Benefits of using this pre-charge system with ZenMarket is that you avoid paying the goods clearance fees by pre-paying the GST.
For more detailed information on how your ZenMarket parcel is affected, please read below.
Important Update – September 25, 2025
From September 25th, 2025, the rule has been updated:
- Parcels under NZD 1,000 (contents + shipping value): A 15% GST pre-charge will be collected by ZenMarket at checkout.
- Parcels over NZD 1,000: These will no longer be pre-charged by ZenMarket. Instead, they will be subject to GST and applicable customs duties directly under New Zealand Customs regulations at the border.
What is GST? How much do you need to pay?
GST is Goods and Service Tax.
For New Zealand, 15% GST applies to all imported items or gifts, including anything you buy online.
Refer to the official customs site for more information regarding low value goods being imported into New Zealand.
GST is calculated based on the total of:
- How much you paid for the item.
- Any international freight, postage and insurance costs.
- Any import duty.
In other words, the importer/seller (ZenMarket) is responsible for collecting the 15% GST and declare it to Customs for all parcels.
How to calculate parcel value in other currencies?
For how to calculate your parcel's value in other currencies, please refer to the current exchange rates adopted by New Zealand Customs.
FAQ
Q. This is my first time sending parcels to New Zealand from overseas, what should I do?
A. Read all official customs and duties information for your destination, as well as the help page of ZenMarket.
Here is a comprehensive FAQ from the New Zealand Customs Service.
Q. I was pre-charged GST, but still had to pay customs upon arrival. What should I do?
A. If customers who have prepaid their GST via ZenMarket and were charged GST again at the New Zealand border should reach out to our customer support to get a refund for the duplicated GST they paid via ZenMarket's pre-levy system.
You will need to provide the proof of payment or receipt in order to request the refund. Please be reminded that ZenMarket will only refund the duplicated GST paid, excluding any processing fees. For more information on how to refund Duty and GST from New Zealand Customs Service, please read here.
Q. Do I have to pay for other fees?
A. Yes, import duties will be applied to the value of your goods. The value is normally the price you paid, or will pay for your goods in New Zealand dollars. Second-hand goods and gifts are also covered by this rule.
The duty rate will be based on the following:
- What type of goods you are bringing into New Zealand.
- Where the goods were made (country).
- Where the goods were sent from (country).
The duty rate is found in the Working Tariff Document of New Zealand.
To estimate your duty for New Zealand, please visit this Duty estimator by the New Zealand Customs Service Website: https://www.customs.govt.nz/personal/duty-and-gst/whats-my-duty-estimator/
If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact our Customer Support. Happy ZenMarket shopping!
Also Read: AUSTRALIA GST PRE-COLLECTION
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