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Border clearance charges

MPI may charge you for costs related to inspecting unaccompanied household goods and personal items brought into New Zealand by air or sea.

Charges are based on the number of items that need inspecting.

Inspection costs for unaccompanied household goods and personal items

 From 1 October 2023
Fee type Fee (excl GST) Fee (incl GST)
General inspector – hourly rate* $155.50 per hour $178.83
Travel charges for MPI inspectors  
Travel within zone 1 – up to 4 km from base $53.00 $60.95
Travel within zone 2 – over 4 km and up to 10 km from base $107.57 $123.71
Travel within zone 3 – over 10 km and up to 25 km from base $166.10 $191.02
Travel within zone 4 – over 25 km and up to 50 km from base $226.84 $260.87
Travel more than 50 km from base Hourly rates, plus a mileage charge of $0.67 a kilometre. Other travel-related costs may also apply. Hourly rates, plus a mileage charge of $0.7705 a kilometre. Other travel-related costs may also apply.
*Hourly rate charges also apply to waiting times.    

You may be charged extra fees if MPI's biosecurity inspector has to:

  • travel to inspect your goods
  • wait before inspection can start
  • be called out after hours.

MPI may bill you for these services, or you may be charged by your import or shipping agent.

Clearance costs for passenger or mail items are largely Crown-funded

If you are a passenger bringing personal items into New Zealand, your inspection charges are covered by the New Zealand Government. The government also covers the costs of inspecting goods for personal use that arrive by mail.

You may be charged fees if MPI has to store or re-ship any goods.

Costs for checking containers

Containers used to bring in household goods or personal items will also need to be inspected. You may have to pay extra costs for this inspection.

Find out more

Who to contact

If you have questions about MPI's fees and charges, email info@mpi.govt.nz.

MPI business units