be paid before the vehicle is released.

➡️ Next Step → Step 6: Clean Car Programme (CO₂)

⬅️ Back to Step 4: Immigrant’s Exemption

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