TL;DR: New Zealand treats imports differently depending on their value, and NZ$1,000 is the line New Zealand Customs uses: at or below it, GST may be collected at checkout by an overseas seller that is required to register, and above it, GST and any duty are generally collected at the border. Low value goods can also attract a levy. A ring can easily exceed that. The customer pays import duty and tax, thresholds and rules can change, and we explain what to expect rather than quote figures. Please check the current position with New Zealand customs. Delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx. Pieces start from £600.
Why value matters
Customs systems often treat low value goods more simply than higher value ones. In New Zealand, a value of NZ$1,000 is the point where the process changes, for example in how tax is collected and what fees apply. A bespoke ring can be above or below that line, and the answer for your ring depends on the invoice.
What can change above the line
Above a threshold, the courier may need additional information, may charge a handling fee and may ask you to pay duty and tax before delivery. Below it, the arrangement can be simpler. We cannot tell you which side of the line your ring will fall on until the design and price are settled, and the rules may differ from what we describe.
A worked way to think about it
Rather than chasing a single number, treat it as a budgeting exercise. Once we have quoted your ring in writing, note the total on the invoice, look up the current New Zealand customs rules for goods of that value, and set aside a sensible amount for tax, duty and any courier handling fee. If the figure is close to a threshold, ask us before you order, and we will explain what we can about how the invoice is set out. Our guide to New Zealand GST on a ring bought from the UK covers the tax side in more detail.
What not to do
Please do not ask anyone to describe a ring as something it is not, or to show a lower value than the ring is worth, in order to stay below a line. Customs declarations need to be accurate, insurers rely on the real value, and a mismatch can cause delays, penalties or a refused claim. We describe each ring and its price honestly on the invoice, and we ask you to rely on that.
What to do
- Tell us your address so we can explain what to expect.
- Check the current thresholds on the customs website.
- Budget for duty, tax and a possible handling fee.
- Keep your invoice and design approval ready.
Who pays
The customer pays import duty and tax. The courier will tell you what is due and how to pay it, and answering quickly keeps the parcel moving. Be careful with unexpected messages demanding payment, and go to the courier's website to check.
Planning before Christmas
Couriers and customs are busy before Christmas. Our guide on getting a UK ring to New Zealand before Christmas explains how to plan, and standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, varying with your location and how busy we are.
Value on the invoice
The invoice we provide describes the ring and its price, and customs may rely on it. Keep it safe and check that it matches your design approval. Our guide to reading your invoice and certificate explains what each document shows, and ten questions international customers ask covers the wider process.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an NZ$1,000 threshold?
Yes. At or below it, GST may be collected at checkout and a low value goods levy can apply; above it, charges are generally collected at the border. Rules change, so check the current position with New Zealand Customs.
Will I pay duty on my ring?
Possibly. The customer pays any duty and tax, and we explain what to expect.
Who tells me what is due?
The courier will contact you.
Is delivery insured?
Yes, delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx.