How is New Zealand GST calculated and charged?

The New Zealand Government have introduced new laws that are effective from 1 December 2019. It requires a goods and service tax (GST) to be applied to all sales of low value goods imported into New Zealand. This is a similar tax adopted in Australia in 2018.

This means we are obliged to collect GST on goods with a value at or below NZ$ 1000 when we process them for delivery to New Zealand.

How is GST calculated?

GST is calculated as 15% of the value of the goods. GST will be collected on the shipping costs from the retailer to forward2me & the international shipping costs from forward2me to New Zealand. The GST will be added to your forward2me shipping invoice.

Why must we ask for purchase invoices?

We are required by the New Zealand Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to collect copies of the original purchase invoices or receipts for your goods so that we can prove that we charged you the right amount of GST. We ask you to upload scans of your invoices as soon as you have them. It typically takes one business day for us to process the invoices and only then can we accept your instructions ship, take payment and dispatch the goods. 

Which  couriers can you choose from when shipping to New Zealand?

We are offering an international shipping service to New Zealand through DHL, UPS & TNT

Are New Zealand registered business’s exempt from the GST charge?

Customer’s who provide us with a valid New Zealand Business Number and state that they are registered for GST will not be charged GST when shipping with forward2me.

Learn more

The New Zealand Inland Revenue Department have further information on their website about the new rules affecting GST on low value imported goods