Ask any car enthusiasts whether they’ll take their vehicle when they’re relocating, and the answer is a resounding ‘yes’. These car enthusiasts are not transporting a Camry, Rav-4, Mazda CX-5 or Kia Sportage. No, they’re most likely transporting rare and hard to find models that they’ve purchased from other collectors, at auctions or overseas. If you’re one of these devotees and are interested in car transport, below are a list of questions you need to ask yourself if you’re thinking of importing your vehicle to New Zealand.
What standards apply to the vehicle I want to import?
To find out what standards apply to your vehicle, visit the New Zealand Transport Agency or NZTA website. They have conveniently broken down the requirements based on the type of vehicle you’re planning to import. For example a Passenger Car must meet the frontal impact and exhaust emissions standards and ESC requirements before it can be registered.
What are the customs and duty-free importation requirements?
If you’re returning to New Zealand after 21 months or more overseas, you may be qualified to concessions on the vehicles, boats or planes you bring with you or transport separately. You won’t need to pay GST and duties if:
- You’re moving to NZ or moving back after 21 months or more away
- You’ve only used the vehicle as per intended
- You’ve personally owned and used the vehicle, boat or plane for a minimum of 1 year before your departure to NZ
According to the New Zealand Custom Service, if you don’t qualify for concessions, you’ll need to pay:
- GST on motorcycles, cars and planes
- 5% GST and Customs duty on private boats
- 5% GST and Customs duty on vehicles that transports 10 or more people including the driver
- 10% GST and Customs on motor homes, camper vans and ambulances
For more information, visit the Custom Service page.
What documents do I need to meet clearance of my vehicle?
You will need to provide the following documents for clearance and to qualify for the concessions:
- Proof of purchase
- Proof of delivery
- Registration
- Insurance documentations
- Papers that shows when the items were surrendered for shipping to NZ
- Copy of your passport
What steps do I need to take to prepare my vehicle?
Before the vehicle transportation begins, your vehicle must be steam cleaned and vacuumed this will prevent local authorities from doing so once it arrives in New Zealand.
How do I register my vehicle in New Zealand?
To register your vehicle, you’ll need to provide the manufacturer’s certificate of compliance for frontal impact and emission standards. To learn about these standards, visit this page and to register your vehicle, visit NZTA page. The NZTA is the main agency in relation to registration and regulations in New Zealand. They’ll have all the information you need including fees, license, number plates and road user charges.
What other options are open to me?
If you’d prefer to take the hassle out of Vehicle Transportation, contact Grace Removals. We offer a wide range of services tailored to meet your requirements and to deliver affordable and efficient solution when relocating with your vehicle. Our international car transport service includes receipt of your vehicle at our Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch warehouses, a detailed pre-shipment condition report for insurance purposes and arrangement of local RTA compliance. We also offer vehicle storage solution, with our clean and secure purpose-built storage facilities that is monitored 24/7, so you can guarantee that your car is in safe hands.
To find out about our Vehicle Transportation Service visit our page or call us on 0800 472 2369.
