Importing from China to New Zealand: client codes
New Zealand Customs says imports worth more than NZ$1000 need a client code and a supplier code. Arrange these with your own customs broker before shipment and check biosecurity before ordering. China-side sourcing, inspections and quotes to your New Zealand port are handled by Cambridge China Bridge.
Start with your importer client code
New Zealand Customs states that importing goods worth more than NZ$1000 requires a client code and a supplier code. It also says that importing for commercial purposes, meaning goods to sell or use in a business, requires a client code. Do not assume a small business order avoids this registration step.
Ask your own New Zealand customs broker to confirm the importer details and supplier identity before we finalise the shipping documents. Give them the proposed seller, product description and order value. The overseas buying guide covers the wider sourcing arrangement; this guide adds the New Zealand checks.
Check biosecurity before choosing the packing
MPI says it assesses the biosecurity risks of importing each commodity and decides whether imports are allowed and from which countries. Before ordering, ask your broker to check the proposed goods from China against MPI’s commodity guidance and identify the applicable import health standard and supporting documents.
Include the packaging in that enquiry: send details of wooden pallets, crates and any plant or animal materials alongside the product specification. Ask the broker to confirm any treatment, certification or inspection arrangements before the factory packs the goods. Give us their written instructions so we can build the relevant checks into the shipment plan.
Separate the port quote from arrival clearance
We quote for sourcing and shipment to your named New Zealand port. Ask the quote to identify the delivery term, freight, insurance arrangements and which destination charges are included. Put brokerage, duties, taxes, biosecurity work, port handling and onward delivery into your own budget, with your broker confirming the final entry and amounts.
Customs says importers submit electronic import declarations before goods are released. Your own broker handles the arrival declaration, confirms classification and valuation, and coordinates clearance and applicable payments. Our buy-through-UK-company service explains the purchasing route. If you also buy for Australia, use the separate Australia guide for that destination.
Agree the document pack before shipment
The factory supplies the packing details and product test reports. We check these against the order and assemble the commercial invoice and packing list for your broker. Agree the invoicing seller at the outset, particularly where you buy through our UK company. Keep product descriptions, quantities, carton references and weights consistent across the documents.
Ask your broker whether a certificate of origin is needed for the proposed entry; we arrange it with the exporter where requested. Send available test reports for the exact product and configuration for review before approving production. Ask the broker to identify any additional product certification, registration or labelling checks, then agree who will obtain each document.
Check the supplier and inspect the actual shipment
Our own staff in China check the supplier’s identity, production site and ability to make your specification. We agree the approved sample and inspection brief with you, then inspect the batch before shipment. Include packaging condition, carton markings and the broker’s agreed biosecurity instructions in that brief.
Ask for photographs, recorded defects and a clear release decision against your agreed acceptance criteria. Review unresolved defects before authorising dispatch. The quality inspection guide explains the inspection method; for this shipment, also reconcile the inspected cartons with the packing list and record loading details.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a client code to import from China?
Customs says commercial imports need a client code. Its commercial registration page also says goods worth more than NZ$1000 need a client code and a supplier code. Ask your broker to confirm your registration.
Can a UK sourcing company quote to my New Zealand port?
Yes. Cambridge China Bridge can quote to your named New Zealand port. Agree the delivery term and included charges; your own broker confirms local clearance and arrival costs.
Which documents should I get before shipping?
Agree a commercial invoice and packing list, relevant factory test reports, and a certificate of origin where your broker requests it. Have the broker review the pack and identify any additional documents before dispatch.
Should I check wooden packaging before ordering?
Yes. Send your broker the proposed pallet and crate materials alongside the goods specification. Obtain their biosecurity instructions before packing so the factory and our inspectors can work to the same brief.