Shipping Cars to New Zealand (NZ) from UK

When it comes to shipping your vehicle to New Zealand, Relo UK – The Moving company has a proud history of assisting our client’s with relocating their vehicles. Our staff are dedicated and hardworking and have expert knowledge in what it entails in relocating a vehicle to New Zealand (NZ). Our service is second to none and we, pride ourselves that our knowledge is widespread with our commitment to make your Vehicle relocation to NZ a stress-free experience.

With Relo UK you can be assured that your motor car or motorcycle, trailer or caravan will be handled by Experts. Relo UK have a fully bonded warehouse and as proud members of IAM (International movers association) this gives all our Clients the peace of mind that they are covered under the overseas financial protection plan, IMMI (International Movers Mutual Insurance).

 

Vehicle shipping options to New Zealand

Whatever your requirement, we can explore several options for shipping of your vehicle to NZ. Depending on the type of Vehicle, its size, and your personal requirements, we will provide professional advice from the first contact through to handover of your vehicle once it has arrived in NZ. Options available included and not limited to its own dedicated shipping container or we can consolidate with your household consignments into its own exclusive use container. Alternatively, for a more cost-effective option, why not take advantage of our groupage service, we have regular shipment of boxes, furniture and baggage to NZ from the UK as well as vehicles.

The suggested types of containers available for moving vehicle to NZ are 20ft containers and 40ft and 40ft High cube containers.

 

ROLL ON ROLL OFF or LIFT ON LIFT OFF

This service is only available to some ports in NZ and would entail you delivering your car direct to the docks. Your car would then be driven on to the vessel, parked and secured ready for shipment to NZ.

We recommend that you discuss your requirements with one of our NZ motor vehicle consultants and obtain a free no obligation quotation.

Approval for Motor Cars entering New Zealand

NZ does not have the import permit requirements that are applicable for Australia, however the onus is on the importer to ensure the car meets the NZ compliance standards. The applicable standards depend on vehicle type and date of registration. Vehicles being imported must meet frontal impact rules, please check with our office and we will provide you with the relevant fact sheets that details the process on importing a motor vehicle into NZ.

If you are intending to ship your car abroad to NZ, you must have owned & used your motor car for 12 months and must sign a deed of undertaking to confirm that the vehicle is for personal use and will not be sold for 2 years. It is crucially important that you ensure that you have a relevant visa in your passport BEFORE YOU ARRIVE IN NZ. Upon arrival in NZ, you must have in your possession a purchase receipt or proof of purchase.

 

Your vehicle will also be subject to Duty & GST tax at the rates that apply to your type of vehicle if you have not owned the vehicle for 12 months.

 

  1. Transit cover for your Vehicle to New Zealand

Insurance coverage is available for this shipment:

Whilst great care is taken during the shipping of your vehicles, we will do everything possible to ensure your vehicle arrives safely, nevertheless there are many instances of risk for loss or damage which are beyond the removal companies’ control.

The premium is additional and separate to the move cost. The Actual insurance premium is determined by the replacement value declared on the valued inventory form. (link Attached below).

 

Fully comprehensive Insurance Cover (with no excess!)click here to view our Insurance Cover

Transit Times & booking your vehicle to NZ

We do offer regular shipping schedules for vehicles to NZ

Transit times are approximate and consummate with service taken, as a guide full container port to port allow 7 weeks, groupage shared service approx. 10 weeks port to port

On booking of your vehicle, we will acknowledge your booking and dependent on which service option taken we will confirm your vessel, sailing date and arrival date in NZ. We will prepare and send your shipping documents, so they are ready to be presented to NZ Customs and Quarantine. We will require you to provide us with the following photocopies, Vehicle proof of the length of ownership (copy of your Logbook, purchase invoice, permanent export certificate from the DVLC), passport photo page & copy of your visa.

Ministry of Agriculture and fisheries Inspection (MPI) for Vehicles to NZ

All motor vehicles imported into NZ are subject to biosecurity requirements and are required to be clean prior to shipment and will be subject to a Quarantine inspection by MAF (Ministry of agriculture and fisheries) upon arrival. This is to prevent the entry of diseases, noxious weeds and insects/ pests into NZ, consequently we recommend that all vehicles are in good and clean condition prior to shipping and attention special attention to the underneath of the vehicle (wheels, tires, wheel arches, engine compartment). If it is accepted by Quarantine this should save you time and additional expenses. Unfortunately, if Quarantine are not satisfied that the vehicle is in an acceptable condition to be used on the NZ roads, they will order the vehicle in for treatment or fumigation to be carried out which will incur additional fees. The fees are assessed locally and are dependent on the condition of your car.

  1. When Your Motor Car Arrives in NZ

When your Vehicle arrives at NZ you will be contacted by our NZ partners office to ensure that we have all the paperwork required to present to customs & MAF in NZ. Once your Vehicle has been cleared by NZ customs & MAF, we will contact you to discuss your requirements & make reservations to hand over your car.

Note: Customs regulations can change at any time with or without notice. This document is provided as a guide and for information only. While Relo UK has exercised reasonable care in publishing this document, we make no representation, either expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or applicability.

FAQ

What motor vehicles do you ship?

Relo UK – The Moving company are the experts when it comes to shipping vehicles to NZ our service is second to none and we, pride ourselves that our knowledge is extensive with our commitment to make your relocation to NZ a stress-free experience.
With Relo UK you can be assured that your motor car or motorcycle, trailer or caravan will be handled by Experts. Relo UK have a fully bonded warehouse and as proud members of IAM (International movers association) this gives all our clients the peace of mind that they are covered under the overseas financial protection plan, IMMI (International Movers Mutual Insurance).

Vehicle shipping options to NZ

Whatever your requirement we can explore several options for shipping of your vehicle to NZ. Depending on the type of Vehicle its size and your personal requirements we will provide professional advice from the first contact through to handover of your vehicle once it has arrived in NZ. Options available included and not limited to its own dedicated shipping container or we can consolidate with your household consignments into its own exclusive use container. Alternatively, we can offer a groupage consolidated service for a more cost-effective option.
The suggested types of containers available for moving vehicle to NZ are 20ft containers and 40ft and 40ft High cube containers.
Please contact our office for further information where one of trained consultants will be happy to assist.

Do you ship motorcycles?

Shipping motorcycle is similar to vehicle shipping, Due to the nature of international shipping, a bespoke crate making service is offered to provide greater projection whist in transit. Please contact our office for costs. Motorcycle are shipped on a groupage / share service which is the economically recognised method of shipping you are saving money by sharing costs. Once it has arrived in NZ, it will be subject to Customs, NZ bio security and MPI quarantine formalities, and once cleared vehicles are available for hand over at our partners depot at your destination.

How do I arrange a vehicle shipping quotation?

Please request our get a quote on the home page, or email us at info@relouk.com or call us if you prefer on Tel: 0843 289 4350 / 01323 763689

How do you calculate the shipping costs?

Vehicle shipping costs are calculated on the dimensions of your vehicle and the method of shipment selected. Costs are also based on the required service.

How long is the Vehicle quote valid for?

Our quotation is valid for 28 days; this is due to the nature and vagrancies of international shipping which can be affected by currency fluctuations and increase in ocean and air freight costs.

What does the quotation include?

• We will receive your vehicle at Our Pevensey depot, photograph and prepare condition report, alternatively we can collect from your residence by our expert cart transporters, where we prepare the condition report at your residence and cross check once in depot, to confirm condition is same as collection.
• In accordance with maritime shipping dangerous goods regulations, we will isolate the battery (we do not accept responsibility for the integrity of the electrical system upon reconnection at destination)
• Shipment of personal items within the luggage compartment is not recommended due to NZ Customs, MPI bio security inspection. Luggage is prohibited on roll on/roll off ferries service
• We will load and secure vehicle securing within an appropriate steel container and delivery to UK port of departure or reception at roll on/roll off ferry terminal
• Ocean freight to arrival at the required destination port in NZ
• Container haulage to our representative's depot, unloading, for NZ MPI bio security inspection
• Post-move condition survey and handout of vehicle at our representative's depot (groupage or exclusive container paid to depot).

What does the quotation exclude?

Quotation normally exclude storage unless this has been requested at the quotation stage and has been included in the body of the quotation, Insurance cost is normally not included at time of quotation but can be added later. customs and quarantine clearance changes, payable to our local partners. Also excluded are import duties, taxes or other sums due to government departments, such as quarantine inspection fees, customs examination fees, demurrage, quay rent, cargo dues or container detention fees if incurred, and fumigation or steam cleaning if ordered, and any resulting treatment fees if applicable. For further information please contact our office as for up to information as destination regulations can change without notice.

Will I have to pay VAT?

For international vehicle shipping VAT is not applicable for overseas move, VAT is only applicable for UK domestic services.

How do I proceed with a booking?

On booking of your vehicle shipping to NZ from the UK we will take a 15% deposit to secure your nominated dates. We will also send you a comprehensive booking email, which will advise the collection date (if we are collecting by transporter) and depot opening times. We will attach a PDF with a customs form to be completed, request a copy of your passport, also visa if required and supply you with insurance information for your perusal. We will also request that the customer acceptance form sent with your quotation is completed and returned to our office, this can be done via email.

Company relocation can my employer pay.

Yes, no problem, what we will require is a purchase order form your present employer and contact details on who will oversee payments, as we will not have trading terms with your employer in place, our terms and conditions will still be 15% deposit on booking and balance of invoice 72 hours after collection. We will also require signed acceptance return to confirm the booking

Can I reclaim VAT on a new vehicle?

You are not permitted to reclaim Vat on the purchase of a new motor vehicle on exportation within or outside of the EU. For further information please refer to HMRC Notice 704 or call their National Advice Service on 0845 010 9000. New Vehicle into NZ will be subject to duty and Taxes.

Can you arrange nationwide collection?

We have a Vehicle transporter service for collections UK wide, we are also able to collect from most European cities.

Should I drain the vehicle fuel tank?

Ocean freight maritime requirement states that the vehicle vehicle's fuel gauge should register empty upon delivery to our depot for loading into container, we will check the fuel status, please do not leave full as you will be responsible for the cost of draining the tank and disposing the waste fuel. If shipping by roll on/roll off ferry, there should be no more than a quarter of a tank of fuel upon delivery to the ferry terminal. The vehicle must be in full working order, failing which you will be responsible for the charges of a mechanic and/or towing charges.

What is the payments procedure?

On booking of your vehicle shipping to NZ from the UK we will take a 15% deposit to secure your nominated date. We will also request the completed customer acceptance at time of booking as this confirms the contracted conditions. Once your vehicle has either been received or collected and shipment verified, we will provide you with a final balance invoice which will be In accordance with our trading terms we will respectfully request that we receive payment of the invoice within 72 hours of it being issued. If you are looking at insurance we will require a completed declaration prior to vehicle recieval date, insurance premium costs will be added to your final balance. In the intial quotation email sent there will be a link which will take you to our terms and conditions (please read).
Once payment has been received your consignment will be scheduled to depart as per your quoted terms. Of course if we can assist you further at any time please do not hesitate to contact our office on 01323 763689 or info@relouk.com

Should I clean the vehicle?

In accordance with strict bio security regulations in NZ it is recommended vehicles should be thoroughly washed and vacuumed prior to shipment, failing which you may be liable for steam cleaning fees or fees for subsequent treatment. You should pay particular attention to the wheel arches, the underside and engine compartment and the interior passenger and luggage compartments.
Please note that vehicles delivered to the roll on/roll off ferry terminal must be free of mud and dirt, failing which delivery may be refused by the port authority.

Should I deactivate the alarm system?

We will require the code to deactivate the alarm system or immobilizer operated by a numeric keypad, if applicable.

Do I need a current road tax license?

Once received at depot road tax will not be applicable as it will not be driven on driven on public roads We will require a copy of your registration document or Certificate of Permanent Export (if you have already notified DVLA) and your purchase invoice, as proof of ownership.

Do I need a Certificate of Permanent Export?

Before you export your vehicle you must complete the V5 Vehicle Document which indicates the intended date of exportation and return it to the DVLC or to a Vehicle Registration Office (VRO), If you take your vehicle abroad for more than 12 months, it is regarded as a permanent export. In its place you will receive a Certificate of Export V561 as confirmation of your vehicle's registration.
If you apply in person to a VRO you will normally be issued with the Export Certificate over the counter, provided you can produce the V5 Registration Document. If you do not have the V5 Registration Document or if you have the green V5/2 New Keeper's Supplement, you will need to complete an application to a VRO or send it to DVLC, Swansea.
If the application is made in person to a VRO you will need to provide proof of identity such as a driver's license, passport or utility bill which indicates your name and address.
Unless you are already registered as the keeper of the vehicle, checks for entitlement may have to be made before an Export Certificate is issued. If the VRO is unable to issue the Certificate, the application will be forwarded to DVLC, and dispatch of the certificate may be delayed while entitlement is established.
The VRO will not accept an application more than 14 days prior to the intended date of exportation. Please note you may be required to surrender the Export Certificate to the foreign authority when the vehicle is registered abroad.

Do I need approval to import a vehicle?

NZ does not have the import permit requirements that are applicable for Australia, however the onus is on the importer to ensure the car meets the NZ compliance standards. The applicable standards depend on vehicle type and date of registration, Vehicles being imported must meet frontal impact rules.

How will you stow my vehicle in the container?

Our preferred method is for the container to be swing lifted onto the ground, at our depot facility, this allows for easy loading of your vehicle, once inside the container the vehicle is chocked at the wheels and vehicle retaining straps are used to anchor the vehicle to the container between the towing points or axles and floor mounted ring bolts to prevent movement in transit. We use only industry recognised stowage techniques to provide maximum protection for your vehicle in transit.

Can you provide Insurance Cover?

With international Vehicle transportation our staff have been extensively trained to take every possible precaution to protect and secure your vehicle whilst in transit. Whilst great care is taken during the shipping of your vehicle, we will do everything possible to ensure your vehicle does arrive safely, nevertheless there are many instances of risk for loss or damage which are beyond our control. Due to this Relo UK’s liability for loss or damage must be limited by our standard terms and conditions contract, which are incorporated into all removal, storage, and shipping contracts.
If you do not take out adequate insurance, your recourse against the removal company or subsequent carriers and third parties for loss or damage, if they are liable, may be limited. Other parties involved may include, for example, the nominated shipping company or airline, other transport operators, the Port Authority etc. These parties operate under separate contract conditions, or under international law or conventions that may limit or exclude their liability. If a loss occurs at sea the shipping company may declare a General Average loss (which is the cost incurred by the carrier to preserve the vessel and its cargo). In this case, you, as the ‘shipper and owner’ of the goods may have to contribute to the General Average loss incurred by the shipping company. This principle of contribution is an insurable risk and is covered by marine transit policy issued by Relo UK.
Insurance is a way of managing risks. When you buy insurance, you transfer the cost of a potential loss to the insurance company.
A transit proposal form will be provided with all our quotation extended. We advise you to read the information carefully; if there any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to ask.

Can you store my vehicle prior to shipment?

At Relo UK we have a fully customs bonded warehouse, which is alarmed and fitted with CCTV cameras for added security, whether it is for a short period whilst in transit, or for a longer term, we are able to offer you with a competitive storage cost, prior to your removal shipping service to NZ.

What documentation do you require?

Once you have confirmed that Relo UK are to be your selected supplier, we will confirm with you a booking confirmation email, which will confirm your shipment details and request the following information from you
1. Completed Acceptance/Customer Information Form
2. A legible copy of the details page of the “lead clients” passport (photo page) - Please ensure that we have the correct details for the “lead client” or person whose name the shipment will be in.
3. A copy of your residents VISA or work permit for your chosen destination - unless you are a returning passport holder.
4. Completed NZ Customs form
5. Copy of registration document, or permanent export from DVLA
6. Purchase invoice and proof of ownership
7. Completed Insurance Valuation Form - attached for your reference (should cover be required).

Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have authority to import your Vehicle into NZ, so if in doubt contact the NZ Embassy. We are unable to ship your vehicle without your completed documentation and payment.

My Vehicle has arrived in NZ what’s Next?

It is preferable that you are in NZ when the vehicle arrives in Port. We will send all the required shipping documentation prior to the vessel arrives to our NZ partners for them to be able to complete the customs and bio security formalities in a timely fashion. The container is collected from the arrival port and is transferred under bond to our partners bonded facility. Once in depot the vehicle is unloaded, condition report prepared, and discrepancies noted and photographed. Customs will start the clearance process once vehicle is log into depot, MAF / MPI inspection is booked for an inspection. Once the relevant inspections have been taken and vehicle is clear to import a date will be given for a hand-over at depot. Alternatively, if you prefer vehicle to be delivered on a car transport please advise and we will submit quotation. Please be aware once the vehicle has been cleared to import and handover, registration of the vehicle to meet road regulations will be at client’s expense and responsibility.

What charges are payable on arrival?

Quotation for Vehicles are normally as a handout depot service and will include terminals and custom clearance formalities, what is not included in our quotations are collections and deliveries via car transporter services, customs inspection fees, any customs duty, or taxes, import permits fees, and the (MAF, MPI) Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries inspections which are mandatory in NZ. MPI inspection fees will not have been included in any quotations presented and are payable direct to our partners in NZ.

Do you offer financial protection?

We are a core member of the IAM (International Association of Movers), which is a governing body setup to check for quality assurance and customer service within the removal industry. This is very similar to the BAR (British Association of Removers) but instead of on a UK scale the IAM is recognised internationally so you have peace of mind here in the UK, and also at your destination, that the way your vehilce movements will be conducted would be monitored and comply with agreed standards that are enforceable by the governing body wherever you are in the world at the time.

Do you operate to a code of practice?

Our terms and conditions are based on standard international removal industry codes of practice, these conditions explain the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of all parties to this Agreement. Where we use the word 'you' or 'your' it means the Customer: 'we', 'us' or 'our' means the Remover. These terms and conditions can be varied or amended subject to prior written
agreement. Your attention is drawn to Clauses 4, 9, 10, 11 and 12 which set out our liability to you for loss of or damage to goods and property.

Why choose ReloUK for my Vehicle shipping?

At Relo UK the worldwide moving company, we are not the biggest international mover or shipper of vehicles, however our service is second to none, we have since our inception moved countless vehicles, families and their possessions worldwide, we have an in-depth knowledge of relocation to NZ from the UK, for not just vehicles but household goods and effects, and you can rest assured our service is competent, friendly and at all times professional, we are proud of our reputation and look forward to moving you.

Accreditation

We are proud members of the following: