How to Import a Chinese EV to New Zealand (2026)

No Zeekr dealership in New Zealand is listed in our directory yet. Importing may be the only way to buy some models.

New cars can be imported. You need evidence that the car meets New Zealand's safety and emissions standards, then entry certification before registration.

• A border inspection is not required for a qualifying new vehicle, but a new light vehicle needs a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) checksheet.

Used cars can be imported if they meet the frontal impact, exhaust emissions and electronic stability control (ESC) standards, with evidence, and pass border inspection, biosecurity clearance and entry certification.

There is no age limit as such: a used car must meet the vehicle standards. Cars over 20 years old are exempt from the frontal impact, emissions and ESC evidence.

• Every used passenger car inspected at the border since 1 March 2020 must have ESC fitted.

Cars pay no customs duty, but 15% GST is charged on the price paid plus international freight and insurance. Customs and MPI also charge a clearance levy based on the value and the mode of transport.

• Once registered, electric cars and plug-in hybrids pay road user charges per kilometre: plug-in hybrids pay a reduced rate because they also pay petrol tax.

After border inspection and Customs and MPI clearance, an NZTA-appointed entry certifier checks safety and emissions compliance, proof of ownership and the car's condition, then issues the registration form and a warrant or certificate of fitness.

• Left-hand-drive, heavy, specialist or modified vehicles may need a specialist certifier.

New Zealand drives on the left. A left-hand-drive car less than 20 years old generally cannot be registered without a Category A permit, so look for a right-hand-drive model.

• NZTA issues no more than 500 Category A permits a year, only to New Zealand citizens or residents, and the car cannot be sold or leased within four years of registration.

• Auckland
• Tauranga
• Wellington
• Lyttelton

• Proof of ownership of the vehicle
• Customs import declaration (for a used car, the description must state the make and year of manufacture)
• Evidence of compliance with safety and emissions standards, such as a statement of compliance
• MPI biosecurity clearance
• Pre-delivery inspection checksheet (new light vehicles)

Sea freight from Shanghai to Auckland, port to port. Border inspection, clearance and certification come on top.

• Indicative transit time18–21 days

1. 1

   Check that your car can be imported

   New cars: Allowed. Used cars: Allowed with restrictions. There is no age limit as such: a used car must meet the vehicle standards. Cars over 20 years old are exempt from the frontal impact, emissions and ESC evidence.

2. 2

   Choose the model and the right steering side

   Left-hand traffic (right-hand drive cars). Make sure the car you buy matches it.

3. 3

   Estimate the landed cost

   Add the purchase price, export fees, sea freight, insurance, import duty, taxes and registration costs before you commit.

4. 4

   Ship the car

   Main ports of entry: Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Lyttelton. Expect about 18–21 days at sea from China.

5. 5

   Clear customs

   Prepare the documents listed above and pay the duties and taxes at clearance.

6. 6

   Homologate and register

   After border inspection and Customs and MPI clearance, an NZTA-appointed entry certifier checks safety and emissions compliance, proof of ownership and the car's condition, then issues the registration form and a warrant or certificate of fitness.