Importing a car into New Zealand is easier than you think

The recent trends in New Zealand car imports are showing a clear inclination toward electric vehicles. According to the published statistics, there has been a 300 per cent rise in the import of fully electric vehicles from the year ended March 2021 to the year ended March 2022. Importing a car into New Zealand offers a wide variety of choices from across the world for the Kiwi consumer. However, the growth was not limited to the import of electric vehicles. The money value of all types of passenger vehicles imported into New Zealand grew by around 50 per cent during the aforementioned period and added up to a staggering USD 6.1 billion.  

Keep the new clean vehicles Act and the potential GST waiver in mind

According to experts, the growth spurt of electric vehicles in the last financial years can be attributed to the Clean Vehicles Act. The Land Transport Amendment Act 2022 or the Clean Vehicles Act enunciates that vehicle with lower emissions will be offered a rebate on the fee chargeable on vehicles according to their emissions.

Additionally, you can get a waiver of the Goods and Services Tax or GST charged by the New Zealand Government for import of cars into New Zealand if you are a new immigrant, or if you are returning resident of New Zealand who has spent at least 21 months at an overseas location.

Car shipping UK to NZ and car shipping Australia to New Zealand

Shipping your car by means of roll on roll off vessels is the most efficient and economical way to move your vehicle from both Australia and UK to New Zealand. Most cars that are shipped to New Zealand by Roero are not subjected to the weather as they are usually stowed below deck.  On board the vessel they are securely lashed onto the ships deck. If you are planning to import a sports car which have doors that open in an upward direction, you should be aware that the height of the vehicle with doors fully opened will be considered as the operational height of the vehicle. Non-operating vehicles can sometimes be shipped on MAFI Trailers at static cargo rates. Freight is calculated on the overall dimensions of the cargo.

The cost of shipping a vehicle to New Zealand from both UK and Australia will include Freight, Insurance, New Zealand Customs GST, Agency fee, MAF, Biosecurity, Customs duty etc. The import documents that you will require are Bill of Sale, Identity proof in the form of either copy of Passport or Car License ID, New Zealand Customs Import Code, Proof of ownership, Clearance from authorities etc. The best starting point is to specify your requirements and get quotes from multiple service providers.

The factors you need to consider if you are considering importing a used car from Australia

If you are planning to import a used car from Australia to New Zealand, you have to keep in mind that you will need to have a number of documents in place. You have to furnish proof of ownership. You have to prove that the vehicle has changed ownership and that the vehicle owner is in your name. As evidence, you can furnish an invoice, sale bill, etc. It is advisable to transfer the money through proper legitimate banking channels. The vehicles must meet the emission standards and the frontal impact standards set by the New Zealand Transport Agency. The vehicle must also have a fuel consumption certificate that meets the New Zealand standards. The vehicle also has to comply with either the light vehicle or the heavy vehicle brakes standards, as applicable. The vehicle must be also totally compliant with the standards of the ADR or the Australian design standards. The Australian Design Rules is the authority in Australia which sets the standards for various aspects of vehicles such as safety, anti-theft mechanism, allowable emission, etc.