The New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement came into force on 20 October 2026. If you import goods from India into New Zealand, you can now claim preferential tariff treatment on eligible goods.

The condition: a Certificate of Origin

To claim the lower tariff, you need a Certificate of Origin that:

• is issued by an authorised body in India
• you hold before you claim the preference
• is kept after your import entry is lodged, and produced if NZ Customs asks for it

Without a certificate, there is no preference. Arrange the paperwork before the goods leave India, not after they arrive in New Zealand.

Importing from India with Method Global

Method Global handles more than 300 import and export shipments a month, including customs clearance. If you are bringing goods in from India, talk to us early so the documents are right from the start.

Get a quote

Sources: NZ Customs Release, Issue 848, 23 October 2026; New Zealand Customs Service, New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement.

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Sea freight takes weeks. Then comes customs clearance, then the warehouse, and only then can the first order go out. Every step gets busier as December approaches.

Businesses that have a calm Christmas usually have their stock landed and put away before the rush, so orders go out on time.

Work back from your selling date

Start with the date your stock must be ready to sell, then allow for:

• Receiving, checking and putting stock away in the warehouse
• Customs and biosecurity clearance
• Time at sea
• Waiting at the origin port for a sailing

Then add a buffer. Ports, carriers and warehouses are at their busiest before Christmas, and Asian factories close for Chinese New Year from late January, so stock that misses the December window can be held up well into the new year.

One team from wharf to shelf

Once your freight lands and clears customs, it goes straight into the racks, is picked when your customer orders, and is packed, weighed and labelled for dispatch.

Each of those steps is a handover. With freight forwarding and warehousing under one roof, there is no gap between them, and one team answers for all of it. Method Global runs this across Christchurch, Auckland and Brisbane, handling more than 1,500 warehouse orders a month.

South Island orders don’t have to start in Auckland

Auckland makers and importers can hold stock in our Christchurch warehouse. It travels south in bulk, then each order is picked locally and delivered direct to stores and distribution centres, cutting both transit time and the cost of the last leg.

Plan it now

If you are importing for the season, talk to Method Global now, while there is still time to plan it properly. Book a logistics review.

The post Christmas Stock Planning for Importers appeared first on Method Global Logistics.

What is the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug?

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For Australian shippers, this is a clear improvement. Wallaby will now operate as an Australia-only loop, giving Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane faster direct access to Hong Kong, Yantian, Xiamen, Shanghai, and Ningbo than was previously available.

To serve the New Zealand market, MSC has introduced new services that add coverage for New Zealand in other directions. The Southern Loop is a new dedicated service connecting New Zealand and Tasmania through Melbourne, providing a new gateway for deep-sea-bound cargo. The rotation calls at Bluff, Port Chalmers, Lyttelton, Wellington, Nelson, and Napier before returning via Bell Bay and Melbourne. This creates a structured Melbourne connection for NZ cargo that feeds into MSC’s broader global network.

The Eagle service has also been extended, with Napier now included as a northbound call. This gives the upper North Island a direct connection to the USA, along with access to Europe and other destinations via Panama and Freeport.

For the Pacific Islands, MSC is launching the Noumea Express, a dedicated weekly service calling at Noumea and Fiji (Lautoka and Suva), connecting through Tauranga and Sydney. This gives Pacific-origin and Pacific-bound cargo structured weekly access to MSC’s services into the USA, Europe, Asia, and India.

The practical effect of all this for New Zealand exporters is that schedules and routing will change across several lanes. For FCL shipments to North Asia, the Method Global team is already working through the alternatives across remaining direct and transhipment options. For LCL cargo heading to Asia, airfreight is worth a serious look: rates are currently sitting at comparable price points to LCL sea freight, and airfreight sidesteps the transhipment delays and schedule variability that can compound on NZ-origin cargo. Faster transit and more predictable delivery windows make it a practical choice rather than a premium one right now.

The good news is that you do not need to navigate any of this. Reach out to the Method Global team and we will make sure your freight arrangements stay on track.

The post MSC Reshapes NZ and Australia Shipping Routes appeared first on Method Global Logistics.

The scale of the structural overhaul, particularly for low-value consignments and maritime operators, requires planning now to maintain stability in your landed costings.

The government’s intent is to eliminate taxpayer subsidies, placing the cost of border security and biosecurity directly on the movement of goods.

NEW LOW-VALUE IMPORT & EXPORT LEVIES

• The Impact: From 1 April 2026, the New Zealand government is introducing a significant shift in how low-value goods (consignments valued at or below NZD$1,000) are charged. Moving from a “per-report” to a “per-consignment” model, every individual package, including documents and trade samples, will now attract a levy. This structural change is specifically designed to ensure offshore e-commerce platforms contribute to border costs, but it will fundamentally increase total processing overheads for high-frequency shippers.
• Actionable Step: Review your high-volume lines now. By utilising Method Global’s 3PL centres in Auckland and Christchurch, you can consolidate international stock movements into singular large shipments (high-value entries) rather than thousands of small, levy-attracting parcels. Distributing from within both islands not only reduces these new border fees but also significantly reduces domestic inter-island freight costs for your final customer deliveries.

MODE-SPECIFIC (SEA vs AIR) COST ADJUSTMENTS

For the first time, Customs and MPI will differentiate rates based on whether cargo arrives via Air or Sea. This reflects the differing levels of resource required to clear goods across different port environments.

• The Impact: Sea freight imports will carry a higher combined levy than air freight for high-value goods, reflecting the complexity of maritime biosecurity and container inspection.
• Actionable Step: For 2026 budget planning, ensure your freight models distinguish between transport modes (Sea vs Airfreight) to capture these differing levy rates accurately.

NEW LEVIES: EMPTY CONTAINERS & TRANSSHIPMENTS

The new regulations extend the reach of border levies to categories previously untaxed or subsidised. This includes new charges for international transshipments and empty shipping containers, as well as a significant new Commercial Vessel Levy for vessel operators.

• The Impact: A combined Customs and MPI levy of $4,679.00 (excl. GST) will now apply to commercial vessels per arrival. These costs will likely influence carrier berthing strategies and regional surcharges.
• Actionable Step: We can help you audit your typical container flow, specifically empty returns and transshipments, to identify where these new touchpoint costs will materialise in your supply chain. Utilising Air Freight options may be more cost effective now than they were previously.

STRATEGIC PLANNING

In a changing regulatory environment, the most effective strategy is a proactive one. These changes represent the most significant update to New Zealand’s border charging structure in years. Our focus remains on ensuring these administrative shifts do not disrupt your logistical continuity.

For more detailed information for each type of import/export levy, see https://www.customs.govt.nz/customs-information-and-legislation/goods-clearance-fees/goods-fees-2026-changes

If you would like to review how these 2026 levy structures will affect your specific shipping lanes or landed costs, contact us at info@methodglobal.com.

The post New Zealand Import / Export Levies Changing from April 1, 2026 appeared first on Method Global Logistics.

While the situation remains fluid, the priority is to move from reactive to proactive planning. Here is the operational reality as it stands today.

SCHEDULING & ROUTE DIVERSIONS

Following the IRGC’s warnings, all major carriers, including Maersk, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, and CMA CGM, have suspended transits through the Strait of Hormuz, reducing total transit volume by 86% (March 1st).

• The Impact: Direct services to Jebel Ali, Dammam, Doha, and Abu Dhabi among others in the region have been disrupted. Cargo originally destined for the Gulf is being diverted to alternative hubs like Salalah (Oman), Colombo, or Singapore, leading to immediate widespread port congestion.
• Actionable Step: If you have containers currently on the water bound for the Middle East, we are tracking their diversion status now. Expect vessel bunching and significant “knock-on” delays as carriers restructure their global service loops to bypass the region.

FREIGHT COSTS & INSURANCE COVERAGE

We are seeing immediate market adjustments, including new conflict-related surcharges from major ocean carriers. Additionally, changes in regional insurance premiums are influencing vessel routing. We recommend identifying time-critical shipments early so we can evaluate the best balance of cost and service.

• The Impact: War-risk insurance premiums have skyrocketed, and major carriers have implemented substantial Emergency Conflict Surcharges (ECS). New surcharges are being applied not just to new bookings, but in some cases to cargo already afloat.
• Actionable Step: It is helpful to flag any reefer, hazmat, or time-critical shipments now. This allows us to pre-clear alternate routings based on your specific business priorities and balance transit speed against the cost of alternative options. Some carriers have stopped accepting reefers and hazardous cargo transiting this region due to the high risk of them being delayed in a high-temperature environment or restricted port.

AIR FREIGHT REROUTING & CAPACITY

The regional airspace closures (covering Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and the UAE) have halted important international air cargo hubs in Dubai, Bahrain, and Kuwait and many carriers are now rerouting around the region entirely.

• The Impact: This is resulting in longer flight times, added fuel stops, and a noticeable drop in available capacity between Asia and Europe.
• Actionable Step: For the coming months, we suggest moving from “fixed delivery dates” to “delivery window” planning to account for long-haul flight paths through safer, more remote regions which currently have reduced regional capacity and higher fuel costs.

ENERGY COST & GLOBAL COMPLIANCE VOLATILITY

The impact of this conflict isn’t limited to the Gulf. Energy volatility affects diesel surcharges and petroleum-based production inputs globally. Furthermore, expect tighter screening from the U.S. Treasury as sanctions are expanded.

• The Impact: Even shipments far from the conflict zone may face increased documentation scrutiny and potential holds, as well as increased fuel costs.
• Actionable Step: Now is the time to increase production buffers for critical SKUs and ensure all compliance documentation is carefully prepared to avoid delays.

FORWARD PLANNING

In a rapidly changing environment, the most effective strategy is a proactive one. Our focus remains on protecting your supply chain’s logistical continuity. We will continue to monitor these developments and provide updates as the situation evolves.

Whether it’s rerouting cargo already on the water or staging inventory to buffer against stretching transit times, we are here to handle the complexity so you can focus on your broader business.

If you have specific concerns about a high-priority shipment or want to review your current contingency plans, contact us for a strategic logistics review.

 

MarineTraffic data shows Strait of Hormuz transits fell ~70% following US strikes on Iran and subsequent regional escalation.

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At the recent Closer Economic Relations (CER) Ministerial Meeting in South Australia, Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell and New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay discussed new ways to reduce barriers and strengthen supply chains between our two countries.

A Renewed Focus on Trade Resilience

With global uncertainty continuing to affect supply routes, both governments are working together to protect the Trans-Tasman supply chain. The Ministers agreed to:

• Enhance supply-chain resilience, ensuring freight and cargo can keep moving even during global disruptions.

• Align product standards and regulations between Australia and New Zealand to make cross-border trade simpler and faster.

• Maintain open and fair access for businesses bidding on government procurement contracts in both countries.

• Improve the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA) so goods and services approved in one country are recognised more easily in the other.

Building a Stronger Future for Exporters and Importers

The meeting also highlighted commitments to:

• Pursue ambitious reform at the WTO for fairer, more transparent global trade.

• Promote digital trade and e-commerce, opening more opportunities for small and medium-sized exporters.

• Support innovations in logistics and continue investment in low-emission transport and technology to help both nations reach net-zero targets.

• Strengthen cooperation through the CPTPP, RCEP, and AANZFTA trade frameworks, giving local exporters and importers access to more Asia-Pacific markets.

Why It Matters for the Logistics Industry

For freight forwarders, exporters, importers, and logistics providers, this collaboration means:

• Less red tape and faster processing when moving goods between Australia and New Zealand.

• More predictable trade rules that support long-term planning and investment.

• Reliable continued market access and more security in the opportunity to form cross-border collaborations.

As both nations reaffirm their vision for a resilient, integrated Trans-Tasman economy, the logistics sector stands to benefit from smoother processes, clear standards, and a renewed focus on growth and innovation.

Read the Joint Statement on the Trade Minister for Australia’s Government website:

https://www.trademinister.gov.au/minister/don-farrell/statements/joint-statement-australia-new-zealand-closer-economic-relations-ministerial-meeting-october-2025

The post Trans-Tasman Reaffirmed Shared Trade Commitment appeared first on Method Global Logistics.

Key Points of the Arrangement

• The MRA recognises each other’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes. Exporters certified under globally accredited security standards will benefit from simplified customs procedures.
• It builds on the existing Free Trade Agreement with Malaysia (which already removes tariffs on 99.5% of NZ exports to Malaysia).
• In 2024, two-way trade in goods between NZ and Malaysia was NZ$3.96 billion. Major NZ exports to Malaysia include dairy, sheep and beef.
• The benefits expected are faster customs clearance, reduced red tape and costs, and more reliable transit of goods.

Why This Is Big News for NZ Businesses

• Speed to market: With streamlined customs for AEO exporters, goods can cross borders more quickly, resulting in less delay at customs means fresher perishables, faster delivery, less cost tied up in transit.
• Cost savings: Fewer procedural hurdles, lower administrative costs, and potentially lower fees and duties will help profitability.
• Certainty and compliance: If you already meet AEO standards (or are able to), this gives you an advantage. Being recognised on both sides means fewer surprises with regulatory or security requirements.
• Expanded opportunity: Malaysia is a large import market, especially for food products. This strengthens trade links in the Indo-Pacific region and gives NZ exporters more stable access.

How to Take Advantage

1. Find out if you qualify for or can become certified under the Authorised Economic Operator programme
2. Review your supply chain for any bottlenecks caused by customs delays or paperwork, and see if this arrangement can help reduce them.
3. Talk with us to implement the new procedures under the MRA.
4. Use this opportunity to expand your export markets: Malaysia may now be more attractive as a destination with improved trade logistics.

For more detailed information, see the media release from the New Zealand Customs Service:
New Customs Arrangement to Boost Business with Key Export Market

Talk to Method Global about expanding your export markets

If you’re exporting (or planning to), this is an ideal time to explore Malaysia and other growing markets. We can help you understand the new rules, optimise your customs compliance, and set up streamlined export paths. Reach out to us to see how your business can benefit under this new arrangement.

The post New Customs Arrangement with Malaysia: What It Means for NZ Exporters appeared first on Method Global Logistics.

What’s Changing?

Until now, goods valued under US$800 could enter the US duty-free. That exemption is ending. From 29 August 2025, all shipments will be assessed for duties and taxes under US trade rules.

• Duties will vary depending on the country where your goods were manufactured.
• Every shipment, regardless of value, will now attract customs charges.
• Duties and Taxes will be collected by the shipping company rather than managed by US customs on arrival.
• The rules fall under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which sets tariffs based on product type and country of origin.
• Click here to read the excutive order

What Data You’ll Need

To avoid delays and penalties, US Customs will require much more detailed data on every shipment. This includes:

• Country of origin
  Where the goods were manufactured (not necessarily the country you’re shipping from).
• HS Tariff code
  The full 10-digit harmonised tariff code for every item.
• Detailed, accurate, generic product descriptions
  Branded product names no longer will suffice.

Contact us if you are unsure how to describe your goods.

Differences between Courier & Postal Services Regarding When Duties Are Paid

One common client question is: “Who will now manage duties and taxes, the sender or the receiver?”

• For courier services like FedEx, DHL, air or sea freight, this is determined by the shipper prior to shipment with the shipper sorting the totals for express courier services like FedEx and DHL, and the receiver sorting the totals for sea freight.
• For mail/postal services, typically, the receiver pays to their country’s customs collectors on arrival to release the shipment.

This makes courier solutions simpler for many businesses as packages are less likely to be stopped by customs enroute. Method Global is primarily focused on these pathways during this period of transition for smaller shipments.

NZ Post during this transition

Our conversations with NZ Post confirm there’s still some uncertainty around how they’ll handle these rapid, yet major, changes:

• They have been provided limited information from US authorities, and the situation is rapidly evolving.
• They’re working on a new service where duties and taxes could be paid upfront in New Zealand and passed on to the US. This would make the new process smoother, but it’s not yet available as this order was made by the US without providing notice to create such systems.
• When it does launch, businesses will need to be meticulous with their HS codes and product declarations. Any mistakes could cause delays at the border.

NZ Post is working on it despite the short notice from the US, but a new system isn’t ready yet.

What This Means for You

These changes will take some adjustment. But the good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone.

• If you’re sending freight to the US, check your invoicing systems, HS codes, and item descriptions.
• Think carefully about whether postal or express solutions are right for you at this time.
• Talk to us so we can get you on the right pathway, and avoid costly surprises.

Contact Us

Change is the only constant in global freight, and this is just the latest example. At Method Global, we have solutions in place to keep your business moving.

Contact Method Global today to get your freight and 3PL needs sorted, and ship with confidence.

The post Duties & taxes to be added to all U.S. imports, prior to shipment appeared first on Method Global Logistics.

This is part of a wider change affecting almost every country in the world, and it applies whether you’re sending finished products, parts, raw materials, or components to the US.

Read the full Executive Order and factsheet here

What you need to know

• 10% tariff now applies to most goods entering the US.
• This is in addition to existing tariffs – not a replacement.
• Steel and aluminium still have a 25% tariff (this hasn’t changed).
• Services are not affected – this is just about goods/products for now.

Will low-value items also attract US tariffs?

Not now, but soon. The de minimis rule, which lets small-value goods enter the US without duty, is still in place for now for our goods, but this will change once the US has had a chance to update their systems to allow faster customs fee collections. They haven’t provided a date for when this implementation will be completed, but they have indicated that it will be as soon as possible.

If you’re an eCommerce business, now’s the time to prepare for changes ahead.

Unsure what this means for your exports?

Contact us to help you understand how best to prepare your shipments and manage importer’s expectations around the US Tarriffs.

Resources collated by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise may also help understand how this may impact your business.

• Considerations for US Transfer pricing strategies
• Harmonised System Tariff Codes
• Tariff Finder Tool at MFAT
• Understanding foreign-trade zones in the United States

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