General Information
General Shipping Information
Importing your car to Australia can seem a daunting task, but not if McCullough does it for you.
With over 20 years' experience shipping to Australia and from Australia every day, we have fine-tuned our processes so that importing cars to Australia is as easy as 1-2-3 for our customers.
We Want to Know All About You!
1. If you are a private individual
Are you relocating permanently or temporarily?
If you answered 'yes', simply fill in this Form, email [email protected] or phone us on 09 303 0075
2. Personal Motor Vehicle Import
You may be wondering whether you will have to pay Customs charges on your vehicle, considering that it is privately owned.
You may indeed be eligible for an exemption In certain cases. For example, if your vehicle has been in your possession and in use for 12 months and you have been out of New Zealand for over 21 months, your car may qualify for zero GST.
GST Exemption Requirements
Shipping to New Zealand may be exempt from GST, the following requirements must be met:
You must be in New Zealand and, if you have been living abroad for more than 21 months, you must hold a document proving your permanent right of residence in the country.
You must have resided abroad permanently for 21 months before your return, with a reasonable allowance for holidays.
Your vehicle must have been in your possession and you must have been using it for no less than one year before the date of your return to New Zealand.
Your vehicle is for your personal use and not intended for sale, as a gift or won't be disposed of any other way.
You are providing a Reference 80 Undertaking.
Import Types & Requirements
3. Personal Motor Vehicle Temporary Import
Free Entry:
Your vehicle may be exempt from Customs charges when you import it into New Zealand if you demonstrate that you intend to leave the country with it at the end of your trip.
To be eligible, you will need a Carnet de Passage en Douane (CPD) issued by AIT/FIA affiliated member clubs (such as the Automobile Association).
Paid Entry:
If you don't have a CPD, you will have to pay a temporary import fee (by cash deposit or bond) of the value of the full Customs charges applicable.
4. Will I have to pay New Zealand's GST?
GST is due on all permanent motor vehicles imported into New Zealand, including offshore transactions.
Current GST Rate: 15%
Formula: (purchase price + duty + freight costs + insurance) x 15%
MPI Clearing Criteria
5. Which criteria does my motor vehicle need to meet to be cleared by MPI?
MPI will be checking your vehicle thoroughly for dirt, leaves, seeds and plant material in general, as well as mud, so you need to give your vehicle a good clean, inside and outside.
Common Problem Areas:
Engine Bay
Leaves in the engine bay and grills
Boot Area
Plant material and dirt in the boot and spare tyre well
Wheel Arches
Mud and dirt underneath the wheel arches
6. Will McCullough really make a difference?
Of course we would say yes! But don't take our word for it, read the testimonials of our many happy customers!
With an established 20-year-old business in New Zealand, no one ships and clears more cars through Customs and MPI than we do.
Come rain or shine, you are always a person to us, never a container number!
With offices 5 minutes away from Auckland Port, we are available from 7am to deal with any enquiries.
Thanks to our strong relationships within the shipping industry and our high volumes, we can negotiate good prices for our clients.
We are not restricted to using a single shipping line, which means we can offer the best prices and options.
With 2 decades' experience, we understand better than anyone the issues involved in international shipping.
"Amazing. McCullough's completely took charge and got all the paperwork and other requirements arranged and delivered. They rang me with regular updates. My Audi RS 5 Coupe arrived in perfect condition. I don't believe that any other shipping company could touch McCullough's level of personal service, standards and results."
Max F – Mar 2011
Top Tips for Stress-Free Shipping
Pre-Shipping Check
Have your vehicle checked before shipping to ensure it complies with Australian standards.
Fuel Level
Make sure the fuel tank is no more than a quarter full (or the vehicle can't be shipped).
Thorough Cleaning
Clean your vehicle inside and outside, paying special attention to engine bay, boot, and underside.
Inner Cargo
Let us know in advance about any inner cargo, such as golf clubs, suitcases, etc.
Moisture Protection
Use moisture absorbers if your car crosses the equator to protect seats from humidity damage.
Photo Documentation
Take close-up photos of your vehicle inside and outside for potential insurance claims.
"Southampton to Auckland – wharf to garage. 35 days. Hundreds of dollars saved from specialised advice on complying with NZ vehicle standards and MPI requirements. Frequent updates with photos, phone calls and personal inspections. Would defiantly recommend McCullough."
Steve Vann – Mar 2011
Our easy - 3 step shipping process
×Tell us the pick up location and we'll arrange a date & time
We handle all customs & shipping including insurance
Enjoy your toy, after it's delivered to your door anywhere in NZ.