Shipping Components to Australia and New Zealand: Lead Times, GST and Customs

Sourcing from Shenzhen to Australia or New Zealand is routine, but the paperwork decides whether the shipment clears in two days or two weeks.

Transit times. Express air to Sydney, Melbourne or Auckland is typically 3–5 business days door to door. Sea freight is 3–5 weeks and only makes sense above roughly 100 kg.

GST. Australia applies 10% GST on imports; New Zealand applies 15% GST. Low-value consignments are collected by the platform or carrier, so the landed cost is not simply the invoice value.

HS codes. Components usually fall under 8541 or 8542; servers and switches under 8471 or 8517. The wrong code triggers queries and delays. Ask for the code on the commercial invoice.

Documentation. Commercial invoice, packing list and — where required — a certificate of origin. The invoice must state the manufacturer part number, quantity, unit value and country of origin.

DDP vs DDU. DDP means the supplier handles duty and clearance; DDU leaves it to the buyer. For repeat orders, DDP removes surprises at the border.